Foundation Metapa Rebranded as AKSUM

Only a few short months after first shipping Metapa cigars to retailers, Foundation Cigar Co. has rebranded the cigars as AKSUM.

Metapa was the company’s headlining release for 2023 (going on the win Cigar Dojo’s No. 3 Cigar of the Year), following a similar branding structure as 2022’s Olmec line, though being themed around Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío and his place of Metapa, Nicaragua.

With the change, the cigars now line up closer to Foundation’s The Tabernacle and Menelik series, as Aksum is considered to be the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. As such, Rubén Darío’s portrait on the Metapa band has been replaced with that of Ras Makonnen, father of Haile Selassie (who is pictured on The Tabernacle band).

A comparison between the former Metapa and updated AKSUM

Nicholas Melillo, Founder of Foundation Cigars, expressed his excitement about the rebranding: “AKSUM represents a significant chapter in our journey, paying homage to the sacred history associated with the Ark of the Covenant. The blend remains the same as Metapa & testament to our unwavering dedication to providing a unique and memorable smoking experience.”

Foundation AKSUM will be available in the same blend (including Maduro and Claro variations), sizes, price points, and overall packaging, with the only changes being the imagery on the bands and boxes. The cigars will begin shipping to retailers later this week, and will be on display at Foundation’s booth during PCA 2024 in March.

Foundation did not mention the reasoning behind the abrupt rebranding in a press release by the company.

Foundation AKSUM Breakdown

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