Cigars are often seen as a symbol of celebration and craftsmanship, but the Tabernacle Knight Commander by Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigar Co. is more than just a premium smoke. It’s a cigar with a mission. Originally launched last year, the Knight Commander is backβthis time with all profits going to support charitable projects in Ethiopia.
A Cigar with a Cause
For Nick Melillo, creating the Knight Commander wasnβt just about offering a luxury cigar. Itβs also about giving back. The profits from this limited-edition cigar go directly to the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET). This nonprofit funds educational scholarships, cultural restoration, and community projects in Ethiopia.
Melilloβs connection to the cause is personal. The Ethiopian Crown Council awarded him the title of Knight Commander of The Ethiopian Star of Honor, a prestigious title that recognizes exceptional service to the country.
βReceiving the Ethiopian Star of Honor is one of the greatest privileges of my life,β Melillo says. βThe Knight Commander cigar is my way of giving back. Iβm honored that all profits will support projects that make a real difference in the lives of Ethiopians.β
A Well-Aged Blend
The Knight Commander is crafted with a unique blend of fine tobaccos. It features a rich Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, a Mexican San AndrΓ©s binder, and Nicaraguan fillers from EstelΓ and Jalapa. What makes this edition special is its aging process. After rolling, the cigars are aged in cedar for an additional 15 months. This careful aging brings out complex and balanced flavors, making each smoke a rich and memorable experience.
A Limited-Edition Offering
Only 700 boxes of the Tabernacle Knight Commander are available, with each box containing 12 cigars. The cigars are made by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua, ensuring top-notch quality. They will be sold at $40 per cigar or $480 per box.
This limited availability, along with the fact that all profits go to charity, makes the Knight Commander more than just a cigarβitβs a meaningful purchase that supports a worthy cause. Retailers are expected to receive shipments by next week.
A Legacy of Giving
Melilloβs relationship with Ethiopia runs deep. His work with the Royal Ethiopian Trust supports projects that preserve the countryβs cultural heritage and help its communities grow. The Ethiopian Star of Honor, established by Emperor Menelik II in 1889, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Ethiopia. For Melillo, receiving this honor was a life-changing experience, and the Knight Commander cigar is his way of giving back.
A Smoke with Purpose
The Tabernacle Knight Commander isnβt just another luxury cigar. It represents something much greater. Each purchase helps fund education and cultural preservation in Ethiopia. It offers a way for cigar enthusiasts to enjoy a high-quality smoke while supporting important causes.
With its blend of fine tobacco, careful aging, and charitable mission, the Tabernacle Knight Commander is more than just a cigar. Itβs a smoke with purpose.
