Aksum Claro Robusto Cigars | Selected by Cigar Aficionado 2024 #12 Cigar of the Year – Rated 93
Foundation Cigars may not be the most talked-about name in the industry, but over the years, the brand has more than proven itself to be connoisseur-worthy—and then some. Aksum Claro Robusto is a rebranded blend that was previously offered by Foundation as Metapa Claro, and to this day, it remains one of the company’s most sought-after cigars.
Crafted in Nicaragua by none other than AJ Fernandez, Aksum Claro pays homage to the Aksumite Kingdom, an ancient civilization near modern-day Ethiopia. According to legend, the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Aksum by Menelik I, the supposed son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Local lore claims the Ark remains there to this day, guarded around the clock by a single priest. Representing a masterful blend of rich flavors and artisanal expertise, Aksum Claro is a fitting tribute to this legendary history.
As for the blend, the filler is Nicaraguan, the binder is Connecticut Broadleaf, and the wrapper is a stunning Sumatra Claro leaf grown in the volcanic soil of Ecuador. While Nicholas Melillo’s blend may seem straightforward on paper, something magical happens when you light it up—and Cigar Aficionado agrees. The publication awarded Aksum Claro multiple 90+ ratings, with a peak score of 93. That same year, it secured a spot in the magazine’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year, landing an impressive #12 ranking for 2024.
Each expertly rolled vitola comes in a refined cedar chest topped with a black and gold lid, featuring a blue and red band adorned with a portrait of Ras Makonnen, a 19th-century governor of the Aksumite Kingdom. The construction is flawless, ensuring a consistently easy and productive draw. Upon lighting, spicy Nicaraguan pepper bursts onto the palate, followed by bold waves of espresso and nuts. Woody nuances frame the outer edges of the flavor profile, while an earthy, raw tobacco core binds everything together in perfect harmony. The finish is lively and spicy, with white pepper lingering on the tongue.
The 5” x 50 robusto is a prime showcase of this complex and well-balanced medium-full-bodied blend, offering an ideal introduction to the Aksum Claro experience.
Not for newbies, Aksum Claro is geared towards the experienced. A well-developed palate and no shortage of patience are required to be able to fully enjoy all the good things this stick has to offer. Paired with bourbon or dark rum, Aksum Claro makes a fine treat at the end of a busy work week, but it is equally enjoyable with a cup of your favorite coffee or espresso after dinner. Cigars such as New World Dorado or San Lotano come to mind when thinking about similar stature, so if you have enjoyed either AJ Fernandez specialty, odds are you’re going to like this one. This cigar may pay homage to a story about the most sacred treasure of all time, but if we are being honest, Aksum Claro Robusto is a treasure in and of itself.
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