The 2024 release of Foundation Cigar Co.’s Tabernacle Knight Commander is now arriving in retail stores. This limited-edition premium cigar is presented as a 6 3/4 x 52 perfecto, and its net profits will go toward supporting the Royal Ethiopian Trust’s philanthropic initiatives.
This cigar was inspired by the title bestowed on Foundation Cigar Co. founder Nicholas Melillo by the Ethiopian Crown Council–the Knight Commander of the Ethiopian Star of Honor. Established in 1889 by Emperor Menelik II, this title recognizes extraordinary service to Ethiopia. The Tabernacle Knight Commander was crafted as a tribute to this honor and solidified Melillo’s longstanding relationship with the Ethiopian community.
In a press release, Nicholas Melillo stated: “Receiving the Ethiopian Star of Honor is one of the greatest privileges of my life. The Knight Commander cigar is my way of giving back, and I am honored that all net proceeds will support the Royal Ethiopian Trust, contributing to projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of Ethiopians.”
To keep with Foundation Cigar Co.’s pledge of giving back, Melillo has stated that 100% of net profits from the sale of the Tabernacle Knight Commander will be donated to the Royal Ethiopian Trust, a non-profit organization led by Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie. This organization aims to advance education and entrepreneurship and preserve Ethiopia’s imperial collection.
The Tabernacle Knight Commander’s blend consists of a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, a Mexican San Andrés binder, and filler tobacco from Estelí and Jalapa, Nicaragua. It is presented as a 6 3/4 x 52 perfecto and comes in 12-count boxes. Each cigar has a suggested retail price of $40 before applicable taxes.