Foundation Olmec

With over 20 years of experience in the cigar industry under his belt, Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigar Company prides himself on learning everything he can about tobacco, traveling the world and gaining as much knowledge as possible. Melillo has been responsible for producing some of the most coveted boutique cigars in the market and continues striving to deliver the utmost in quality and consistent blends in the industry. With his deep love and appreciation for history and ancient culture, Nick Melillo finds himself homing in on a place where virtually all Mexican tobacco is grown, the San Andrés region. A tribute blend, defining the line is a San Andres leaf native to the lands of the former Olmec tribes in Southern Mexico. What is Olmec? A mysterious and advanced people predating the Mayans, Taino, and the Aztecs, the Olmecs were the oldest people that inhabited the land (present day Mexico) as early as 1600 BC. One of the most influential ancient societies of the early Americas, the Olmecs are considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica. Anthropology has taught us that they were the first to construct mathematically accurate pyramids, calendars, and are thought to be the first civilization to cultivate and consume tobacco. This is the inspiration for Foundation Cigar Company's Olmec cigar series, highlighting some of the finest San Andrès Negro leaf available to showcase two variations of the Olmec blend: Olmec Claro and Olmec Maduro. From Foundation Cigars: “The Heart Land of the Olmecs is the tropical lowlands of modern-day Mexican states of Veracruz, Tabasco, and San Andrés Tuxtla. Today, this is the same region that grows some of the finest San Andrès Negro wrapper tobacco. This seed variety is considered one of the oldest seed varieties in the world. Olmec cigars contain the finest Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from the Esteli and Jalapa valleys. After fermentation, these filler tobaccos are bale aged for three years before arriving on the production floor.” Such a special and flavorful blend, for the Olmec by Foundation Cigar Co., Nick sought out to feature specially selected Nicaraguan fillers from the prized growing regions of Esteli and Jalapa. Before being used in production they undergo a 3-year aging process. These fine fillers tobaccos are then bound in a Nicaraguan binder and wrapped in either a Tuxtla grown Mexican San Andres Negro leaf or a Mexican San Andres Claro leaf. These leaves are fermented slowly at low temperatures, preserving the natural oils enhancing its inherently rich flavor profile. The final touch is a box-press. Slightly more powerful than the Claro version is the San Andres Negro leaf offering a variety of tasting notes similar to its counterpart like cacao, espresso, and spice with a darker and bolder approach culminating in a full-bodied smoke. The lighter wrapped cigar, Olmec Claro is described as a medium plus intensity, leaving an impression on the palate with a potent profile of cedar, cabinet spices, buttery coffee bean, and semi-sweet toffee. Handmade in Nicaragua at AJ Fernandez’s Tabacalera factory, both iterations are offered in the same five formats: Olmec Claro/Maduro Corona Gorda (5.5x48), Olmec Claro/Maduro Robusto (5x50), Olmec Claro/Maduro Toro, Olmec Claro/Maduro Grande (6x60) and Olmec Claro/Maduro Double Corona (7x52). Each size is packaged in quantities of 12, housed in traditional wooden boxes displaying Olmec artifact inspired artwork. The band around each stick also features the same artwork in a muted colorway accented with black and a gleaming gold trim. A box worthy cigar inspired by the first ever cigar smokers, line your shelves with a premium offering steeped in rich tobacco history. Shop Santa Clara, your trusted cigar wholesaler online. Not only will you be granted access to a library of premium cigars and high-quality accessories, but you as a store owner will also experience the same exceptional customer service bestowed onto your cl