George Carnarvon, the current 8th Earl Carnarvon, owner of Highclere Castle (located in Hampshire, England), has partnered with Nicholas Melillo and his Foundation Cigar Company to introduce an exclusive cigar for the family’s Highclere Castle Cigar Company. The Highclere Castle is a familiar sight for many, as the castle was the filming location for the award-winning drama, Downton Abbey.

According to a press release, the Highclere’s cigar history dates back to 1862, when cigars were initially introduced to England. And, after a recent discovery of the family’s personal accounting records—where the Carnarvon’s cigar purchase preferences were revealed—Melillo was contracted to recreate the style in a new cigar blend to bear the family crest.

The Highclere Castle Cigar is hand rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, using a Connecticut Shade wrapper, and both Criollo and Corojo from the volcanic soils of Jalapa and the island of Ometepe. The binder is made from Mata Fina, a dark tobacco from Brazil. The blend is finalized with an exclusive hybrid seed the company has named Nicadán. The resulting smoke is exceptionally creamy and elegant, with notes of pepper, citrus, leather and fireplace.

George Carnarvon commented—

Having had the opportunity to visit Nicaragua and tour the tobacco fields and factories where our cigars are made, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the passion and skill that goes into making a super-premium cigar. The cigar itself is an excellent representation of that, and I think my ancestors would be proud it bears the Highclere badge.George Carnarvon, the current 8th Earl Carnarvon

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