Highclere Castle, recognized as the iconic face of the award-winning television drama Downton Abbey, is teaming up with Foundation Cigar Co. on a new cigar. Highclere Castle aims to create a cigar that’s reminiscent of the cigars enjoyed by those at Highclere Castle back in the 19th and early 20th century.
To accomplish this, Highclere Castle Cigar Co. teamed up with Foundation Cigar Co.’s Nicholas Melillo to help them make this idea a reality.
“Nick is arguably one of the most well-respected cigar blenders in the industry,” said Adam von Gootkin, CEO and co-founder of Highclere Cigar Co. “Partnering with him to craft this masterpiece cigar speaks to his obsession with quality while embracing the rich history of enjoying cigars at Highclere Castle. His access to rare tobaccos and high-quality, by hand, production capabilities has led to what will certainly be a very special, well-respected cigar.”
George Carnarvon, the current 8th Earl Carnarvon and owner of Highclere Castle, added: “Having had the opportunity to visit Nicaragua and tour the tobacco fields and factories where our cigars are made, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the passion and skill that goes into making a super-premium cigar. The cigar itself is an excellent representation of that, and I think my ancestors would be proud it bears the Highclere badge.”
For Highclere Castle, cigars are a part of its rich history. Dating back as early as 1862, accounts reveal how it was a tradition at Highclere Castle to entire to the library after dinner for a cigar and whiskey. Recently, a Highclere Castle archivist discovered letters and personal account records of the Carnarvon’s cigar purchases in the early 1900s from dealers in London and from the Ritz Hotel.
Melillo wove some of this history into the creation of the Highclere Castle Cigar, which is hand rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua. The cigar features a Connecticut Shade wrapper and both Criollo and Corojo from the volcanic soils for Jalapa and the island of Ometepe. The binder is made from Mata Fina, a dark tobacco from Brazil. It will be available in five vitolas including a Churchill, Toro, Petit Corona, Robusto and Corona. The smoke is described as being exceptionally creamy and elegant, with notes of pepper, citrus, leather and fireplace.
The Highclere Castle Cigar will launch at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailer (IPCPR) trade show in Las Vegas this July. Only a limited amount of these cigars will be available at retailers in the US by September 1, 2017.
For all the latest news from Foundation Cigar Co., visit foundationcigarcompany.com.