06/09/2026
This week’s COTW is the Founders Cigar Co. Franklin Connecticut.
Some ci**rs are built to be loud. This one is built to be sharp.
Named after Benjamin Franklin, this cigar leans into that old-school American idea of wit, craftsmanship, and doing things with a little more intention than necessary. Franklin was not just one thing. Printer, inventor, diplomat, writer, thinker, problem-solver. The man had range.
This cigar follows that same kind of path.
At first glance, it looks smooth and approachable, wrapped in an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper with that clean, polished look people expect from a Connecticut. But underneath, there’s more going on than the wrapper lets on.
The Dominican Olor binder brings some depth and a little spice, while the filler blend of Dominican P. Cubano Seco, Dominican P. Cubano Ligero, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Viso gives it enough body to keep the smoke from falling flat.
You’ll get a clean, creamy start with cedar and vanilla, then a little pepper, leather, wood, and earthy sweetness start working their way in as it opens up.
It’s medium-bodied, smooth, and refined without being boring. The kind of cigar that works just as well during a quiet smoke by yourself as it does sitting around the lounge talking through bad ideas with good people.
The Franklin Connecticut is not trying to beat you over the head.
It’s steady. It’s thoughtful. It’s got enough character to earn its spot.
Grab one this week, light it up, and see why smooth doesn’t have to mean simple.
