In January 2014, Nicholas Melillo left his job as the evp of international operations for Drew Estate Tobacco Co., after being with the company for 11 years. He immediately established Melillo International, a consulting firm for purchasing tobacco and blending, and stayed on in with Drew Estate in that capacity until May of last year. Nearly a year later, Melillo formally announced not only the formation of a new Foundation Cigar Co., along with news that his first blend would be composed entirely of AGANORSA tobacco. The news of the new cigar came this July, when Melillo announced El Güegüense, a cigar named after a Nicaraguan folk dance. The Foundation Cigar Co. website explains the origin of the name: For five hundred years, Nicaragua has served as a crossroads of cultures, ever since indigenous inhabitants mocked arriving Spanish conquistadors in a colorful, costumed satirical masterpiece called “El Güegüense” (Gwe-gwe-nse), or “The Wise Man.” It is Nicaragua’s signature work of drama, the ultimate expression of its unique history, language, dance, and culture. This Gran Baile, or great dance, continues today, not only in the form of long-held folkloric performances, but in the careful blending of Nicaragua’s tobacco, which is some of the richest, most flavorful filler tobacco in ...
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