Foundation Cigar Company, announced the launch of its newest brand, METAPA. Inspired by the birth town of Rubén Darío, a legendary Nicaraguan poet, Metapa pays homage to Nicaragua’s rich cultural heritage and the artistry behind its world-class cigars.
“Metapa is a tribute to the poetic soul of Nicaragua. 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,” said Nicholas Melillo, founder and Master Blender of Foundation Cigar Company.
“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 now known as Ciudad Darío in his honor. The Metapa brand embodies the essence of Nicaraguan craftsmanship and celebrates the passion of the country’s cigar culture.
The Metapa blend is made up of an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper (a first for the company), over a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and Nicaraguan fillers. Metapa will come in two wrapper variations: Claro and Maduro.
“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.”
Production is handled by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. Both wrapper variation will come in the same four soft box-pressed sizes:
- Corona Gorda – 48 x 140 mm (5 1/2″), $14.50 per cigar
- Double Corona – 54 x 178 mm (7″), $18.00 per cigar
- Robusto – 50 x 127 mm (5″), $15.50 per cigar
- Toro – 52 x 152 mm (6″), $16.50 per cigar
All cigars are sold in 10-ct boxes. Metapa will be introduced at the PCA trade show in Las Vegas and will begin shipping to cigar shops around the country come early Fall 2023.