Tabernacle 10 Year Anniversary

Foundation Cigars’ Tabernacle 10 Year Anniversary

The Foundation Tabernacle 10th Anniversary is not a celebratory rebrand or cosmetic update—it is a deliberate, heavier-hitting evolution of one of modern cigar culture’s most recognizable blends. Built to commemorate a decade of The Tabernacle line, this release leans further into density, depth, and seriousness, offering a more concentrated expression of what made the original so compelling.

Crafted in Nicaragua at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua, the Foundation Tabernacle 10th Anniversary features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers. Released as a limited production anniversary cigar, the blend is designed to amplify the original Tabernacle’s dark, brooding profile while maintaining structural balance. Positioned firmly in the premium category, it is intended for experienced palates and deliberate smoking sessions rather than casual rotation.

Pre-Light Experience

Appearance: Dark, nearly black San Andrés wrapper with pronounced oils and rugged texture. Veins are visible but intentional, reinforcing the cigar’s dense, industrial aesthetic.
Aroma (Wrapper & Foot): Deep cocoa, damp earth, espresso grounds, and a savory mineral note, with a faint molasses sweetness lingering at the foot.
Cold Draw: Slightly resistant, offering flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and dry cedar.

Flavor Breakdown

First Third:
The cigar opens with immediate intensity—dark cocoa, charred oak, and espresso dominate the palate. Black pepper is assertive through the retrohale, accompanied by a gritty earthiness that sets a commanding tone. Despite the strength, the profile remains controlled and purposeful rather than abrasive.

Second Third:
The blend broadens rather than shifts dramatically. Cocoa deepens into bittersweet chocolate, joined by roasted nuts, leather, and a subtle savory umami note. Pepper integrates more fully into the profile, allowing the cigar to feel heavier and more cohesive. Mouthfeel becomes dense and almost chewy.

Final Third:
Earth and char take the lead, supported by espresso bitterness and a lingering mineral finish. The cigar grows more muscular here, but balance is preserved if smoked slowly. Strength peaks without unraveling the structure.

Body & Strength

Body: Full
Strength: Medium-Full
Complexity: Moderate

The Tabernacle 10th Anniversary prioritizes weight and saturation over frequent transitions. It is less about flavor changes and more about deepening intensity and texture as the cigar progresses.

Construction & Burn

Burn: Impressively even given the wrapper density; slow and cool-burning.
Draw: Slight resistance, ideal for controlling smoke output.
Ash: Dark gray and firm, holding in compact segments.

Overall Impression

This anniversary release feels unapologetically serious. It does not attempt to broaden the appeal of The Tabernacle line; instead, it narrows its focus, rewarding smokers who appreciate dark wrappers, dense mouthfeel, and sustained intensity. For those already aligned with San Andrés-heavy profiles, this cigar delivers a more refined and concentrated experience than the original.

Pairing Suggestions

Espresso, barrel-proof bourbon, dark rum, or a peated Scotch. Best reserved for evening smoking with time to spare.

Final Score

Score: 93 / 100
Value Assessment: Excellent

A bold, uncompromising anniversary cigar that deepens the Tabernacle identity with greater weight, intensity, and refinement.