Nick Melillo (Foundation Cigars) | Live From PCA 2026

10-Year Anniversary: Melillo discusses the 10-year milestone of Foundation Cigars, noting the challenges and intense workload involved in building the brand. He highlights his limited-edition 10-year anniversary cigar, a 7x58 Salomon, and expresses gratitude for the industry's support throughout his decade-long journey.

Historical and Spiritual Research: Melillo shares his long-standing fascination with Ethiopian history, the royal family, and ancient texts like the Book of Enoch and the Garima Bible. He links this interest to his broader philosophical questions about life and humanity, noting that these pursuits share a sense of depth similar to his approach to cigar making. Industry Dynamics and

Personal Work Ethic: The conversation touches on the camaraderie within the cigar industry and the demanding nature of running a company. Melillo admits to being a perfectionist and his own harshest critic, explaining that he aims to provide an exceptional experience for consumers rather than seeking personal accolades.