Today I bring you the Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars. This Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro masterpiece has been on my to do list for quite some time and I am excited to enjoy this fine Cigar. If you are familiar with Foundation Cigars, then you probably already know that each Cigar name has a story behind it, and this one is something special. You see, the Tabernacle is said to be the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. It is a wooden chest that contains the Ten Commandments that are etched upon two stone tablets. The band on this Cigar is a beautiful ornate band featuring the rich colors of Gray, Gold, Black and Red. The center of the band portrays an image of Haile Selessie who was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. He is said to be a descendant of King Solomon. Ethiopia is one of the places that claims to house The Ark Of The Covenant.
This Cigar is produced in the following Vitolas:
Corona 5.2 x 46 24 Box – $235.99 Single – $9.83
Robusto 5 x 50 24 Box – $271.99 Single – $11.33
Torpedo 4.5 x 52 24 Box – $271.99 Single – $11.33
Toro 6 x 52 24 Box – $291.99 Single – $12.16
Double Corona 7 x 54 24 Box – $302.99 Single – $12.62
Lancero 7 x 40 24 Box – $313.99 Single – $13.08
I am smoking the 6 x 52 Toro which is one of my favorite sizes. If you have followed me at all over this last year, then you know that I have fallen in love with the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. When I pick up this Cigar, something about it feels special in my hand.The beautiful dark chocolate wrapper with its slight oily sheen glimmers in the afternoon sunlight on this beautiful afternoon in the North Georgia Mountains.
The initial aromas of the wrapper and foot fill my senses of cedar, leather, black pepper and cocoa as I alternante from nostril to nostril. I already know this smoke is going to be something special in the world of Connecticut Broadleaf. I remove the cap in my usual fashion using my perfect cut, Cigar cutter.
Cold Draw
No draw issues as I taste a nice mocha and black pepper.
1st Third
The Cigar is carefully toasted with the care and respect that is commanded by a premium cigar of this magnitude. I am delighted with the initial puffs as my palate is filled with a dark espresso, rich leather, black pepper and crisp Oak wood flavor on the back end. This is a rich, robust smoke that fills my mouth with a chewyness that I love in a Cigar. Through the first third, I have a sense of a medium strength as I give it a 5 on a 1 -10 scale on my flavor strength profile scale.
2nd Third
The second third has a nice transition with an intensity increase as the black pepper jumps up to a spicy red pepper. The espresso remains in concert with the wonderful rich leather note. The crisp Oak remains on the back end into a long finish. As a medium to medium plus lover, this Cigar is right in my wheelhouse.
Final Third
Yet another increase in intensity as the red pepper leads the way. This is by no means overpowering, but just a nice medium red pepper spice. This increase has pushed out the espresso, but the rich leather remains and hangs on for a nice balance as we dance on. The crisp Oak finish tops off the entire experience that I will not soon forget.
Final Thoughts
Excellent construction and flawless combustion. A truly wonderful Connecticut Broadleaf experience. Dominate ranges of pepper and leather balanced by crisp Oak notes throughout. On my flavor strength profile it lands at a 6.5 out of 10. A very respectful medium plus cigar. My overall rating is 92 out of a 100. This is definitely a box worthy consideration. If the price range is a little bit out of your budget, then I would highly recommend giving one a try for your next special celebration.
If you have enjoyed this review and would like to see the review of me smoking it, I invite you to head on over to YouTube @cigarkurt to see it and all my other reviews.
