AshMap
Overview
The Tabernacle Havana Six Corona represents Foundation Cigar Co.'s Nick Melillo at his most focused—a deliberate love letter to the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and its storied Cuban-seed heritage. Launched in 2017 as part of the core Tabernacle lineup, this corona-format expression distills the philosophy behind the entire brand into a perfectly proportioned, 90-minute meditation on complexity and balance. The cigar opens with disarming approachability: a cold draw that hints at cocoa and barnyard earth gives way to rich baking chocolate, dried cherry, and warm cedar once lit. What elevates the Havana Six beyond its modest vitola is the architectural precision of its middle section, where leather and espresso emerge in concert with creamy nougat sweetness and a whisper of dried rose petal on the retrohale—a sensory progression that feels inevitable rather than forced.
The final third intensifies without becoming one-dimensional. Roasted coffee bean and dark baker's chocolate anchor the profile, while molasses and toasted oak add depth and a satisfying earthiness that lingers well after the cigar concludes. The construction throughout is exemplary: the draw sits at that ideal firmness that produces dense, voluminous smoke, the burn line holds true with minimal fussing, and the ash—silvery-grey and dense—stands in columns exceeding an inch. For a cigar in the $12–$16 range, this performance is exceptional.
What makes the Havana Six particularly compelling is its positioning as a bridge cigar. It is neither timid nor aggressive, neither monochromatic nor chaotic. A medium-full strength (4/5) means it has spine without bullying the palate. The medium smoker contemplating graduation into full-bodied territory will find in this corona a patient guide—one that rewards intentional pacing and unhurried enjoyment without demanding the commitment of a larger format. In an era when premium cigars are increasingly commoditized, the Havana Six punches decisively above its price point, making it one of the most compelling values in the category.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Havana Seed — USA — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, aged tobaccos blended by Found Objects Cigar Company / Foundation Cigar Co. |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific age not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with natural cocoa sweetness and a hint of barnyard earthiness. Once lit, the first third delivers rich baking chocolate, dried dark cherry, and a warm cedar underpinning with a clean, approachable pepper note on the retrohale.
Second Third
Complexity builds as leather and espresso take the forefront, supported by dried fig and a creamy nougat sweetness. The pepper integrates fully rather than spikes, and a subtle floral note — almost like dried rose petal — emerges on the retrohale.
Final Third
The finish intensifies with roasted coffee bean, dark baker's chocolate, and a lingering earthiness. Molasses and a touch of toasted oak join the profile, and the cigar closes with a satisfying, long finish that is simultaneously bold and well-composed.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction on the Tabernacle Havana Six is excellent — the draw is slightly firm but ideal, producing dense, voluminous smoke; the burn line holds true with minimal touchups needed, and the ash is firm, silvery-grey, and holds in inch-plus columns.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or a 12-year Barbadian rum like Doorly's XO; the molasses and chocolate notes in the cigar mirror the spirit's sweetness without clashing
Wine
Amarone della Valpolicella — its dried fruit richness, leather, and dark chocolate profile mirrors the cigar's complexity; alternatively a California Zinfandel with jammy dark fruit
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin dark roast Ethiopian or Guatemalan coffee, brewed as a pour-over — the coffee's fruity-chocolate character harmonizes with the cigar's dried cherry and cocoa notes
Who Should Smoke This?
The Tabernacle Havana Six Corona is ideal for the intermediate to advanced smoker seeking complexity without excess. This is the cigar for someone ready to graduate from milder expressions toward full-bodied territory, but who values nuance over raw power. The corona format makes it perfect for the time-conscious aficionado—a 90-minute to two-hour smoke fits naturally into an evening ritual or celebratory occasion without monopolizing the entire session. It's equally suited to the collector building a well-rounded humidor. Beginners should approach with mild caution; while approachable, its medium-full strength and sophisticated flavor progression demand respect and intentional palate attention.
Bottom Line
The Tabernacle Havana Six Corona is a masterclass in proportional complexity, delivering sophisticated flavor progression and flawless construction at a price that feels like an oversight in the premium cigar market. This is the cigar savvy smokers buy by the box.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Tabernacle cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona a strong cigar?
Yes—it registers as medium-full (4/5 on the strength scale), making it a moderately powerful smoke. It has backbone without being aggressive, and the strength integrates naturally with the flavor progression rather than dominating it.
What does the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona taste like?
The first third opens with baking chocolate, dried cherry, and cedar. The second third introduces leather, espresso, and creamy nougat with subtle floral notes. The final third closes with roasted coffee, dark chocolate, molasses, and toasted oak—a complex, well-composed profile that evolves throughout the smoke.
How long does the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona take to smoke?
Expect a 90-minute to two-hour smoke, depending on pacing. The corona format makes it accessible for those without extended time commitments, while rewarding unhurried, contemplative enjoyment.
What is the best pairing for the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona?
Aged rum is ideal—particularly Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or a 12-year Barbadian expression like Doorly's XO. For wine, Amarone della Valpolicella or California Zinfandel complement the chocolate and dried fruit notes beautifully. Coffee drinkers should opt for a single-origin dark roast, brewed as pour-over.
Is the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona good for beginners?
Not ideal for brand-new smokers. While approachable, its medium-full strength and nuanced flavor profile demand palate development and intentional technique. Better suited to intermediate smokers transitioning toward fuller-bodied cigars.
Where can I buy the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona?
As a core Foundation Cigar Co. release, the Havana Six is widely distributed through authorized premium cigar retailers. Availability varies by region; check with established brick-and-mortar shops or verified online retailers specializing in premium cigars.
What is the price of the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona?
The Tabernacle Havana Six Corona retails between $12 and $16 per cigar, making it one of the most compelling values in the premium segment for the complexity and construction delivered.
Is the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and the cigar delivers excellent quality immediately upon purchase. While additional aging may deepen complexity, the Havana Six is not marketed as a candidate for extended cellaring, and immediate enjoyment does not diminish the experience.
What wrapper does the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona use?
A Connecticut Broadleaf Havana Seed wrapper grown in the USA. The leaf displays a Colorado Maduro shade with a deep reddish-brown to dark espresso color, lightly toothy texture, and subtle sheen. The 'Havana Six' designation specifically references this Cuban-seed heritage.
Where is the Tabernacle Havana Six Corona made?
Hand-rolled at Tabacalera Agroindustrial in Danlí, Honduras. The cigar is part of the Tabernacle line launched by Foundation Cigar Co. (Nick Melillo) in 2017, blending Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers with a Honduran binder.