Foundation Cigar Company has announced the 2025 edition of its Tabernacle Knight Commander, a limited annual release tied to a unique historical distinction. The cigar will begin shipping to retailers across the U.S. this week, with production capped at 750 boxes.
The Knight Commander vitola was first introduced after Foundation founder Nicholas Melillo was invested in 2022 as a Knight Commander of the Ethiopian Star of Honor, an order established in 1889 by Emperor Menelik II. The recognition is awarded for service and contributions to the Ethiopian people.
“The day I received the Knight Commander distinction remains one of the great honors of my life,” said Melillo. “Ethiopia has given so much to the world—from its ancient Christian heritage to its cultural brilliance—and giving back in a tangible way is part of my responsibility and commitment. The Knight Commander cigar is a tribute not only to that history but to the people working every day to preserve it.”
This year’s release features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper aged for more than three years and blended to reflect the cigar’s theme of heritage and tradition.
As in previous years, all net proceeds from the Knight Commander will be donated to charitable initiatives in Ethiopia through The Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET). The organization funds education, cultural preservation, humanitarian efforts, and scholarships in the region.
“The Knight Commander is more than a cigar—it’s a way for our customers and community to participate directly in meaningful work,” Melillo said. “Every box purchased helps preserve Ethiopia’s history and invests in its future. It is one of the most important projects we undertake each year.”
Retailers are expected to receive shipments beginning this week, with availability expected to be limited due to the small production run.
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