Purchased 5 pack from Cigars Daily. 4/5/25 I rated this cigar at 95. Would pair well with a stout ��. Reminds me of a Melanio Maduro. Cigars Aficionado rating of 93. Tasting Notes: With a lush draw and even burn, this dark, toothy toro shows a rich, earthy smoke wrapped around a prominent, nutty core of walnut. There are also elements of leather, caramel and a wisp of black pepper before a finish that hints of black licorice. Nick Mellilo’s newest blend brings the roots of historic Mexico to life with the Foundation Olmec. Named after the ancient Olmec civilization that once inhabited the very grounds where this Mexican San Andres wrapper is grown, Nick was inspired to craft this rich blend after a trip in Mexico to purchase tobacco. The Olmecs lived in the region that is now Mexico before the Aztecs and the Mayans, and they are considered to be one of the most influential societies of the early Americas. The Olmecs were one of the earliest known civilizations to consume and cultivate tobacco, and this blend is a tribute to them. Lighting up the Foundation Olmec presents bold complex notes of dark espresso, cacoa and spice. Everything Foundation has released have been a smash hit in the cigar industry, and the Olmec is sure to be the next one. Length In Inches 6 Ring Gauge 52 Shape Toro Wrapper Mexican San Andres Negra Binder Nicaragua Filler Nicaragua Country of Origin Nicaragua Cigar Brand Foundation Olmec FIRST THIRD Opened with chocolate, coffee, earth, and black pepper. Early on, the chocolate and coffee notes moved to the forefront, with the pepper and earth settling in the background. There was an underlying creaminess to the chocolate notes. Both the coffee and chocolate alternated in intensity as to which was the dominant note. The retro-hale is mocha andblack pepper. Flavor is medium-full and complex. Body and smoke are also medium-full with creamy texture. Construction is flawless. Thick chunky ash. Draw is outstanding. Great start. SECOND THIRD At the start of the second third, the coffee and chocolate notes remained in the forefront, with the pepper and earth in the background. During this stage, the chocolate notes gradually shed their creaminess and becomes mocha. There also was a slight increase in the pepper notes on the retrohale. Just past the midway point, the earth notes began to increase in intensity. Flavors medium plus. Strength Medium-Full. Body and smoke remain full with creamy texture. Construction flawless. Excellent smoking experience with this cigar. Exactly what you want with a premium cigar! FINAL THIRD In the final third, the earth notes joined the coffee in the forefront. The black pepper notes increased but primarily in the retrohale. The chocolate notes were also present in the background but became more distant. Flavors backed down to medium. Strength is medium-plus. Body and smoke remains full with creamy texture. 1 relight at start of third. Smoke pours out of this cigar. Remains me of a Melanio Maduro, which is one of my favorites. Definitely box worthy!
