Foundation Cigar Company has begun shipping the 2025 edition of the Highclere Castle Senetjer, marking the brand’s annual November release that celebrates its partnership with England’s historic Highclere Castle estate.
Originally created to honor the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, Senetjer has become a yearly tradition for Foundation. The project draws inspiration from the 1922 excavation led by archaeologist Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon—the great-grandfather of the current Earl.
“King Tut’s tomb is one of the greatest archeological discoveries of all time,” said Nicholas Melillo, owner and master blender of Foundation Cigars. “Due to the exceptional demand for this unique blend, we’ve decided to release 700 boxes every November in honor of this historic moment.”
Named after the ancient Egyptian word for “incense,” Senetjer translates to “of the gods” or “to make holy.” Its presentation box, designed to resemble an artifact chest from Tutankhamun’s tomb, includes a replica of the pharaoh’s Scarab necklace—symbolizing transformation and rebirth.
Lord George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon, continues his family’s connection to cigars through this collaboration. “The Senetjer blend pays homage to the rich tradition of cigars in my family, a passion that dates back to the roaring twenties,” he said.
Egyptologists Colleen and John Darnell contributed to the project by ensuring historical accuracy, while Highclere Castle Cigar co-founder Adam von Gootkin noted that the box’s hieroglyphs translate the castle’s name to “The Great Estate; she who is high, she who is bright or clear.”
The 2025 Highclere Castle Senetjer comes in a 6¾ x 52 perfecto format, featuring a 7th priming Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and undisclosed aged fillers. Each 12-count box retails for $396 ($33 per cigar).
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