Foundation Cigar Co. Charter Oak (Broadleaf / Connecticut / Habano)

Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale

Stogie Press · Jun 7, 2024

In 2023, Foundation Cigars released a pair of cigars that they declared ‘embody the commitment to excellence and artistry that define Foundation Cigar Company’. The cigars are known as the “Charter Oak Pegnataro and Pasquale”. The names are a homage to the unwavering spirit and timeless wisdom passed down by his grandfathers. Nicholas Melillo, Founder Read more about Cigar Review: Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale – Rated 96[…]

5.50″ × 48

Charter Oak Habano Torpedo

Halfwheel · Nov 13, 2020 · Sept. 30, 2020

Before smoking the Charter Oak Habano Torpedo, I could tell you two things: I hadn't been a big fan of either the Charter Oak line or the torpedo vitola. After smoking the Charter Oak Habano Torpedo, I can tell you one thing: I stand corrected on both of those things. After smoking the first of the three samples, I was stunned by both the flavor of the cigar as well as its construction. The latter is easy to sum up: it's flaw-free and about as perfect as I have experienced from any vitola, let alone a torpedo. As for the flavor, it is incredibly well balanced, complex for the majority of its smoking time, and other than a few puffs in the final third never causes issue on the palate or in the nose via retrohales. This isn't as bold of a cigar as many other habano cigars on the market, but that is far from a complaint; rather, it is a compliment to the sum of all the components. This is not only a cigar I recommend trying, it is one I would suggest picking up in multiples to experience everything that it has to offer.

Torpedo · 6.00″ × 52 · Nicaragua

Charter Oak CT Shade Rothschild

Cigar Aficionado · Dec 1, 2018

Rich woods and complex herbs set the tone for this attractive robusto. Each puff leaves impressions of oaky vanilla, spearmint and caraway seeds along with floral notes and a cashew nuttiness.

Robusto · 4.50″ × 50 · Mild-Medium · Nicaragua

Foundation Charter Oak Habano Lonsdale

Blind Man's Puff · Jan 25, 2021 · November 2020

Foundation Cigar Company added a new Habano version of it’s Charter Oak line last September. Previously, the Charter Oak was available in two blends, Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf, now we have Charter Oak Habano. The line is relatively inexpensive, but has always been regarded as a great budget cgar. This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience. The bands and packing look really close to the original using the same historic 600-year-old oak related to Connecticut’s legacy of independence and industry. The box color is different for the Habano blend having a warm, honey colored box and black corner label. The Habano is available in the same five sizes and 20 count boxes as the original lines, but will also a Torpedo vitola. The original sizes are: Petite Corona – 5 ¼ x 42, Rothschild – 4 ½ x 50, Lonsdale – 6 ¼ x 46, Toro – 6 x 52, and Grande – 6 x 60. The new Torpedo measures 6 x 52. The new torpedo size will come in boxes of 50, not 20. The blend is described as medium-bodied.

Lonsdale · 6.25″ × 46 · Medium-Strong · Nicaragua

Charter Oak Connecticut Lonsdale

The Cigar Authority · Jun 29, 2017

Cigar Reviews, News and Legislation

Charter Oak Pegnaturo by Foundation Cigar Company

Cigar Coop · Jan 28, 2025

Today we review the Charter Oak Pegnaturo from Foundation Cigar Company. This is a cigar in Foundation’s Charter Oak Especiales series. Key flavors: Earth, Berry, Cream, Chestnut, Baker’s Spice, Pepper.

5.50″ × 48 · Medium

Charter Oak Broadleaf

Cigar Dojo · Sep 19, 2016

While smoking the Charter Oak, I hoped for more complexity. Granted, the flavors that were experienced were very enjoyable. One thing I tried to keep in mind is the price point. For a cigar that has an MSRP $5, it is definitely a solid contender in its weight class. However, next time around I may opt for a larger size in hopes of an additional transition or two. Then again, this isn't the brand's premium Broadleaf cigar (that title belongs to The Tabernacle )—short, sweet, and straightforward may just be what the Dr. ordered for a quick burst of flavor to finish the night.

Nicaragua

Charter Oak Connecticut

Holt's Staff Reviews · Feb 23, 2024

I’ve reviewed over half a dozen cigars from the Foundation brand, and today I’m adding the Charter Oak Connecticut to the list as I smoke a 4.5-by-50 Rothschild in this mild and affordable small-batch blend. Foundation brand owner Nick Melillo has steadily established a collection of premiums since he launched his company in 2015. His cigars enjoy a loyal audience and have earned some solid ratings from the critics over the years. Charter Oak is considered a value brand in his portfolio, and it comes in two blends, a Broadleaf Maduro and the Connecticut I’m lighting up now.

Foundation Cigars "Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Maduro" Review: Earth, Spice, & Tannin Time

Klaro Cigars · Sep 1, 2022

If you smoke the Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Maduro, pair it with a pint or two of brown ale. That will surely encourage all of those earthy undertones and oaky tannins to become more pronounced, which is what Foundation Cigar Co. intended to capture with this blend.

Medium · Nicaragua

Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Rothchild

Developing Palates · Mar 13, 2017 · July 2016

A $5 Connecticut broadleaf providing rich dankness, gritty earth and milk chocolate?! I just found my every day broadleaf cigar (if there is such a thing). This is an easy box purchase. Nick created a budget home run with this blend. Very impressive!

Rothschild · 4.50″ × 50 · Nicaragua

Charter Oak

CigarCzars · Mar 15, 2021

Charter Oak cigars were introduced by the Foundation Cigar Company back in 2016. This cigar is made with a Connecticut Shade wrapper, Sumatra binder, and a blend of filler tobaccos from Nicaragua. These cigars are available is several sizes including the Toro (6 x 52), which is the subject of this review. Charter Oak cigars are also available in Maduro and Habano versions (not reviewed here). The cigars were available in 5-packs selling for $28, during March 2021. Charter Oak cigars have a closed foot, where excess wrapper leaf is folded over the foot of the cigar instead of being cut away. For more info, visitfoundationcigarcompany.com. The Charter Oak Connecticut Shade Toro cigar began with a slight woodsy and nutty flavor, and was smooth and creamy. The cigar is medium bodied, and is a very appropriate choice for new cigar smokers. Charter Oak Connecticut Shade cigars are not very complex, and the flavors were pretty consistent from start to finish. Not at all overpowering, and the flavors were pretty mild and unassuming, to say the most. Although there was a small crack in the wrapper near the head of one of the samples, it did not affect the draw and I can still say that Charter Oak cigars are very well made. All samples tested had a good draw, even burn, and held a long ash. No relights nor touch-ups were needed during the 60-65 minutes that it took me to smoke them down to two inches remaining. I rate Charter Oak Connecticut Shade Toro cigars with a good 3.75 points on a five-point scale. Priced at around $6 or less per stick (depending on quantity and size purchased), they are a good value compared to the typical $10 price tag attached to many brand name cigars these days. However, even better values can still be found, so stay tuned!

Toro · 6.00″ × 52