The Tabernacle Toro Cigars
The Tabernacle Toro is a cigar crafted for aficionados, by an aficionado. The second line in the Foundation series, The Tabernacle draws inspiration from biblical themes, King Solomon, and the Ark of the Covenant. The Foundation brand is owned and operated by Nicholas Melillo, former Head of Production at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate. After over a decade in Nicaragua with Jonathan Drew and company, Melillo earned a reputation as a master blender of hearty Nicaraguan tobaccos, responsible for some of the most iconic cigars in history, including Liga Privada No. 9, UF-13, T52, and Nica Rustica. After leaving Drew Estate, he launched the Foundation brand, with his first release, El Gueguense, earning high praise and a spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list.
The Tabernacle Toro followed, in collaboration with industry star AJ Fernandez. Made in Nicaragua at the famed Tabacalera Fernandez, the cigar uses some of the world’s finest tobaccos, including selections from AJ’s personal farm, La Soledad. The blend features Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers, a Mexican San Andrés binder, and a dark, toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, creating a cigar that is as visually striking as it is flavorful. The Tabernacle blend has received multiple prestigious 90 ratings from Cigar Aficionado magazine, cementing its status as a top-tier Maduro cigar.
Rolled in classic AJ Fernandez fashion, The Tabernacle Toro is meticulously constructed to provide a smooth, effortless draw and dense, flavorful smoke. It opens with a blast of white pepper, quickly transitioning into a rich, classic Maduro profile. Chocolate, espresso, roasted nuts, and spice dance across the palate, while a subtle raw tobacco undertone holds the flavors together. A sweet finish and refined retrohale elevate the complexity, showcasing expert blending and tobacco mastery.
Designed for seasoned smokers, the toro size (6" x 52) delivers a perfect balance of flavor and smoking time, offering an experience that is both robust and nuanced. Sitting at the high end of medium-to-full, The Tabernacle pairs beautifully with coffee, port wine, or dark beer, making it ideal after a hearty meal. Similar cigars include Liga Privada No. 9 and Nica Rustica, both of which Melillo had a hand in creating.
The name “Tabernacle” reflects Melillo’s personal history—recalling sacred cigar-smoking moments with his grandfather in Connecticut. His humidor became his personal “tabernacle,” and this cigar pays tribute to that cherished tradition. With Foundation The Tabernacle Toro, Nicholas Melillo has once again proven his expertise, producing a luxurious, complex, and award-winning Maduro cigar destined to impress connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Thank you for visiting our online cigar shop! It is our mission to provide you with the best prices, discounts and deals for cigars, humidifiers, lighters, cutters, gifts and other cigar accessories. Shop and browse one of the largest collections of premium cigar brands and samplers. Cigar Place guarantees the freshness and quality of the cigars and products you buy from us 100%.
Loading...