In 2023, Foundation Cigars released a pair of cigars that they declared ‘embody the commitment to excellence and artistry that define Foundation Cigar Company’. The cigars are known as the “Charter Oak Pegnataro and Pasquale”. The names are a homage to the unwavering spirit and timeless wisdom passed down by his grandfathers.
Nicholas Melillo, Founder and Master Blender of Foundation Cigars notes:
“My love for handmade cigars exists only because of my grandfather’s. One was an avid CT Broadleaf smoker and the other loved CT shade. These blends are completely different than the core line of Charter Oak. They are richer and more complex.”
Today I would like to offer a review of the Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale, which the company states:
“…is a cigar that revolves around the renowned Connecticut Broadleaf seed, resulting in a captivating Maduro wrapper with a dark, rich complexion. This full-bodied blend embraces the senses with deep, earthy undertones, balanced by notes of sweetness and strength. It is a bold and flavorful choice for those seeking an indulgent smoking experience with robust character.”
The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale has a bend described by the company as:
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
- Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Estelí)
The cigars are expressed in a single (5½” x 48) vitola and come packaged in 12-count boxes. MSRP has been set at $13.00/cigar.
The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale is hand crafted at Tabacalera A.J. Fernández Cigars de Nicaragua (Nicaragua). A total of 24,000 of these will be made/year.
For this review, I sampled 2 of the Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale cigars that I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale is cloaked with a dark brown and lightly toothy wrapper. The cigar is soft box pressed with just a few veins, a slight oily sheen, and some marbling running through the wrapper. There is a proper give when gently pressed. A well-crafted pigtail cap completes the construction.
A single band adorns the cigar that is bolder a more colorful than the original Charter Oak line. It uses red, blue and gold colors and displays a mature oak tree in the center, with the name ‘Charter Oak Pasquale’ printed below. The right edge of the band displays the company’s logo.
Running the Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale along the nose, I was introduced to a sweet curing barn leaf aroma along the barrel while the foot exuded buttered popcorn notes.
I sliced the cap, straight across the shoulder of the cigar and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be spot on with restriction while offering notes of growing pepper and toasted cracker.
Using my fan flame Xikar lighter, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first introductory puffs of peppery smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Bright pepper notes start the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of thin char line
- Tasty fruit notes join the early profile
- The ash fell in a good chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Natural sweetness builds in the background
- Deep in the second third, dark chocolate finds its way into the profile
- The final third adds mild spice along with a continual fruit nuance and an added nut aroma
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was just over 1 hour
Final Analysis
The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale is unlike previous Charter Oak cigars I have smoked. The journey begins with vibrant pepper notes igniting the senses with their brightness. Quickly, the palate is greeted by the succulent fruity flavors, adding depth to the early experience. A subtle undercurrent of natural sweetness slowly builds in the background, enhancing the complexity. Transitioning into the second phase, the flavor profile deepens, revealing hints of decadent dark chocolate that blends well with the existing notes. Entering the final third, a gentle spiciness emerges, complemented by a lingering fruitiness and a delightful nutty aroma, bringing the journey to a satisfying finish. This medium to full strength cigar is a box buy in my book. I rate this a 96.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flat but Centered Burn Cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pleasurable and Balanced across Multiple Samples; (+1) Even Burn
