A Closer Look at JC Newman's Tampa Smokers Release

We are proud to celebrate the launch of Tampa Smokers — a cigar that pays tribute to Cigar City’s rich legacy of craftsmanship and America’s favorite pastimes.

Every detail in this release was thoughtfully designed, from the bat-shaped cigar and vintage-inspired packaging to the hand-numbered, limited-edition cigar case by Brizard & Co. Crafted in California using the same ash wood found in baseball bats and authentic leather like that used in vintage gloves, this case is a true collector’s item — and a nod to the game’s golden era.

Now, we’re excited to share a few more visuals that highlight the spirit and story behind Tampa Smokers.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is shipping the first release of Tampa Smokers

Today J.C. Newman Cigar Co. began shipping its new Tampa Smokers cigars to more than 100 cigar retailers around the country.  This first release includes boxes of Tampa Smokers cigars handmade by J.C. Newman in Tampa and a baseball-inspired cigar case handcrafted by Brizard in California along with a retro Tampa Smokers cap and a 1947 vintage Tampa Smokers program.

“Baseball and cigars are two of America’s historic pastimes,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman. “It is only fitting to celebrate the new baseball season with a special cigar that honors Tampa’s first professional baseball team, the Tampa Smokers.”

A photo of the 1947 Tampa Smokers team from the Smithsonian Institution.

A century ago, Tampa was known as the Fine Cigar Capital of the World. The 200 cigar factories in Tampa handcrafted more than 700 million cigars per year. In 1919, Tampa’s first baseball team was named the Tampa Smokers to celebrate its place as Cigar City. Many famous athletes played for the Tampa Smokers, including Al Lopez, who was the son of cigar workers and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Tampa Smokers cigars are handmade in J.C. Newman’s iconic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa with Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Latin America where baseball continues to be a favorite pastime.  This release includes 500 boxes of 11 Tampa Smokers cigars: ten 6" x 52 toros ($20 SRP) and a 7" baseball bat ($40 SRP).  This release also includes 250 limited edition and numbered Tampa Smokers case handcrafted by Brizard in California with authentic leather used on vintage baseball gloves and ash wood that is used in baseball bats.  Each case includes three Tampa Smokers toro cigars.

J.C. Newman launched Tampa Smokers last month at a sold-out event with 150 cigar-loving baseball enthusiasts and local baseball celebrities at the Tampa Baseball Museum.  Fox 13 Tampa Bay also aired a story highlighting our new Tampa Smokers cigars and the deep connection between baseball and cigars in Tampa.

CTP Director Brian King Removed

 

Brian King, Director of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), was removed from office along with dozens of staff as part of the Trump Administration’s effort to refocus the agency on its core mission.

In 2022, a study commissioned by FDA (the Reagan Udall Report) noted that CTP struggled to function as a regulator. The report emphasized that CTP needs to fully understand and engage directly with its impacted industries before attempting to regulate them.

Last week, a delegation from the Cigar Association of America (CAA) met with the White House to highlight the industry’s broad economic impact. CAA also expressed frustration with CTP’s singular approach to rulemaking, which often threatens the viability of cigar and pipe tobacco products.

While CTP is statutorily prohibited from banning tobacco products, they have continued to propose regulations that would have the effect of removing cigar and pipe tobacco products from the market in their current form,” said Scott Pearce, President Cigar Association of America (CAA).

CTP has long faced criticism for prioritizing political expediency regarding tobacco products regulation. Critics argue that this approach undermines the agency's commitment to evidence-based policy and jeopardizes its credibility with the public. With underage tobacco use at record lows across the nation, many have viewed CTP’s adversarial posture as evidence the agency is too closely aligned with advocacy groups to fairly regulate tobacco markets.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Ships Yagua and Diamond Crown Black Diamond

This week, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is shipping the first release of the year of its famous Yagua and Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars. A total of 1,500 boxes of Yagua and 615 boxes of Diamond Crown Black Diamond are being shipped to 400 premium cigar retailers in 46 states. 

Yagua

“It continues to shock me that Yagua has developed a cult-like following,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman.  “I didn’t make Yagua to sell. In fact, I didn’t think that cigar enthusiasts would like Yagua because it breaks all of the cigar-making rules.  Yagua is misshapen and unattractive.  We roll it with underfermented tobacco, and no two Yagua are alike.”

 Yagua is a recreation of a farm-rolled cigar that Lazaro Lopez, general manager of the J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Nicaragua, remembers his grandfather making at his family’s tobacco farm in Cuba in the 1940s.  Over dinner in 2019, Lopez shared this story with Newman:

 “At our family farm, my grandfather would take fresh tobacco leaves from the curing barns and roll cigars without any molds or presses,” said Lopez. “In an attempt to give his cigars a traditional shape, he would tie a handful of them together using pieces of the Cuban royal palm tree, known as the yagua. When he was ready to enjoy his personal cigars, he untied the bundle. He loved how every cigar had its own unique shape. I still remember the rich aroma and taste of my grandfather’s cigars.”

 Shortly after being rolled, 20 Yagua cigars are bound together while still wet using a Yagua palmiche palm leaf. Each box of Yagua contains a bundle of 20 cigars still wrapped in the palm leaf.  Yagua cigars measure 6×54.

 “Yagua is a difficult cigar to roll because we use an under fermented Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, blend the filler tobaccos differently, and do not use the usual tools and techniques of a cigar factory,” said Newman. “As the wrapper is not fully fermented, we have age the cigars for a full year after they are rolled.”

Diamond Crown Black Diamond

Diamond Crown Black Diamond Cigars are the pinnacle of J.C. Newman’s Diamond Crown luxury cigar brand.  First introduced in 2016, Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars are hand rolled in Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic.  They feature an elegant and flavorful Connecticut Havana wrapper with a blend of very well-aged Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. 

“My grandfather, Stanford J. Newman, told me that his father, J.C. Newman taught him that we should aim to do something better every day,” said Drew Newman, general counsel, and fourth-generation owner.  “Although our Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars have been savored by cigar enthusiasts around the world for six years, I was not satisfied and wanted to make them better.”

Powstanie Unveils the Bejeweled Humidor – A Masterpiece of Luxury, Craftsmanship, and Opulence

Powstanie, the renowned Cigar manufacturer, has unveiled its newest creation: a limited edition collection of Bejeweled Humidors, designed to mimic the elegance and mystery of a golden treasure chest. The humidor, a stunning fusion of art and functionality, is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to excellence in both design and craftsmanship.

Each Bejeweled Humidor is meticulously handcrafted, adorned with an impressive array of precious gemstones, including 476 carats of diamonds, rubies, and other rare stones, adding a remarkable level of opulence to the piece. Designed to mimic the grandeur of a golden treasure chest, these humidors offer not only a practical storage solution for fine cigars but also an exquisite work of art that elevates any luxury collection.

Priced at an astounding $26 million, the Bejeweled Humidor is undeniably one of the most luxurious items of its kind. However, Powstanie has clarified that this exceptional piece is not for sale. The humidor is intended to serve as a one-of-a-kind collector’s item and a statement of ultimate prestige in the world of luxury goods.

"With this new creation, Powstanie has redefined what a humidor can be," said Mike Szczepankiewcz , founder and CEO of Powstanie. "It's not just a place to store cigars – it's a treasure, a symbol of luxury and wealth that speaks to the exceptional tastes of those who seek to own only the best. While it may not be for sale, we hope to inspire others to appreciate the unmatched artistry and dedication that goes into creating such a masterpiece."

The Bejeweled Humidor is a testament to Powstanie's legacy of pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship, luxury, and exclusivity. Each humidor is a unique and unparalleled creation, showcasing the company’s commitment to preserving the artistry of cigar storage while simultaneously elevating it to a new level of opulence.

LOFB Cigars Announces Skinny Bastarda for PCA Release: A Tribute to Women in The Industry

LOFB Cigars announces the release of the Skinny Bastarda to take place at PCA 2025 in New Orleans. Launched in collaboration with Quesada Cigars, The Skinny Bastarda is a 5 1/4 x 42 Corona crafted by women, for women. 

The Skinny Bastada is being produced at the esteemed Quesada factory in the Dominican Republic. Under the leadership of Raquel and Patricia Quesada, Quesada factory boasts a rich heritage in tobacco cultivation and cigar production spanning over fifty years. The Quesada family’s expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that the Skinny Bastarda embodies both tradition and innovation in premium cigar craftsmanship.Known for its commitment to donate 40% of net profits to men’s mental health, LOFB Cigars is launching the Skinny Bastarda as a means to recognise and encourage further conversation around the vital role that women play in the mental wellbeing of men. 

This special release from LOFB also celebrates female craftmanship, as LOFB founder Adam J. Levine explains: “This is truly a cigar made by women for women. The blend was created entirely by Raquel and Patricia, without my involvement. To uphold this concept, they have even chosen to keep the blend a secret from me—and let’s be honest, women are much better at keeping secrets than men. But after smoking the cigar, I can confidently say that even men will thoroughly enjoy this exceptional creation.” 

Raquel and Patricia Quesada said “As human beings we are all unique in our own ways, but mental health is something that unites us because we can all relate to it one way or another. So, when Adam approached us for this project, we jumped at the opportunity to contribute to this amazing cause. We are so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share it with the world!” 

The Skinny Bastarda will be available in a 5-count pack with an MSRP of $39.99. This latest release from LOFB Cigars reaffirms the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship along with its ongoing mission to make a meaningful impact in the cigar community. 

The official launch takes place at the PCA 2025 convention and trade show from 11-14 April in New Orleans, with the Skinny Bastarda available online and in-stores to follow. 

PLASENCIA CIGARS TO SHOWCASE A SERIES OF 5 PACKS FEATURING ALMA FUERTE AND ALMA DEL CAMPO AT THE 2025 PCA IN NEW ORLEANS

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower established in 1865, plans to introduce a new series of 5-packs, featuring the popular award-winning Alma Fuerte and Alma Del Campo blends. Six variations of the 5 packs will now be available on the market. After strong sales performance on the global Duty-Free channel, and successful tests in a limited number of duty paid markets, we are introducing these formats across all channels. The new 5-packs will be highlighted at the 2025 PCA trade show this upcoming April 11th through 14th and will be available for shipping in early April.

The new 5-pack presentation features our finest cigars, meticulously crafted with the same dedication and expertise that Plasencia Cigars is renowned for. This compact size is ideal for busy individuals who appreciate the luxury of a premium cigar but also require a more practical option for their active lifestyles.

The 6 variations of 5 Packs to be presented include:

·      Plasencia Alma Fuerte Néstor IV          MSRP $23.35 / Cigar ($116.75 / 5 Pack)

·      Plasencia Alma Fuerte Eduardo I         MSRP $23.35 / Cigar ($116.75 / 5 Pack)

·      Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robustus I       MSRP $21.45 / Cigar ($107.25 / 5 Pack)

·      Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robustus II      MSRP $21.45 / Cigar ($107.25 / 5 Pack)

·      Plasencia Alma Del Campo Sendero    MSRP $19.65 / Cigar ($98.25 / 5 Pack)

·      Plasencia Alma Del Campo Tribu         MSRP $17.10 / Cigar ($85.50 / 5 Pack)

Victor Lilue, CMO of Plasencia Cigars stated: "This offering not only meets the needs of our on-the-go premium cigar consumer but also provides retailers with an excellent opportunity to enhance their merchandising and sales strategies. “

Official Launch of the Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Collection

Romeo y Julieta proudly launches the 150th Anniversary Collection at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans this April—the premier event for premium cigar retailers. This iconic milestone is honored with a fully bespoke 150th Anniversary Humidor featuring an exclusive vitola created for the occasion. 

“In 19th-century Cuba, the brand’s founders read Romeo and Juliet aloud to factory workers, drawing inspiration from its timeless romance to name the brand,” said Olivia Saad, Senior Brand Manager for Romeo y Julieta. “These cigars were quite literally Crafted by Love, a tradition that continues to shape everything we do today. This dedication is reflected in the meticulously designed 150th Anniversary Humidor and brought to life in an immersive exhibit at PCA, where we are reaching new levels in storytelling, craftsmanship, and brand experience.” 

“This anniversary demands a cigar as exceptional as our legacy,” said Rafael Nodal, VP of Product Capability at Tabacalera U.S.A. “That’s why we introduced new rolling methods at Tabacalera de Garcia. For the first time, a specially trained team of master rollers employed innovative techniques, ensuring each cigar reflects 150 years of legacy.” 

The blend at the heart of the 150th Anniversary Collection was developed in collaboration with renowned tobacco producers and industry leaders. Crafted at Tabacalera de Garcia in the Dominican Republic, it features: 

Wrapper: Sumatra Ecuador, fermented under AJ Fernandez’s expert guidance. 

Binder: San Andrés, Mexico, cultivated by the Turrent Family. 

Fillers:  

Peruvian leaf & Honduran Jamastran Valley tobacco from the Plasencia Family. 

Dominican tobacco from Jose Mendez & Co. 

An aged leaf of undisclosed origin. 

This collection will be available in several formats: 

16-Count Boxes: 

Prologue - Bully (50 x 5) - MSRP: $25 per cigar 

Balconet - Toro (54 x 6) - MSRP: $27 per cigar 

Crescendo - Churchill (50 x 7) - MSRP: $28 per cigar 

3-Count Tins: Featuring Balconet - Toro (54 x 6) - MSRP: $81 per tin 

Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Humidor– Includes a variety of cigars, in addition to the limited-production, Reconciliation - Belicoso (52 x 6 ⅛) cigar 

J.C. Newman's El Reloj factory celebrates 115 year anniversary

When J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory opened on March 31, 1910, newspapers wrote that it was the largest and finest cigar factory in the world.  At that time, there were 40,000 cigar factories in the United States.  Today, El Reloj stands alone as the last traditional cigar factory still operating in America.

Walking inside El Reloj is like stepping back in time.  Inside, J.C. Newman handcrafts 60,000 cigars each day, the same way it did 100 years ago.  El Reloj’s famous cigar brands include The American, Angel Cuesta, LeRoy Neiman, and Tampa Smokers rolled entirely by hand on the third floor, and Factory Throwouts and Trader Jack’s rolled on hand-operated antique cigar machines on the second floor. El Reloj celebrates the centuries-old tradition of American cigar making.

El Reloj has also become the premier destination for cigar tourism in the United States.  Last year, more than 20,000 people visited El Reloj to walk through its cigar museum, take a guided factory tour, participate in a cigar-rolling or tobacco-tasting class, or attend an event.  Cigar enthusiasts can also create their own personal cigar blend at El Reloj through J.C. Newman’s personal reserve program.

El Reloj is the top-ranked museum in Tampa on Tripadvisor.  Our historic cigar factory has also been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NPR, and Fox News, among many others.

Today, J.C. Newman will celebrate El Reloj’s 115th birthday tonight with a free spoken-word event in Cigar Workers Park.  Local poets and historians will read poetry and prose related to El Reloj, Ybor City, and Tampa’s historic cigar tradition.

We invite you to join us and light up your favorite J.C. Newman cigar today in celebration of El Reloj’s 115th birthday!

Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) announces new toro vitolas for several of its core line

Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) is thrilled to announce the debut of new toro vitolas for several of its core line products at this year’s PCA trade show in New Orleans. Attendees are invited to visit Booth #3046 to see the display.   

Royalty, Lawless and Last Rites will now be available in a 6x50 Toro size. New vitolas will begin shipping promptly after the conclusion of PCA. 

"I'm excited to add these new vitolas to the original BLTC Core Line.  After a few years of consumer requests, we are happy to be able to add the toro size.  As a brand committed to continuous evolution and innovation, we strive to bring fresh experiences to our customers," said James Brown, visionary creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

Black Label Trading Company is redefining the standards for cigar making. With a “less is more” philosophy, Black Label Trading Co. creates hand crafted premium cigars of the utmost quality at their own factory in Nicaragua.

Freestyle Live Toro-April, 2025 (6 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Drew Estate Cigars)

The Freestyle Live Event Pack features a unique, Dominican-forward expression made “The Drew Estate Way” at La Gran Fabrica in Estelí, Nicaragua, and it is designed with a finesse never seen before in a traditional cigar from Drew Estate.

This release is a testament to Drew Estate’s dedication to its mission and manifesto: The Rebirth of Cigars. This cutting-edge expression demonstrates a break-out moment for the soon-to-be 30-year-old firebrand, Drew Estate. Recognized around the world for its rich, maduro heavy, full-bodied traditional cigar portfolio, Drew Estate has never been willing to be defined by the past and continues to seek out new boundaries to break in its ongoing journey of deep exploration of premium tobaccos, unique blending styles, and master craftsmanship. Today marks a new chapter for Drew Estate by introducing a silky-smooth blend that places Dominican tobaccos squarely in the spotlight.

“This is Drew Estate’s freshman entrance into the Dominican cigar space,” says Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate. “We’re about to set off some shit right here, and this is only the beginning of what’s yet to come with a Dominican focus - and we’re going to do it our way, The Drew Estate Way. Today’s new cigar was not conceptualized nor crafted to please everybody! It’s a beautiful expression of where we are right now in our company journey. We are in direct control of our future, with high purpose, and never forgetting our fans who’ve let us know they wanted a traditional mellow smoke in our maduro-heavy product portfolio. This new release is from a deep place called dope. It’s gonna get interesting.”

This Dominican-forward blend combines Drew Estate’s signature premium sweet cap with the highest-grade Connecticut shade wrapper leaf. Mellow in character, golden in color, and designed to be enjoyed at any time, this cigar reflects the best of Drew Estate manufacturing while honoring the Dominican Republic’s renowned tobacco heritage.

Cigar reveal to be April 8, 2025.

The cigar is a golden brown and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The sweetened cap is very sweet. Even before you light the cigar the sweetness cannot be denied. The initial flavors at light up were pear, brown sugar, cinnamon, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a bad start.

At the first third (28 minutes) I had the same basic flavors of pear, brown sugar, light cinnamon and black coffee but the black coffee is now pronounced and very earthy. And, of course you have the sweetened cap which plays a big part of the sweetness. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is the sweetened cap with a little earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. The flavors are not bad but they are not exciting me. I rated the first third 91.

As I moved through the second third (56 minutes) the sweet notes increased a little. The earthy black coffee pulled back somewhat. The cigar is still medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. With the increase of sweetness I raised the score to 92.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 29 minutes. I don't think anything changed in the final third. I held the score of 92. The cigar is medium bodied and the finish is unchanged. This is a fairly mild-ish cigar, especially for Drew Estate. It has some nice notes but they really don't grab me. They may be going after the milder audience. The cigar will be revealed April 8th.

Overall Score: 91.67

Supreme Leaf Gran Toro Vitola Coming to PCA

 

Aganorsa Leaf is proud to announce Supreme Leaf—one of our most exciting and sought-after cigars ever produced—will feature a new vitola with an updated look at PCA 2025. Using the same blend of entirely Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos grown on our farms in Nicaragua and packed in the same vibrant colors as the original production but with a more refined presentation, Supreme Leaf’s latest release will debut in a 6 x 56 Gran Toro.

Supreme Leaf launched five years ago and we wanted to offer a more sophisticated look to celebrate our most exciting brand,” states Terence Reilly, who serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The packaging update is intended to capture the striking design of the original and add an elegance to

the presentation. We selected a Gran Toro vitola for this special release because at 6 x 56 it will be the largest format we have ever released in this blend.”

Packaged in boxes of 10, Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Gran Toro will consist of 3,000 boxes and be available for retailers to order at PCA in April. MSRP will be listed at $15.99. For a brief video on this exciting new size of Supreme Leaf visit our YouTube channel: Supreme Leaf Gran Toro