The Return of the Tabernacle Knight Commander Cigar

Nick Melillo, founder of Foundation Cigar Co., is reintroducing the Tabernacle Knight Commander, a limited-edition cigar first launched last year with a philanthropic mission. All net profits from the sale of this cigar are donated to charity. This year’s batch is now shipping to retailers and will begin appearing on shelves soon.

The Knight Commander is a single-size cigar, crafted as a double-tapered Perfecto measuring 6 3/4 inches by 52 ring gauge. The blend is based on Foundation’s core Tabernacle line and features a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, a Mexican San Andrés binder, and Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. After being rolled, the cigars were aged for an additional 15 months in cedar, enhancing their flavour and complexity.

Each cigar is packaged in boxes of 12, with a retail price of $40 per cigar or $480 per box. Only 700 boxes of this special release have been produced, making it highly exclusive.

Proceeds from the sale of Knight Commander support the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET), a non-profit organization that funds educational scholarships, cultural restoration, and community development projects across Ethiopia. Melillo’s connection to this cause is personal. He was awarded the title of Knight Commander of The Ethiopian Star of Honour by the Ethiopian Crown Council, a recognition established in 1889 by Emperor Menelik II for exceptional service to the country.

“Receiving the Ethiopian Star of Honour is one of the greatest privileges of my life,” says Melillo. “The Knight Commander cigar allows me to give back to Ethiopia, and I’m deeply honoured that all net proceeds will support the Royal Ethiopian Trust, contributing to meaningful projects that improve the lives of many Ethiopians.”

This unique cigar not only offers an exquisite smoking experience but also allows enthusiasts to contribute to a worthy cause.