Foundation Cigar Company El Gueguense Robusto (5 1/2 x 50)

The name is pronounced way-when-say. The blend is 100% Aganorsa grown Nicaraguan tobacco.

This cigar comes from Nicholas Melillo, the former chief blender of Drew Estate responsible for Liga Privada, Nica Rustica, Undercrown, and manymore. For his debut brand and blend he turned to the folks at Casa Fernandez and their factory, TABSA in Esteli with its vast supply of Aganorsa tobaccos. This cigar is a tribute to Nicaragua and is personified by the branding of the El Gueguense which is a folk dance originating in the country during the Conquistador era.

Wrapper: Corojo '99 Jalapa
binder: Corojo "99 Jalapa
Filler: Corojo '99 and Criollo '98 from Jalapa and Esteli

Available sizes:
Corona Gorda 5 5/8 x 46
Robusto 5 1/2 x 50 (REVIEWED TODAY)
Churchill 7 x 48
Torpedo 6 1/4 x 52
Toro Huaco 6 x 56

Available in boxes of 25.
MSRP: $9 - $13 each


The cigar is well made and a medium to dark brown in color. Here is a shot of the foot.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors were sweet cedar and licorice. A little odd for a Nicaraguan cigar but nice flavors nonetheless. There were light coffee notes at the base and white pepper rated at a 7 1/2.


About 3/4 to an inch in the flavors changed somewhat. The licorice flavors morphed into a brown sugar to combine with a very sweet cedar. There were roasted nuts and a vegetable-type flavor; very odd flavor. There continued to be light coffee notes at the base. The finish was one of roasted nuts and sweet cream with some lingering pepper. The cigar is medium bodied.





At the midpoint the flavors are intensifying. The sweet cedar, roasted nuts, brown sugar, coffee, and yes, the vegetable-type flavors have all increased and are somewhat even in strength. The cigar is very sweet so the vegetable flavors do not take away from the enjoyment but they are quite different. I wonder if they are a product of the Aganorsa tobacco.





The cigar did not change to the end. The intense sweetness reminds me of a cake icing. It is that sweet. But, the vegetable flavors are quite odd and to me they do not enhance the flavors. I was not a huge fan of that flavor. The cigar is very good, however, and well worthy of anyone trying it. Once you do let me know what you thought of that vegetable type flavor that I described.

Score: 92