Foundation Cigar Company is proud to announce the nationwide release of the 2025 Tabernacle Knight Commander, the newest annual edition of the limited-production cigar created to honor one of Ethiopia’s most historic distinctions of service. Shipping begins to authorized retailers across the United States this week, with this year’s production limited to 750 prized boxes.
The Knight Commander vitola was first introduced following Foundation founder Nicholas Melillo’s investiture in 2022 as a Knight Commander of the Ethiopian Star of Honor, an Imperial Order established in 1889 by Emperor Menelik II. The order recognizes extraordinary contributions made to the Ethiopian people—both historically and in the modern era—making it one of the most meaningful civilian honors in Ethiopian tradition.
“The day I received the Knight Commander distinction remains one of the great honors of my life,” said Nicholas Melillo, Founder and Master Blender of Foundation Cigar Company.“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.“
In keeping with its founding purpose, 100% of Foundation’s net proceeds from the Knight Commander release are donated to charitable projects in Ethiopia through The Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET). Funds support education initiatives, scholarships, cultural heritage preservation, and humanitarian programs across the country.
“The Knight Commander is more than a cigar—it’s a way for our customers and community to participate directly in meaningful work,” Melillo added. “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.”
The 2025 edition of the Tabernacle Knight Commander will begin shipping to tobacconists throughout the country.
