Seed2Cigar: Epic year-long timelapse shows Foundation Cigars in the making

As a growing brand, Foundation Cigar Company is always exploring exciting ways to shake up the cigar world and bring a new level of culture and media to smokers and shops alike. From the unique and striking Nicaraguan-based art, to the history-rich backstories of each cigar line, to a recent music video collaboration with The Reminders, it's easy to see that owner Nicholas Melillo's interests span far and wide. But the heart of Foundation lives in the dark, dense soil of Estelí, where tobacco seeds begin their long journey to becoming award-winning cigars.

In keeping focus on what's important, Foundation has released a time-lapse video sharing the extensive process about how their cigars are made. The 11-minute time-lapse spans an entire year, though the whole process to create every part of Foundation’s cigars can actually take 2-3 years, with long fermentation periods. The video takes place in Estelí, Nicaragua and breaks down the technique into a number of steps, from seed beds, to curing, productions, molds, quality control, and more. It’s a fascinating look inside a remarkable operation and also showcases the many people involved from beginning to end. To accompany the full video, Foundation also has an abridged one-minute version that highlights the most important steps.

This latest video from Foundation was filmed and edited by Kenneth Espinoza, who is also the talent behind The Reminders' 'Foundation' music video. Kenneth studied at Virginia Tech and currently resides in Nicaragua. Four years ago, he created Foundation's first videos and now Foundation is excited to announce that Kenneth has joined its art and media marketing team. He'll be working to make video series for each Foundation cigar line and release monthly videos to bring more of Foundation's process and inspiration to the public. 

About Foundation Cigar Company
Foundation Cigar Company was formed by Nicholas Melillo in June of 2015 and debuted El Güegüense, The Wise Man - Corona, which was awarded among Cigar Aficionado’s ‘top 25 cigars’of 2016. The Company launched The Tabernacle, Charter Oak, and the infused line, The Upsetters, in 2016. In 2018, The Wise Man Maduro was named #3 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado and The Charter Oak was named Best Value Cigar.  Foundation’s home offices reside in the Connecticut River Tobacco Valley and its production in Esteli, Nicaragua. Foundation Cigar Company’s goal is to bring top quality premium cigars to connoisseurs around the world.