El Güegüense [el way-when-say], meaning “the wise man,” was one of the first cigars from the Foundation Cigar Company and brand founder Nick Melillo to create a stir when it debuted in 2015. Originally from Connecticut, Melillo honed his craft working at Drew Estate in a variety of roles before he branched out to create his own brand, Foundation Cigars. El Güegüense is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua, from a formidable blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos. A reddish-brown Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper leaf harbors Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo long-fillers matured for a considerable period. Tasting notes of cedar, paprika, earth, and leather layer the palate with hints of baking spices. The critics in Cigar Aficionado rated El Güegüense 92 points and slotted in their list of the ‘Top 25’ cigars for 2016.