New Exhibition on Cigar Photography at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is proud to sponsor a new exhibit on cigar photography at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, located in Tampa’s Ybor City historic cigar district. The exhibit, Cigars! Photography, Industry, and Identity, pairs rare nineteenth and early twentieth-century vintage photographs of tobacco growing, cigar making, and cigar smoking from The Burns Collection & Archive in New York with modern photographs of the 25 cigar factories still standing in Tampa by Zack Wittman. The exhibit celebrates the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled in Ybor City in 1886 and is open through July 19.

The Burns Collection includes more than one million historic photographs from the early era of photography. In support of the exhibition, the Burns Collection published a book, Cigars: From Seed to Smoke, A Photographic History, featuring 250 vintage photographs documenting the early days of the cigar industry. J.C. Newman commissioned Wittman, an award-winning documentary photographer, to capture 12,000 images of Tampa’s remaining cigar factories. Last year, Newman and Wittman published Cigar City: A Legacy of Tampa’s Founding Industry.

On Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m., J.C. Newman’s historian Holden Rasmussen will give a presentation at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts on the history and evolution of the cigar industry in Tampa. We invite you to join us at this special event.

Cigars! honors Ybor City’s enduring legacy as the cigar capital of the world through the powerful lens of photography, bridging the golden age of cigar making with its vibrant present while celebrating the deep roots that shaped the city’s cultural and economic foundation.

Presented in collaboration with The Burns Collection & Archive in New York and Tampa’s own J.C. Newman Cigar Company, the exhibition offers a rare visual dialogue across centuries. Nineteenth and early twentieth-century original vintage photographs from The Burns Collection transport visitors to a time when immigrants were at the heart of Ybor City’s rise, bringing with them cigar-making expertise, revolutionary ideals, and a rich cultural heritage that transformed Tampa into a global hub of industry and identity.

These historical images of factory life, skilled cigar rollers, and moments of everyday community are placed in conversation with compelling contemporary photographs by Zack Wittman, who documents the 25 remaining cigar factory buildings in present-day Tampa and the people who carry forward this legacy. Wittman’s work, created in partnership with the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, offers an intimate look at how Cuban, Spanish, and Italian traditions, labor practices, and pride remain embedded in Ybor City’s living culture.

Timed to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled in Ybor City on April 13, 1885, the exhibition reveals how photography has long served as a tool to preserve and reimagine the Ybor City story, as well as American history—one of migration, resistance, artistry, and community. Cigars! celebrates not only the history of an industry but also the lasting contributions of the people whose spirit continues to define Ybor City’s past, present, and future.

El Rey del Mundo King of the World VSOP (6 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Forged Cigar Co.)

El Rey del Mundo is launching a new, limited-edition cigar for those who appreciate aged complexity and bold character from their smoking experiences. The cigar, called El Rey del Mundo King of the World VSOP, was rolled in 2021 and has been carefully resting in STG’s aging room waiting for its opportunity to shine.

King of the World VSOP boasts an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan Habano binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican Habano fillers. It is available in a single size — a 6 x 52 Toro. King of the World VSOP was produced at STG Estelí in Nicaragua. The new cigar represents a follow-up to the limited-edition El Rey del Mundo King of the World, which was released in 2024. King of the World VSOP is a medium-to-full-bodied cigar.

Ed Lahmann, Senior Brand Manager for El Rey del Mundo, said, “Fans, for many decades, have always relied on El Rey del Mundo for its exceptional cigars at an exceptional price. King of the World VSOP stays true to this statement and delivers one of the best cigars that we’ve made in a long time. This cigar really punches above its weight, giving cigar smokers across the country a chance to experience the elegance of El Rey del Mundo at a price that’s hard to say no to.”

Only 2,000 boxes of El Rey del Mundo King of the World VSOP have been produced. Suggested Retail Price (SRP) per cigar is $10.99. Each box contains 16 cigars. 

The cigar is nicely made and has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were somewhat of a pear, light brown sugar, and a lot of very heavy black coffee which I'll call espresso. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. An ok start but there is a lot of espresso.

At the first third (22 minutes) the black coffee seems to have pulled back just a little allowing the sweet notes to come out. I still had the pear-ish notes and there is somewhat of a citrus to go along with them, a little more brown sugar, a dribble of nougat, a little earthiness, and quite a bit of espresso. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is pretty good at this point. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (52 minutes) there was a big swing. The sweetness is very light. There is some bitterness and very little brown sugar. The espresso is back up and it's way up. The earthiness has also increased. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar lost a lot of what it was in the first third. I rated the second third 89.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 19 minutes. In the final third I had a little brown sugar, roasted pecans, and heavy espresso. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the final third 85. The cigar started off with some promise but faded quickly.

Overall Score: 89

Cohiba Serie M Reserva Plata (6 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Cohiba Cigars has again partnered with the storied El Titan de Bronze Factory in Miami to produce a new, American-made cigar. Serie M Reserva Plata marks the sixth time Cohiba and El Titan de Bronze have collaborated on a Serie M Cigar. And like previous releases, all Serie M Reserva Platas are hand-made by Certified Level 9 rollers.

The limited-edition Serie M Reserva Plata boasts an entirely new, five-leaf blend. It begins with a rich Mexican San Andrés wrapper. Underneath rests a bold and balanced Nicaraguan Estelí binder, along with Nicaraguan Jalapa Viso & Ligero, Estelí, and Dominican Piloto Cubano fillers. Serie M Reserva Plata offers tasting notes of cocoa, wood, and hazelnut.

Sean Williams, Cohiba Brand Ambassador, said, “This is our 6th Serie M Release, and it continues to be a pleasure working with El Titan de Bronze to create a special expression each year for this line. Serie M Reserva Plata is just that... special. It marks only the second time we’ve ever used a San Andrés wrapper on any Cohiba cigar. Married with the rest of this terrific blend, Serie M Reserva Plata really delivers a deep, rich, well-balanced profile.”

Serie M Reserva Plata is available in a single size: a 6 X 52 Toro. It was produced by El Titan de Bronze in Miami, Florida. Only 3,000 boxes have been made available for sale. Serie M Reserva Plata is a limited-edition cigar and will begin shipping to authorized Cohiba retailers in March 2026. It is sold in ten-count boxes. SRP per cigar is $29.99.

The cigar is well made and has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good with a touch of firmness. The initial flavors at light up were lemon, lime, brown sugar, a little earthiness and leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.

At the first third (32 minutes) the cigar is basically the same; lemon/lime, brown sugar, earthiness, black coffee, and leather. All the flavors are working very well together. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar tastes very good. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 10 minutes) the cigar was earthier with more black coffee. The sweet notes are still nice and at about 75% of what they were in the first third. The cigar is a low grade medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar lost just a tick. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 51 minutes. Nothing much changed. There is the slightest amount of citrus peel in the front end flavors but it does not hurt the cigar. In reality, lemon, lime, and citrus peel are all sort of similar so no harm, no foul. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I held the score of 93. This is a good cigar. A little pricey, but good.

Overall Score: 93.33

J.C. Newman Celebrates Victory Before the Supreme Court of Estonia

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Estonia struck down the Estonian Health Board’s excessive €5,000 annual fee to register each type of cigar.  The Court ruled that the Estonian government’s one-size-fits-all approach to tobacco regulation was unconstitutional as applied to premium cigars.  As the named plaintiff in the case, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. sued the Estonian Government on behalf its longtime importer, Sigari Maja.

 “Around the world, premium cigars continue to face an onslaught of excessive government regulation,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation cigar maker and J.C. Newman’s general counsel.  “We have proudly sold our cigars in Estonia for more than 25 years.  By imposing a €5,000 annual fee for every type of cigar sold in the country, the Estonian government effectively forced most premium cigars off the market, greatly reducing the number of cigars available to Estonian consumers.”

In explaining its decision, the Supreme Court recognized that premium cigars are sold in small quantities and cannot absorb the same regulatory costs as mass-market tobacco products with vastly higher sales volumes.  The Court directed the Health Board to establish a new fee structure tailored to premium cigars that reflects the significantly lower cost of regulating these products.

“This decision is an important victory against government overregulation of premium cigars,” said Newman. “I hope this victory in Estonia will spread throughout Europe and encourage policymakers to treat premium cigars fairly. My family and I are proud to have supported this effort, and we are deeply grateful to Sigari Maja and attorneys Armin Heinsaar and Margus Reilan for their outstanding work in achieving this result before Estonia’s highest court.”

Step inside Ybor City’s El Reloj, the last operating cigar factory in America

In the heart of Ybor City, where Tampa’s cigar industry was born, one factory is still keeping that legacy alive. 

J.C. Newman Cigar Company is now the last operating cigar factory in the United States — a distinction that makes it not just a business, but a living piece of American history.

Inside the historic El Reloj factory, cigars are still crafted using techniques passed down through generations. Skilled rollers work by hand, shaping each cigar with precision — a process that has largely disappeared in modern manufacturing.

The company, founded in 1895, has deep roots in Tampa and played a major role in shaping Ybor City into what was once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World."

Today, that tradition continues under the Newman family, who have preserved both the craft and the culture that defined the area for more than a century.

Beyond production, the factory doubles as a museum experience.

Visitors can walk through the facility on guided tours, watching cigars being made in real time while learning about the industry’s impact on Tampa. The building itself is filled with history — from antique cigar molds and tools to some of the oldest cigars in the world still preserved onsite.

The factory’s iconic clock tower, "El Reloj," has become a symbol of Ybor City’s rich heritage.

J.C. Newman continues to open its doors to the public, offering tours throughout the week and inviting visitors to step back in time and experience a craft that helped build Tampa.

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2GuysCigars.com Announces Fourth Barrel Aged Cigar Collaboration with Single Cask Nation & Aganorsa Leaf

2GuysCigars.com, in collaboration with Single Cask Nation and Aganorsa Leaf Cigars, is thrilled to reveal their fourth Single Cask Nation Cigar collaboration project. This unique cigar experience blends expert cigar craftsmanship and a distinctive peated barrel aging process available exclusively at 2GuysCigars.com

The previous three Single Cask Nation Cigar projects were released in 2019, 2021, and 2023. While the first three projects combine top-quality Nicaraguan tobacco with the distinctive flavors of bourbon and rye carefully selected by the Single Cask Nation team, this fourth project incorporates the use of an ex-peated barrel from Balcones Distillery, based in Waco,TX.

“This project is always one of the most challenging to execute. Ensuring the barrel contributes just the right amount to the flavor and aroma requires extreme attention to detail and my personal supervision over the entire progression, a process which on average takes two years before we are ready for release.” Terence Reilly, Aganorsa Leaf’s VP of Sales and Marketing continues, “That said, the extra effort makes it also one of the most rewarding projects and it’s always a pleasure to work with 2GuysCigars.com and Single Cask Nation on these barrel aged releases, especially when the boxes sell out so fast!”

Cigar Details:

Wrapper: Corojo 99

Binder: Corojo 99, and Criollo 98 Double Binder Fillers: Corojo 99 and Criollo 98

Size: 5.5 x 50

Price: $14 per single cigar, $140 per box of 10 Limited Availability: Only 200 boxes are up for grabs.

On-Sale Date: Friday May 15th at 10am Eastern

“It continues to be an honor to work with Aganorsa Leaf and 2GuysCigars.com on what is now our 4th collaborative cigar. Because Jason, Jess, and I are whisky drinkers first and cigar smokers second we’re lucky to have our Cigar Czar, Yoni Miller, on board to work hand in hand with Aganorsa Leaf. The qualities and nuanced flavors from our Balcones single malt marry so well with, and enhance, the rich flavors of the tobaccos chosen for this cigar. It makes for a truly unique and wonderful smoking experience!” Said Joshua Hatton, Co-Founder of Single Cask Nation.

 David Garofalo, Founder of 2GuysCigars.com, added, “This being our fourth collaboration with Single Cask Nation and Aganorsa Leaf, it always comes down to doing something different and this one delivers. The peated barrel adds a unique layer of complexity you don’t typically find in a cigar.”

Yoni Miller, Single Cask Nation’s ‘Cigar Czar,’ added “this cigar is uniquely different than the other three batches. The barrel influence is throughout the entire cigar. It adds more body to the cigar and the finish leaves you with the taste of the whisky. However, it’s not overpowering- any Aganorsa fan will still pick up their DNA.”

For more information or to purchase these special cigars, please visit www.2GuysCigars.com/single-cask-nation-cigars

El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua Robusto (5 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

El Titan de Bronze announces El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua, marking the first time in the company’s history that a cigar is produced outside of the United States — a defining milestone for the Miami-based boutique manufacturer.

Founder Sandra Cobas remains actively involved in preserving the brand’s tradition and uncompromising quality standards, while President Giselle Herrera leads the company’s strategic expansion into new markets. Together, they represent the strength of legacy and the vision of the next generation. This release also marks the first cigar in the company’s portfolio to receive broad national distribution, reinforcing El Titan de Bronze’s growing presence across the country.

Manufactured at Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. (NACSA), El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua features a Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican binder, and Nicaraguan fillers, delivering a rich, bold smoking experience rooted in premium tobacco and meticulous craftsmanship.

“This moment reflects both our heritage and our future,” said Cobas and Herrera. “Producing our first cigar outside the United States allows us to expand thoughtfully while maintaining the high standards that define El Titan de Bronze. For over thirty years, we've produced some of the finest small-batch cigars in the industry, and we are delighted to bring the El Titan experience to cigar lovers everywhere.”

El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua is available in four sizes — Corona (6.25 x 48), Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), and Gigante (6 x 60). Suggested retail price ranges from $7.99 to $9.49 per cigar. Each box contains 20 cigars.

The cigar is very well made and has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was ok but I used the PerfecDraw to open the draw a little. The initial flavors at light up were light orange citrus, citrus peel, and brown sugar with a lot of earthiness, tanned leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. A concerning start.

At the first third (23 minutes) the sweet notes are barely there. There was faint orange citrus, a little more citrus peel, a dribble of brown sugar, and plenty of earthiness, leather, and black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is black coffee with a little citrus/citrus peel note with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 90. Barely something I would want again.

As I moved through the second third (43 minutes) the cigar is not getting better. The notes are citrus peel, a dab of brown sugar, a lot of earthiness, leather and black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is leathery black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 85.

I called the cigar at the 1 hour 4 minute mark. It did not get any better and and actually got worse as I went. There is hardly any kind of sweetness to speak of. Just a lot of black coffee, earthiness, and leather. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is black coffee. I rated the final third 80. For a cigar called "Nicaragua" I expected typical Nicaragua type notes. El Titan de Bronze makes some very good cigars but for me, this is not one of them. I had thoughts of buying a box before I sampled these but that thought quickly went away. For reference, the Redemption Robusto that they came out with 2 years ago was an excellent cigar. It was one of my top cigars for 2024. While every cigar is not for everybody I found this cigar to be quite lacking.

Overall Score: 85

Bolivar Aniversario (6 X 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Forged Cigar Co.)

To celebrate over 130 years in the industry, Bolivar Cigars is releasing a new, limited-edition cigar. Bolivar Aniversario represents both the innovative spirit of the brand and its commitment to tradition.

Aniversario features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Brazilian Arapiraca binder, and filler tobacco from Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. This combination of rare tobaccos and exceptional craftsmanship delivers a uniquely indulgent smoking experience that fans new and old will appreciate. It is worth noting that this limited-edition cigar also has a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) under $10.

Aniversario was produced in Honduras at HATSA. It is available in a single size — a 6 X 52 Toro — and will begin shipping in March 2026.

Joe Krzyston, Brand Manager of Bolivar Cigars, said, “Not only is Bolivar Aniversario a remarkable cigar filled with rare Argentine and Paraguayan tobacco, but it also offers incredible value for the discerning smoker. This is a fantastic blend that produces a wonderful smoke, perfect for any occasion.”

SRP of Bolivar Aniversario is $9.99 per cigar. Aniversario is available in convenient ten-count boxes.

Bolivar Aniversario (6 X 52); SRP per cigar $9.99

The cigar is nicely made and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were apricot, brown sugar, a little tanned leather, and quite a bit of black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (27 minutes) the apricot and brown sugar are making a nice flavor and it's a little syrupy. The leather is a little more prominent and it's more of a standard leather flavor instead of tanned. And there's plenty of black coffee but not too much. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is earthy apricot with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (56 minutes) the black coffee rose considerably. The apricot and brown sugar are on the light side. Even the leather has decreased. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost a lot with the increase in black coffee. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 21 minutes. It made a minor improvement. The apricot and brown sugar are more noticeable and the black coffee slightly decreased. There's a touch of earthiness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is earthy apricot with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar did not get back to the first third notes but it improved to a 91. This is a cigar worth trying especially at it's price point.

Overall Score: 91.33

J.C. Newman Unveils America250 Banners From Its Historic Cigar Factory

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has hung large America250 banners from its historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. El Reloj is the last traditional cigar factory in the United States. Visible from Interstate 4, the 24-foot-tall banners signify that J.C. Newman is rolling cigars with the official America250 branding this year.

 “J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” said fourth-generation cigar maker Drew Newman. “Cigars have been an important part of our country since its founding. Therefore, it is only fitting that we celebrate America’s 250th birthday with cigars handmade in America.”

 First planted in the Virginia Colony in 1612, tobacco fueled the growth of the early Americas. At the time of the American Revolution, tobacco was cultivated in all 13 Colonies and many founders, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were tobacco farmers.

 “When my great-grandfather founded our family business in 1895, there were 40,000 cigar factories in the United States,” said Newman. “Today, El Reloj is the last large cigar factory still rolling cigars in the country. It is our privilege to keep America’s historic cigar-making tradition alive by handcrafting exquisite cigars in America.”

This year, J.C. Newman is placing official America250 foot bands on the following cigar brands handmade in Tampa:

• The American is the first 100% all-American cigar. It is rolled in El Reloj entirely from heirloom American tobaccos, and all of its packaging is made in America as well. 

• First rolled for Spain’s King Alfonso XIII a century ago, Angel Cuesta is a smooth and refined cigar with an Ecuador Havana or Nicaraguan Shade wrapper. 

• LeRoy Neiman Collector’s Edition cigars celebrate America’s famous cigar-smoking artist. This year’s edition features The President’s Birthday, a painting depicting Marilyn Monroe serenading President John F. Kennedy.

• Because Tampa is world famous as Cigar City, its first professional baseball team was called the Tampa Smokers. This cigar celebrates the century-old tradition of cigars and baseball.

In 2016, Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to plan and coordinate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026. America250, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aims to engage all Americans in celebrating this historic milestone—including through licensing its America250 branding for unique, made-in-America products.

The Newman family invites cigar enthusiasts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by lighting America250 cigars and visiting the historic El Reloj cigar factory. Walking through the factory is like stepping back in time. Visitors can explore J.C. Newman’s museum, take a guided factory tour, learn how to hand roll cigars, or attend a private event. El Reloj is the highest rated museum in Tampa on TripAdvisor. 

 In his 1958 autobiography Smoke Dreams, company founder Julius C. Newman wrote, “I could not help but realize more than ever what a great country this is. I am filled more than ever with deep pride to be an American.”

Davidoff Puro Dominicano Perfecto (5 1/2 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

The Davidoff Puro Dominicano was a 2009 limited edition, offered in a 5 3/4 x 48 belicoso. It is returning to shelves in 2026, this time as a regular production line with three different vitolas and new packaging.

As the name implies, blend-wise, Puro Dominicano, Spanish for pure Dominican or Dominican cigar, is made entirely of Dominican tobacco. Davidoff has not specified which tobaccos it uses, but says that there’s tobacco from six different regions, aged for a combined 32 years. A spokesperson for Davidoff told halfwheel that this is a new blend and not the same as the 2009 version.

It will be offered in three vitolas:

Davidoff Puro Dominicano Short Robusto (4 1/2 x 52) — $19.80 (Pack of 5, $99/Box of 12, $237.60)

Davidoff Puro Dominicano Corona Larga (5 7/8 x 44) — $23.30 (Pack of 5, $116.50/Box of 12, $279.60)

Davidoff Puro Dominicano Perfecto (5 1/2 x 50) — $25.20 (Pack of 5, $126/Box of 12, $302.40)  REVIEWED TODAY

Puro Dominicano is joining the company’s Black Band Collection, which includes other brands like Escurio, Nicaragua and Yamasá.

The cigar is nicely made and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was pretty good but I used the PerfecDraw to open the draw a little. The initial flavors at light up were a tangy orange citrus, brown sugar, cinnamon, lime, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 or a little more. Nice start.

At the first third (19 minutes) the flavors have morphed into a sweet, rich apricot, brown sugar, cinnamon, and black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied but it will move up quickly. The finish is mostly apricot with remnants of black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar at this point is very good. I rated the first third 96.

As I moved through the second third (43 minutes) the cigar got very earthy. The black coffee is up a little also. The apricot is not rich but still there and struggling to keep up with the earthiness. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is largely unchanged but there is a little more black coffee and there is very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 30 minutes. It really slowed down in the final third. The cigar sort of kept going the same direction but in the final third the earthiness backed off and the black coffee increased. The sweetness seemed to come through but just as in the second third it had trouble keeping up with the black coffee and earthiness. The cigar is very full bodied, which is somewhat of a surprise. The finish is apricot with earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. The flavors are not that bad but not as good as the first third. I rated the final third 93. Although this is not an inexpensive cigar it's pretty good. Definitely worth trying. I just wish it had stayed the way it was In the first third.

Overall Score: 94.33