Foundation Cigars Ships 2025 Highclere Castle Senetjer Annual Release
Foundation Cigars Announces the Return of Senetjer
Foundation Cigar Company has confirmed the long-awaited return of the Highclere Castle Senetjer for 2025. Starting this November, select tobacconists will receive the annual release, continuing a tradition that celebrates the enduring partnership between Foundation Cigars and Highclere Castle.
Originally crafted to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, Senetjer has evolved into a yearly homage to one of archaeology’s greatest moments.
A Tribute to King Tutankhamun and History
The tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, great-grandfather of the current Earl of Highclere Castle. This partnership between Foundation Cigars and the historic estate honours that legacy—bridging Egyptian history and the art of premium cigar making.
“King Tut’s tomb is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time,” said Nicholas Melillo, owner and Master Blender of Foundation Cigars. “Due to the exceptional demand for this unique blend, we’ve decided to release 700 boxes every November in honour of this historic moment.”
The Senetjer name derives from the ancient Egyptian word for “incense,” meaning “of the gods” or “to make holy.” Its presentation box mirrors the ornate storage chests found within King Tut’s tomb and includes a replica scarab symbolising transformation—a powerful link between mythology and craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship, Collaboration, and Legacy
Created in collaboration with Lord Carnarvon, the current Earl of Highclere Castle, the Senetjer blend draws inspiration from the cigars enjoyed by the Earl’s ancestors in the 1920s. “The Senetjer blend pays homage to the rich tradition of cigars in my family, a passion that dates back to the roaring twenties,” said George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon.
Egyptologists Colleen and John Darnell also contributed to the project, ensuring historical authenticity. Co-founder Adam von Gootkin noted, “We translated the Highclere Castle name into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, which appear on the box. These hieroglyphs translate to ‘The Great Estate; she who is high, she who is bright or clear,’ reflecting the majestic essence of Highclere Castle.”
The 2025 Senetjer Details
The Highclere Castle Senetjer is a luxurious 6¾ x 52 perfecto featuring a 7th priming Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and undisclosed aged fillers matured for three years.
Each cigar retails at $33, with elegant 12-count boxes priced at $396. Limited to 700 boxes, the 2025 release begins shipping this week to select Foundation tobacconists across the United States.
Cigar Details:
- Wrapper: 7th Priming Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
- Filler: Undisclosed, aged for three years
- Size: 6¾ x 52 Perfecto
- MSRP: $33 per cigar / $396 per 12-count box
