Cigar Geeks - Foundation Cigar Co. The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 Toro

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Foundation Cigar Co. The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 Toro
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: nirab

90
Cigar Geeks Rating

As the name of this cigar would suggest, the wrapper is Havana Seed CT #142, a variation of a Cuban-seed tobacco grown in Connecticut. Much of the rest of the line is shared with the original Tabernacle: the same filler components and the same four sizes. That means a Mexican San Andrés binder over a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers, though Nicholas Melillo has said there is less Honduran tobacco than the original line.

Foundation Cigar Co. The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 Toro

Brand:: Foundation Cigar Co.
Name:: The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 Toro
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 52
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Honduras
Nicaragua
Binder:: Mexico
Wrapper:: Connecticut
Habano
Color:: Oscuro
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Toro
Average Member Purchase Price:: $9.13
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))
Notes:: https://halfwheel.com/foundation-ships-tabernacle-havana-seed-ct-142/286254/

This cigar was enjoyed with Waterloo Strawberry Sparkling Water

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

The wrapper has an semi-oily look, and a semi-dry feel, very cool. I found a very small vein, and one blemish on the cannon, but nothing major. The cap is well applied, and the cigar is on the firm side when squeezed. Aroma off the foot is barnyard and hay, but in a good way. Cold draw gave off a butter and hay taste.

Lighting and Burn: 14 Points of 15 Possible

The burn was spot on, and stayed consistent throughout the smoke. Ash was solid, holding on in 1/2"-1" chunks. The burn rate was nice, on the slow side, taking about 1.5 hours to smoke. No re-lights were needed, and the smoke volume was medium to medium plus.

Construction: 29 Points of 30 Possible

The cold draw was perfect, with good resistance. Once lit, the draw was great, allowing for the smoke to flow easily. The wrapper was well applied, and did not unravel. Cap was solid, staying intact after using my v-cutter, and I experienced no issues while smoking the cigar, save for a small tunnel at the very end.

Flavor and Aroma: 38 Points of 45 Possible

The cigar starts off with some baking spices, a wisp of dry cocoa, and the tobacco has a nice sweetness to it. The cocoa quickly disappears, but the sweetness remains. Further in, the sweetness is very faint, and a nice buttery creaminess joins in with the spices, along with a bit of white pepper. The finish finds the sweetness coming in and out, and the richness of the tobacco jumps front and center. The smoke and retrohale are both very smooth, and gives off a pleasant aroma. I found the changes to be somewhat complex, and the cigar left a spicy aftertaste when finished. The burn, ash and draw were great. The aftertaste was a bit spicy and left a tingle on my tongue.

Summary

I really enjoyed this cigar. The changes were great, and the almost constant sweetness was a real treat. I am a big fan of the Foundation lineup, and this one is right up there at the top. Thank you Byron for including me in this GC.