From the Farm to the Flame

In an industry built on heritage, flavor, and fierce devotion, few names command the kind of reverence that Nick Melillo does. The founder and creative force behind Foundation Cigar Company has spent nearly three decades carving out a space that’s both deeply personal and globally respected—where ancient tradition meets bold storytelling, and the soul of the leaf is honored with every draw.

In this exclusive conversation with Enthusiast Report Magazine Publisher and CEO Lincoln Salazar, Nick opens up about his roots in Connecticut’s Broadleaf country, his transformative years at Drew Estate, and the fearless leap that led to the creation of Foundation. As the company nears its 10-year milestone, Nick reflects on the passion, perseverance, and cultural legacy that have shaped his journey—and hints at what’s still to come for one of the most respected brands in premium cigars.

Lincoln Salazar: Nick, take us back to the beginning—what first drew you to the world of premium cigars, and when did you know this would become your life’s passion?

Nick Mallilo: My journey began in 1996, that summer I graduated high school. My father gave me a Diamond Crown humidor as a graduation gift, and I walked the ceremony line smoking a Puros Indios #2 Torpedo. That was the spark. Growing up in Connecticut, I was surrounded by the aroma of Broadleaf—my grandfathers and uncles all smoked cigars made locally. The cultural and historical roots of tobacco, especially in my home state, pulled me in. Once I started smoking cigars with my grandfather and brother, it became more than a product—it became a meaningful ceremony and a way of life. I knew early on this wasn’t just a hobby—it was my calling.

LS: Before launching Foundation Cigars, you spent years at Drew Estate. How did your experience there shape your philosophy and approach when founding your own company?

NM: Drew Estate was truly a masterclass in the cigar business. I moved to Nicaragua in 2003 at the age of 24, fully committed to immersing myself in every facet of the craft—from tobacco purchasing and fermentation to blending, logistics, quality control, and production planning. I began this chapter of my life by living on a tobacco farm just outside of Estelí called La Soledad—a farm that’s now cultivated by AJ Fernandez and provides the tobacco used in my Tabernacle blend.

My initial role at Drew Estate was as Director of Tobaccos and Production, and over time, I grew into the position of Vice President of International Operations. Back then, Drew Estate was a fraction of what it is today—focused almost exclusively on infused cigars. Over the next 12 years, I was proud to play a central role in building the company into the largest handmade cigar factory in Nicaragua. It was an incredible time of growth and transformation, and I was fortunate to have a visionary mentor in Jonathan Drew and a dedicated team in Nicaragua who felt more like family than colleagues.

Those years didn’t just shape my skills—they shaped who I am. They taught me what it means to live and breathe this craft with passion, patience, and precision. When I launched Foundation Cigar Company, I brought all of that experience with me—but infused it with my own vision: one deeply rooted in history, culture, storytelling, and an unwavering respect for the leaf and the people who bring it to life. Foundation is more than a cigar company; it’s the continuation of a journey that began on a farm, fueled by a dream and a love for tradition, authenticity, and innovation.

LS: Foundation Cigars is coming up on its 10-year anniversary—a major milestone. What emotions does that stir in you when you reflect on the journey so far?

NM: It’s a deeply humbling experience. Foundation started as a dream—born from my desire to build something meaningful and personal. I launched the company in 2015 with a small team, a ton of passion, and a mission to create cigars that tell stories rooted in history and culture. We were working around the clock, wearing multiple hats, and doing everything from blend to brand development, production planning, logistics, accounting, legal, and of course sales. We were building from the ground up, one box at a time.

To see how far we’ve come, and to know we’ve earned the respect of retailers, aficionados, and the global community—it’s overwhelming in the best way. I carry immense gratitude for everyone who’s been part of this journey, from the farmers and factory to our sales reps and retailers. The 10-year mark is more than a milestone—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Foundation is more than a cigar company; it’s the continuation of a journey that began on a farm, fueled by a dream and a love for tradition, authenticity, and innovation. "

LS: The early days of Foundation were lean and intense. What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting out—and how did you push through?

NM: The biggest challenge was stepping into the unknown. After more than a decade with Drew Estate, I had stability, strong industry relationships, and a deep-rooted connection to Nicaragua. Leaving all of that behind to start from scratch meant rebuilding everything— establishing infrastructure, sourcing the right tobaccos, assembling a team that shared my vision, and doing it all under the looming uncertainty of new FDA regulations. At the time, there was serious concern that federal legislation would halt the introduction of any new brands after 2016, which created an immense amount of pressure. Starting a business is never easy—but starting one in a highly regulated industry where your ability to operate could be cut off at any moment was a massive risk.

What got me through was clarity of purpose. I knew I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t take the leap. I believed in the vision, and I believed in the value of telling stories through cigars—stories rooted in culture, history, and personal experience. And while I knew failure was always a possibility, I also knew that with my background and experience, I could always contribute to the industry in another way if things didn’t work out.

Fortunately, I wasn’t alone. I had a strong network of growers, artisans, and collaborators who believed in what I was trying to build. But at the end of the day, it came down to perseverance, patience, and staying true to my values. Success doesn’t happen overnight—especially in this business. But when you build something with intention and authenticity, people recognize that.

LS: Your cigars are known not only for quality but for storytelling. How important is cultural heritage and symbolism in your branding and blend creation?

NM: It’s absolutely essential. Cigars are more than tobacco—they’re vessels of history and culture. Whether it’s Charter Oak, honoring my home state of Connecticut and its deep tobacco legacy; Olmec, which pays tribute to one of the oldest Mesoamerican civilizations; or The Tabernacle, rooted in ancient Ethiopian traditions and the sacred legacy of the Ark of the Covenant—these aren’t just names, they’re narratives.

My blends reflect the sacred nature of tobacco as used by indigenous peoples and its historic role throughout civilization. The symbols, names, and artwork are never an afterthought— they’re woven into the DNA of each cigar. For me The packaging and band design are a visual language that reflects the soul of the blend—but it all begins with the tobacco. That’s where my passion and expertise lie. Crafting a cigar always starts with selecting the finest leaf, and from there, the story unfolds in every detail.

LS: The Tabernacle, The Wise Man, and Highclere Castle have all developed cult followings. What goes into the creation of a blend that resonates that deeply with aficionados?

NM: It starts with reverence for the leaf. Tobacco isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a living, breathing extension of the earth. I spend years working with farmers, fermenters, and rollers to understand the nuances of each crop. I blend slowly, with intention, constantly testing and refining until it hits the right emotional and sensory note.

But beyond the technical side, I believe a great cigar tells a story—visually, emotionally, and culturally. The bands, the box, the name—all of it should align with the experience you have when smoking it. That’s why so many of our blends resonate deeply—they’re grounded in authenticity and built to evoke a sense of time, place, and purpose.

LS: You’ve worked closely with some of Nicaragua’s finest farms and factories. What makes Nicaragua such a special place for tobacco—and for you personally?

NM: Nicaragua completely transformed my life. I immersed myself in the culture—living on farms, working shoulder to shoulder with boncheros, rollers, fermenters, and some of the most respected tobacco families in the world. The country’s rich volcanic soil, shaped by millions of years of geological activity, combined with the microclimates of regions like Jalapa and Estelí, produces some of the most dynamic and flavorful tobacco on earth.

What makes Nicaraguan tobacco truly unique is the extraordinary range of flavor and strength that can be found within a single plant—from the low-priming leaves to the top. This versatility allows for incredible depth and complexity in blending, and it’s why Nicaraguan fillers have become the backbone of so many renowned cigars.

But beyond the tobacco, it was the people of Nicaragua who made it home for me. Their warmth, generosity, and passion for the craft embraced me from the beginning. Without their knowledge and heart, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They didn’t just teach me tobacco—they welcomed me as one of their own.

LS: Looking ahead to Foundation’s 10-year anniversary, are there any special releases or surprises fans should be watching for?

NM: Absolutely—Foundation’s 10-year anniversary marks a major milestone, and we’re celebrating it with a very special release: the Foundation 10-Year Aniversario cigar. This limited-edition blend is a culmination of a decade’s worth of passion, craftsmanship, and dedication to tradition.

The cigar is a 7 x 58 Salomon vitola, a shape chosen for its elegance and complexity. It features a hybrid wrapper made from both Connecticut Broadleaf and Connecticut Havana Seed, paying tribute to my roots in the Connecticut River Valley. The binder is a rich Brazilian Mata Fina, and the filler is composed of premium Nicaraguan tobaccos from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, offering a layered and refined smoking experience.

The imagery behind the cigar also tells a story—St. George slaying the dragon, a symbol of resilience and perseverance, which reflects the challenges we’ve faced and overcome in this industry over the past decade. We hope to begin shipping this summer/fall. This release is more than just a cigar—it’s a statement of gratitude, a tribute to our journey, and a testament to what’s possible when you follow your passion.

LS: How do you balance staying true to your roots while also innovating to keep Foundation Cigars evolving and relevant in a fast-moving industry?

NM: Balancing tradition with innovation is at the heart of what we do at Foundation. Staying true to your roots isn’t about standing still—it’s about growing with purpose. I always ask myself, “Does this idea reflect our values and deepen the story we’re telling?” If it strengthens our commitment to quality, culture, and craftsmanship, then it’s worth exploring.

Innovation can take many forms—refining fermentation methods, experimenting with heirloom seed varietals, designing packaging that speaks to heritage in a modern way, or partnering with artists and institutions to expand the narrative. But it’s never about chasing trends. Everything we do circles back to authenticity.

LS: Finally, if you could go back and give one piece of advice to yourself in year one of Foundation, what would it be?

NM: Trust the process and be patient with yourself—because real craftsmanship and lasting success aren’t built overnight. In the beginning, I was so focused on proving myself and getting the company off the ground that I often pushed too hard, too fast. I’d tell myself to slow down, enjoy the journey, and not stress over every detail that’s out of your control.

I’d also reconsider hiring friends and family. While it can seem like a natural fit early on, personal relationships can quickly get complicated when mixed with the pressures of a startup. Make sure roles are clearly defined and that loyalty doesn’t override accountability.

And just as importantly, don’t neglect your personal life. It’s easy to get consumed by the mission, especially when you care so deeply—but maintaining balance is key to long-term success. The foundation of any great company is a founder who’s not just driven, but also grounded.