Foundation El Gueguense Cigar Review

El Gueguense (“The Wise Man”) is the first release from Nicholas Mellilo of Foundation Cigar Co. Like The Tabernacle, it was reviewed very favorably by myself, the wider cigar blogosphere, and also Cigar Aficionado which gave it a Top 25 rating in 2016.

As you’ll see in the review below, this cigar deserves the praise that it gets.

Blend Specs

Wrapper: 1999 Corojo (Nicaragua)
Binder: Nicaragua (Criollo/Corojo)
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 5 5/8″ x 46

Appearance and Construction

Silky smooth, almost velvety wrapper. Chocolate brown criollo wrapper. Solid amount of weight in the hand. Slightly springy when squeezed. Off the foot I can smell some hay, spices, and woodiness.

Beautiful artwork on the band, but zero points for pronunciation of the name.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

Opens with strong notes of cedar, cinnamon, brown sugar, and touches of white pepper, baking spices, floral notes and salt. Very intriguing. Throughout the first third remains very smooth, with an enjoyable mix of sweet and savory notes. Smoke production is strong.

In the second third, black pepper notes begin to predominate, alongside lots of Oak. On top of the floral notes, this is one heck of a flavor profile. No touch ups on the burn required so far.

In the final third, the strength increases and I’m really feeling the nicotine of the smoke. The taste borders much more on the savory side. As the cigar comes to a close, the smoke is mostly dry with notes of oak and some floral notes. Not how I hoped it would end, but still a fantastic smoking experience overall.

Conclusion

This cigar offers a flavor profile that is very unique given what is currently on the market. If you are looking for a cigar that is bold, complex, and unique, then pick up a five pack.

Final grade: A

Buy the Foundation Cigar Co Gueguense from Famous Smoke Shop (our preferred retailer) here.