Cigar News: Foundation Cigar Company to Launch Metapa at 2023 PCA Trade Show

At the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Foundation Cigar Company will launch Metapa. This is a two-blend line that pays homage to renowned Nicaragua poet Rubén Darío. This is the first widespread release by Foundation to feature a Sumatra wrapper.

Metapa is the birthplace in Nicaragua of Darío. Today Metapa is known as Ciudad Dario. The name “Metapa” is derived from the Nahuatl word “metl,” which means “place of magueys (a type of agave plant).” The maguey plant has significant cultural and religious symbolism in Central American mythology and art. This was used often in Dario’s poems.

“Metapa is a tribute to the poetic soul of Nicaragua,” said Nicholas Melillo, founder, and Master Blender of Foundation Cigar Company. “The image of Rubén Darío is iconic; he is considered one of the greatest poets in the Spanish language. I have always wanted to make a brand in his honor, and I have always wanted to introduce a blend around Sumatra Ecuador wrapper. Metapa is the result.”

Like 2022’s Olmec release, Metapa is being released in a Claro and Maduro Ecuadorian Sumatra. The remainder of the blend features a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and fillers from Nicaragua. The cigar is available in the same four sizes for both the Claro and Maduro blends: Corona Gorda (SRP $14.50/cigar), Robusto (SRP $15.50/cigar), Toro (SRP $16.50/cigar), and Double Corona (SRP $18.00). AJ Fernandez is handling production.

This blend is unique and unlike anything I have ever created,” says Melillo. “The CT Broadleaf binder adds a bit of sweetness, Nicaragua filler the body and strength, and the wrapper is the icing on the cake.”

Metapa is slated to ship to retailers this Fall. The PCA Trade Show opens July 7, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At a glance here is a look at the Foundation Metapa:

Blend and Origin

Wrapper: Sumatra Ecuador (Maduro or Claro)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa)
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: AJ Fernandez (specific factory not disclosed)