Foundation The Tabernacle Robusto is a 5x50 hand rolled cigar made in AJ Fernandez’s Tobacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua. The cigar has a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and Honduras and Nicaraguan long-filler. This offering from former Drew Estate brainchild Nick Melillo is named as a biblical reference to King Solomon and the Ark of the Covenant. Pictured on the band is Haile Selassie, the 225th Emperor of Ethiopia and a decedent of King Solomon.
First impressions: I’m a sucker for a dark wrapper, and this fits the bill. Absolutely beautiful presentation of a dark chocolate color with prominent veins. This cigar presents strength right off the bat. Black pepper, leather, and bitter chocolate are present immediately. This isn’t for the faint of heart but is an absolutely delicious start for those who love a full-bodied cigar.
Halfway through: A transition occurs to woodsy flavors. Oak and cedar are definitely present with a salt and pepper and vinegar flavored potato chip undertone. You still get leather, pepper, and bitter chocolate but they are much more muted and take a back seat.
The final third: The cigar finishes with coffee, chocolate, and a smores campfire flavor. The cigar gets its strength back and pops with pepper throughout the final third.
Overall: This cigar is a smoke bomb reminiscent of my favorite Ligas. However, the construction wasn’t great. My first stick I took for a walk and it required multiple re-lights. The second stick I smoked while sitting and it still required two touch-ups. It was really disappointing because this stick was otherwise amazing. Also, to add context, I did age these cigars so they shouldn’t have had as many issues as they did. If it wasn’t for the construction issues, this cigar would rank VERY high for me due it its strength and flavor.
Pass or Smoke? Definitely a smoke. The flavors and strength are wonderfully strong and balanced. But buyer beware, this is a high maintenance stick.
