Foundation Cigar Company is proud to announce the return of the Highclere Castle Senetjer as an annual limited release. Beginning this November, Senetjer will be available through select tobacconists to celebrate the enduring partnership between Foundation Cigars and Highclere Castle. Initially crafted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, Senetjer is now an annual November release.
The tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun was unearthed by renowned archaeologist Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the great-grandfather of the current Earl and owner of Highclere Castle. The partnership pays homage to this historical event and brings the rich cultural history of Egypt into the luxury cigar market.
“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.”
The Senetjer cigar is named after the ancient Egyptian word for “incense,” which means “of the gods” or “to make holy.” The presentation box itself is inspired by the storage boxes found in King Tut’s tomb and includes a Scarab, an authentic replica of a pectoral necklace worn by the young pharaoh. The Scarab is a symbol of transformation and represents Tutankhamun’s name, further enhancing the historical significance of this release.
In collaboration with Lord Carnarvon, the current Earl of Highclere Castle, Foundation Cigar Company has continued to craft the blend inspired by the cigars enjoyed by the Earl’s ancestors in the 1920s. “The Senetjer blend pays homage to the rich tradition of cigars in my family, a passion that dates back to the roaring twenties,” said George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon. The 5th Earl, like the current Lord Carnarvon, was known for his love of fine cigars, making this collaboration a fitting tribute to the past.
Egyptologists Colleen and John Darnell played a key role in the project, advising on the historical elements of the release. “We translated the Highclere Castle name into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, which appear on the box,” explained Highclere Castle Cigar co-founder Adam von Gootkin. “These hieroglyphs translate to ‘The Great Estate; she who is high, she who is bright or clear,’ reflecting the majestic essence of Highclere Castle.”
The Senetjer is a 6 ¾ x 52 perfecto, featuring a 7th Priming Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and undisclosed aged fillers. Available in 12-count boxes, each cigar is priced at $33, with a box retail price of $396. The Senetjer begins shipping this week to select Foundation tobacconist throughout the country.
Cigar Details:
• Wrapper: 7th Priming Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
• Filler: Undisclosed, aged for three years
• MSRP: $33 per cigar, $396 per 12-count box
