Created by founder and master blender Nicholas Melillo, these cigars are a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit and timeless wisdom passed down by his grandfathers. This cigar also pays homage to Pegnataro, one of founder Nick Melillo's grandfathers, who had a deep appreciation for Connecticut Shade tobacco and instilled in Melillo a passion for tobacco and cigars. Expertly crafted by Nicholas Melillo, the esteemed Founder and Master Blender at Foundation Cigar Company, these cigars are steeped in legacy and shaped by tradition. Inspired by his grandfathers and their distinct taste preferences, Melillo has created a cigar blend that is as unique as it is exquisite. "These blends are completely different from the core line of Charter Oak. They are richer and more complex," he states. This commitment to uniqueness and depth serves as the hallmark of the Charter Oak Especiales Pegnataro cigars. The Foundation Charter Oak Pegnataro was crafted to celebrate the opening of Foundation Cigar's new office in 2023, located in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley, where the prized Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf tobaccos are grown. 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. Both cigars are made at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A. using Nicaraguan tobacco for the internals. The newest member of the top rated Charter Oak brand, these 5.5 x 48 parejo's are meticulously handcrafted at the famed Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua using aged Nicaraguan long fillers, a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder, and a beautiful, silky smooth, Connecticut Shade wrapper. A flavorful, medium-bodied cigar, the Pegnataro offers tasting notes of cedar, almond, and leather. Initial flavors are sweet bread, almonds, cream, and a nice dose of white pepper on the retro. Body is medium to medium+. Mild to medium in body, expect creamy notes of earth, leather, and spice with a smooth, balanced finish. A perfect morning cigar, pair this one with a nice cup of coffee.