Foundation x AJ Fernandez 10-Year Salomón: Don't Sleep

You gotta have this. If you've been sleeping on Foundation Cigars, wake up, because Nicholas Melillo just dropped the ultimate mic drop to celebrate a decade in the game. The Foundation 10 Year Aniversario isn't just another limited release—it's a full-throttle collaboration with AJ Fernandez that's already earning its place as a No. 6 Cigar of the Year for 2025. With only 27,500 cigars in existence, this is the collectible you need to hunt down before it vanishes into the ether.

The Titans Behind the Smoke

When two industry heavyweights like Nicholas Melillo and AJ Fernandez link up, you know something special is brewing. Melillo, the mastermind behind Foundation Cigar Company, teamed up with Fernandez's legendary Nicaraguan factory to craft a cigar that's as ambitious as it is refined. This isn't just a celebration—it's a statement piece. The result? A rare Salomón vitola measuring 7 inches by 58 ring gauge, wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf Habano hybrid wrapper that's dark, oily, and absolutely stunning.

What Makes This Cigar a Must-Have

Let's talk specs. The Foundation 10 Year Aniversario features a Connecticut Broadleaf Habano hybrid wrapper that delivers baking spices, cocoa, and anise right from the aroma. Underneath, you'll find a Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan long-fillers sourced from AJ Fernandez's farms in Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega. This blend is intentional, composed, and confident—qualities that shine through with every puff.

Reviewers are raving. Developing Palates calls it "a long, consistent and tasty cigar with deep rooted flavors" and a "great cigar that shouldn't be missed." The flavor journey is nothing short of epic:

• First third: Cocoa, baking spices, leather, milk, and cherries on the retrohale. The smoke is viscous and chewy, with medium strength and body.
• Second third: Espresso, malty sweetness, creamy tobacco, earth, dark chocolate, and barnyard notes. Restrained yet engaging, without any heaviness.
• Final third: Earth and espresso dominate, joined by dry wood, dark chocolate, and minimal spice. The finish is long, milky, and cocoa-forward with subtle tannins.

According to halfwheel, the Salomón's tapered shape concentrates the flavors beautifully, delivering full flavor and body with sharp, salty minerals, damp woods, and black pepper on the finish. This is a cigar that commands your attention and rewards your patience.

The Collector's Dream

Beyond the smoke itself, the presentation is next-level. The cigars come in eye-catching wood boxes featuring fanned-out Salomóns and artwork of St. George slaying a dragon—a nod to overcoming industry challenges. With only 2,000 boxes of 10 cigars (plus rarer 20-count collector boxes) at $35 MSRP each, this is a release that's already causing a frenzy among aficionados. As Cigar Aficionado notes, these "dark and imposing" figurados are built to impress.

Why You Can't Miss This

Here's the thing: limited releases like this don't stick around. The Foundation 10 Year Aniversario has already earned its stripes with awards, critical acclaim, and enthusiast buzz. It's a regal yet gritty experience that balances complexity with approachability, making it perfect for both seasoned collectors and adventurous newcomers. Whether you're drawn to the rare Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the prestigious Salomón vitola, or the sheer pedigree of the Melillo-Fernandez collaboration, this is the ultimate "New World" collectible to add to your rotation right now.

Don't sleep on this one. Track it down, light it up, and savor a decade of innovation, passion, and craftsmanship. The Foundation 10 Year Aniversario is more than a cigar—it's a celebration of everything that makes this industry electrifying. And trust me, you don't want to miss out.