Video review HERE.
(Description taken from Cigar-coop.com website)
At the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Foundation Cigar Company launched Metapa. This is a two-blend line that pays homage to renowned Nicaragua poet Rubén Darío. This is the first widespread release by Foundation to feature a Sumatra wrapper.
Metapa is the birthplace in Nicaragua of Darío. Today Metapa is known as Ciudad Dario. The name “Metapa” is derived from the Nahuatl word “metl,” which means “place of magueys (a type of agave plant).” The maguey plant has significant cultural and religious symbolism in Central American mythology and art. This was used often in Dario’s poems.
“Metapa is a tribute to the poetic soul of Nicaragua,” said Nicholas Melillo, founder, and Master Blender of Foundation Cigar Company. “The image of Rubén Darío is iconic; he is considered one of the greatest poets in the Spanish language. I have always wanted to make a brand in his honor, and I have always wanted to introduce a blend around Sumatra Ecuador wrapper. Metapa is the result.”
Like 2022’s Olmec release, Metapa is being released in a Claro and Maduro Ecuadorian Sumatra. The remainder of the blend features a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and fillers from Nicaragua. The cigar is available in the same four sizes for both the Claro and Maduro blends: Corona Gorda (SRP $14.50/cigar), Robusto (SRP $15.50/cigar), Toro (SRP $16.50/cigar), and Double Corona (SRP $18.00). AJ Fernandez is handling production.
This blend is unique and unlike anything I have ever created,” says Melillo. “The CT Broadleaf binder adds a bit of sweetness, Nicaragua filler the body and strength, and the wrapper is the icing on the cake.”
Blend and Origin
Wrapper: Maduro Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa)
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: AJ Fernandez (specific factory not disclosed)
Vitolas Offered
Corona Gorda: 5 1/2 x 48
Robusto: 5 x 50 REVIEWED TODAY
Toro: 6 x 52
Double Corona: 7 x 54
The cigar is dark and well made. It has an average feel in the hand.
The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were peach, brown sugar, nougat, cinnamon, and leather. There was red and black pepper rated at 8. The red pepper is interesting and nice. Very good start.
At the first third (22 minutes) I had the same notes with the addition of black coffee. The leather has been replaced by the black coffee for the most part. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The pepper is still very good. I still get both red and black. The finish is a nougat flavor with red and black pepper, which are very good. The cigar is tasty and not as dark noted at this point as you might think. I rated the first third 95.
As I moved through the second third (50 minutes) the black coffee has risen. The pepper is up to 8 1/2 and it's primarily black at this point. I still had the peach, brown sugar, cinnamon and nougat with increased black coffee and a touch of chocolate notes. The cigar is full bodied. The finish had black coffee with nougat and very good lingering black pepper. With the elevated black coffee and black pepper the sweet notes have to fight to be seen. I rated the second third 94.
The cigar lasted 1 hour 9 minutes. Nothing really changed in the final third; same notes, strength, and finish. I held 94 for the final third. Full bodied. This cigar is very good. I'm not sure it's as good as the Olmec maduro but it's close. Get these before they're gone.
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