The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigar Co.
A Beautiful Cigar with a Peppery Personality
Every good cigar experience starts with a good recommendation, and this one came from my tobacconist at High Times Liquor and Wine. He recommended The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigar Co., describing it as a cigar well regarded for its complex flavor profile and excellent construction.
He also gave me one important warning: “It’s going to be peppery.”
He was absolutely right.
First Impressions
The Tabernacle is a beautiful-looking cigar with a substantial presence. From the moment I picked it up, it had the appearance of a carefully crafted and could tell this is a serious cigar. The opening delivered plenty of character as they say. I picked up wood, cocoa, leather, and a noticeable dose of pepper.
Construction & Performance
From a construction standpoint, The Tabernacle impressed me.
The cigar drew well, burned evenly, and maintained a beautiful ash throughout the experience. While some smokers have reported needing an occasional touch-up, I had no significant problems with the burn.
And then there was the pepper.
The Pepper Question
My tobacconist warned me, and ultimately, this was where the cigar and I parted ways.
The pepper wasn't simply a background note—it became a dominant part of the experience for me. While I appreciated the complexity and could recognize the quality of the blend, the pepper was simply too much for my palate.
I made it just past the halfway point before I realized what I'd gotten into and had to put it down. That's the beauty of having a good tobacconist, though. He told me exactly what to expect, and he was right.
Whiskey Pairing — McCallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak
The McCallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak proved to be an excellent companion to The Tabernacle. Its richness and sweetness complemented the medium-to-full strength of the cigar while helping to tame some of the peppery character that ultimately proved a little too much for my palate.
Music Pairing — Boz Scaggs, “But Beautiful”
For the soundtrack, I went with Boz Scaggs and his beautiful rendition of “But Beautiful.”
NOTE: Many of us know Boz Scaggs from the 1970s and '80s, but there is another side of Boz.. He possesses a deep appreciation for jazz & blues
“But Beautiful” is exactly the kind of song that belongs alongside a good cigar and a glass of whiskey.
The Verdict
There is no question that The Tabernacle is a very well-made cigar. It's beautiful, complex, well constructed, draws well, burns evenly and holds its ash impressively. The Tabernacle may have brought more pepper than I personally wanted, but with a pour of McClaneM 12 Year Old Sherry Oak and Boz Scaggs singing “But Beautiful,” the overall experience was great.
Would I smoke it again? Probably not.
Cost: $14.00
The Oregon Man Rating: 7/10
Beautiful cigar. Excellent construction. Complex flavors. Just a little too much pepper for my taste.
Comments