Bold Flavors Unite: Foundation Tabernacle David & St. Augustine Port Bourbon

On a recent evening, I was looking for a short-ish smoke and reached for the Foundation Tabernacle David, a 5 x 54 Perfecto. To go with it, I dug deep into the bourbon shelves and pulled out a long-ignored but much-loved bottle of St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon.

The cigar had been resting in my humidor for about five months. I can’t say there was a reason for the wait other than my humidor being well-stocked with plenty of choices. The Tabernacle line has long been one of my favorites, no matter the vitola. The bourbon, on the other hand, has been rationed carefully since I picked it up in Florida about two years ago. Now about half gone, it remains a bottle I savor since it isn’t available locally through our state-controlled ABC stores.

The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars is the brainchild of Nick Melillo and is produced by AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. The original blend features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Mexican San Andrés binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa) and Honduran (Jamastrán) fillers. An extension of the line, the Havana Seed CT-142, sports an oily Connecticut 142 wrapper that undergoes extended aging.

While I’ve smoked both blends, I find myself drawn more to the original Tabernacle, typically in Robusto or Toro sizes. The David is one of two Perfectos in the lineup, alongside the larger Goliath (5 x 58), both released in October 2020.

A couple of clips from the sharply pointed head still left the draw slightly snug, thanks to the small foot. Once lit, the burn opened as the cigar reached its fuller ring gauge.

The opening flavors sat in the medium-bodied range, with notes of mild spice, dark chocolate, and cocoa. As the burn progressed into the wider portion, the profile truly came alive. Bitter cocoa took the lead, joined by toasted nuts, and the strength pushed into full-bodied territory. Creamy sweetness appeared to balance the richness. Toward the finish, both spice and sweet chocolate carried the lead.

The David really shines in the midsection, offering distinct transitions throughout its 65-minute smoke time. If I’m honest, the first inch is a little underwhelming compared to what follows. Perfectos are always fun and interesting, but they aren’t always the best showcase for a blend.

The bourbon was an ideal match. St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon is finished in barrels from the local San Sebastian Winery, which then reuses the casks for their port-style fortified wine. Aged about three years and bottled at 102 proof, the spirit pours a deep ruby color. The nose carries caramel and dark fruit, with the port influence unmistakable. On the palate, rich notes of dark cherry, fig, and raisin dominate, rounded out by a long finish accented with black pepper.

Together, the Foundation Tabernacle David and St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon made for a rich, indulgent pairing. The dark, layered flavors of both cigar and whiskey were perfect companions for a cool pre-fall evening, a preview of many more porch nights to come.

Cheers!