Charter Oak

Charter Oak is a distinguished premium cigar brand created by Foundation Cigar Company that pays homage to Connecticut's rich tobacco heritage and American history. Named after the legendary Charter Oak tree that stood in Hartford, Connecticut from the 12th century until the 1850s, this brand represents a deeply personal tribute to founder Nicholas Melillo's Connecticut roots and his grandfather's love for Connecticut tobacco. The line offers exceptional value in the premium cigar market, featuring both Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper options that deliver creamy, complex smoking experiences with remarkable consistency and construction quality.

Background

Brand founder Nick Melillo named Charter Oak for a historic tree, which stood from the 12th century until the 1850s, where Native Americans would gather in what today is Hartford, Connecticut. Charter Oak also pays tribute to Melillo's grandfather, a WWII vet who enjoyed Connecticut tobaccos with Charter Oak, specifically after WWII, worked for Winchester Repeating Arms in New Haven, and smoked locally-grown and manufactured broadleaf tobacco cigars, exclusively. Foundation's Charter Oak features tobaccos grown in the Connecticut River Valley of founder Nick Melillo's home state. The brand represents both a homecoming to Melillo's Connecticut heritage and a celebration of the indigenous tobacco cultivation traditions that began centuries ago beneath the massive branches of the historic Charter Oak tree.

History

In 2015, he founded Foundation Cigar Company with a mission to blend old-world traditions with modern craftsmanship, with Foundation Cigar Company in June 2015, headquartered in his home state of Connecticut. They also mark a milestone—the opening of Foundation's new office on a 300-acre farm in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley, one of the world's most renowned tobacco-growing regions. The Charter Oak line emerged as part of Melillo's broader portfolio strategy to offer cigars across different market segments while maintaining his commitment to storytelling and authentic cultural connections. Charter Oaks has already earned an impressive 93 point rating from Cigar Aficionado for one of its blends. An amazing feat for such a new brand.

Reputation

Charter Oak Connecticut has received an impressive 93-point rating, noting: "Rich woods and complex herbs set the tone for this attractive robusto. Charter Oak Connecticut Broadleaf was awarded the best the number one best value cigar by Cigar Aficionado. Another unprecedented victory for such a new brand. The brand has earned widespread acclaim among both novice and experienced cigar enthusiasts for delivering premium quality at accessible price points, with consistent construction and flavor profiles that punch well above their price range. Charter Oak has established itself as a go-to choice for everyday premium smoking, representing exceptional craftsmanship and value in the competitive Connecticut tobacco market.