Aksum

Drawing inspiration from the storied Aksumite Kingdom empire, the Aksum line is a testament to heritage, craftsmanship, and tradition. Carefully blended to deliver a refined smoking experience, it embodies Foundation Cigars' commitment to exceptional quality and respect for the timeless legacy of Aksum. The Foundation Aksum has received a 93-point rating and was ranked the #12 Cigar of the Year in 2024, with the review noting: "Aksum is a sweet-and-spicy smoke with solid underpinnings of coffee bean and earth." Unlike anything we've seen from Foundation previously, Aksum sports an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper that highlights the tobaccos tucked underneath. The Connecticut Broadleaf binder along with long-fillers from Estelí and Jalapa, Nicaragua, round out this medium-full bodied sonnet with ample notes of sweetness and wood. The decision to rebrand reflects a deeper connection to the brand's inspiration—the Ark of the Covenant—and its symbolic journey.

Background

The Aksumite Kingdom, an ancient civilization in present-day Ethiopia, stood as a beacon of power, culture, and tradition. According to Ethiopian legend, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, brought the Ark of the Covenant to Aksum, where it has remained ever since. To this day, a single guardian devotes his life to watching over the sacred relic, protecting it day and night. The Metapa line debuted in October 2023 and was named for the hometown of famed Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío, although that town has since been renamed to Ciudad Darío. It featured an image of Darīo on its band, with Nicholas Melillo, founder of Foundation Cigar Co., calling the cigar "A tribute to the poetic soul of Nicaragua." The packaging gets an update as well, as the image on the box and band of Aksum is that of Haile Selassie's father, Ras Makonnen, who lived from 1852-1906. According to a press release from Foundation Cigar Co., Makonnen was once governor of a more modern-day Aksum.

History

The Metapa line debuted in October 2023 and was named for the hometown of famed Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío, although that town has since been renamed to Ciudad Darío. Please note: The Aksum was previously known as the Metapa, so do not be alarmed if you order the Aksum and receive cigars labeled Metapa. Rest assured, they are the same cigar. The Aksum line will begin shipping to retailers later this week, and will also be featured at the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show in late March. Great news! The Foundation Aksum has received a 93-point rating and was ranked the #12 Cigar of the Year in 2024.

Reputation

The Foundation Aksum has received a 93-point rating and was ranked the #12 Cigar of the Year in 2024, with the review noting: "Aksum is a sweet-and-spicy smoke with solid underpinnings of coffee bean and earth." Cigar Aficionado awarded Foundation Aksum Claro cigars multiple 90+ point ratings. The cigar is expertly crafted at Tabacalera Fernandez in Nicaragua, guaranteeing top-tier construction and blending. Yes, Aksum Maduro is released in limited quantities, making it a sought-after item for collectors and aficionados. Foundation Cigars has made quite a name for themselves with mastermind Nick Melillo leading the way. We're talking about blends that have received impressive ratings such as The Wise Man Maduro with a 95-rating, Charter Oak with a 93-rating, and El Gueguense that had gotten Top 25 Cigars of the Year honors in 2016. So, it's safe to say Nick knows what he's doing.