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J.C. Newman Brings “El Reloj” to The Premium Cigar Association Trade Show

J.C. Newman Brings “El Reloj” to The Premium Cigar Association Trade Show

by | Jul 21, 2021 | Events and Appearances

J.C. Newman Recognized for its El Reloj Booth at PCA 2021
Won “Best in Show” and was the world’s largest cardboard trade show booth

Drew Newman, fourth generation cigar maker, said:

“It was wonderful seeing so many friends at the Premium Cigar Association trade show last week.  We were honored that our J.C. Newman booth won “Best in Show!”  My father, uncle, and I are especially grateful to our friends at GOKARTONwho recreated our historic El Reloj cigar factory out of 2,000 pieces of recycled cardboard.  Because I am very proud of the restoration of our 111-year-old cigar factory in Tampa, I wanted to bring a replica of El Reloj and our cigar museum to the trade show in Las Vegas. 

My family and I hope that you will visit us in Tampa, tour El Reloj, and experience our new three-level cigar museum, interactive theater, and hand rolling room.  Our goal is to continue our centuries-old tradition of American cigar making.  Just as many wineries, breweries, and distilleries welcome visitors, we hope that El Reloj will become the premier cigar tourism destination in the United States.”

To see photos of J.C. Newman’s booth, interviews with Drew Newman, and other recaps of the 2021 PCA Trade Show, please use the buttons below.

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J.C. Newman Brings “El Reloj” to The Premium Cigar Association Trade Show

J.C. Newman Brings “El Reloj” to The Premium Cigar Association Trade Show

by | Jul 10, 2021 | Events and Appearances

J.C. Newman Brings “El Reloj” to The Premium Cigar Association Trade Show

Constructs World’s Largest Cardboard Trade Show Booth

LAS VEGAS, NV – J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has recreated its iconic “El Reloj” cigar factory to the 2021 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show in Las Vegas this weekend.  J.C. Newman’s booth is a quarter-scale model of the west end of its 111-year-old cigar factory in Tampa and features a 26-foot-tall clock tower.  Visitors can walk inside El Reloj, tour a replica of J.C. Newman’s cigar museum, and view cigar artifacts from the company’s history.  Photos of the booth are below.

“In celebration of our company’s 125th anniversary last year, we restored our historic El Reloj factory in Tampa and opened a new three-level cigar museum, interactive theater, private events space, hand rolling cigar room, and factory store,” said Drew Newman, general counsel and fourth generation cigar maker.  “For the 2021 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show, I wanted to bring El Reloj to Las Vegas.” 

 J.C. Newman’s historian, Holden Rasmussen, will be giving tours of El Reloj to trade show visitors and sharing the history of the cigar industry in Ybor City and the United States.  J.C. Newman is the only cigar company with a full-time historian on staff.

“My family attended the first cigar trade show in 1933 and every show since then,” said Newman.  “Our replica of El Reloj is unlike any booth that has ever appeared at a cigar trade show.  It highlights the history of our family business and the premium cigar industry in America.”

The replica of El Reloj was built entirely out of recycled cardboard by GOKARTON, the leader in cardboard displays.  It is the world’s largest cardboard trade show booth.  After the trade show, it will be recycled.

Tampa Bay Lightning Celebrate Stanley Cup Win with J.C. Newman Cigars

Tampa Bay Lightning Celebrate Stanley Cup Win with J.C. Newman Cigars

by | Jul 10, 2021 | About the Company

 

 

Tampa Bay Lightning Celebrate Stanley Cup Win with J.C. Newman Cigars
J.C. Newman is the Exclusive Cigar Partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, FL – Last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated winning their second Stanley Cup Final in a row with custom Cuesta-Rey Aristocrat cigars. Imprinted with the Tampa Bay Lightning logo, these commemorative cigars were specially rolled for J.C. Newman Cigar Co. by Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic.

“For 145 years, Tampa has been known as ‘Cigar City,’” said Drew Newman, general counsel and fourth-generation cigar maker. “Today, Tampa is also known as ‘Champa Bay,” a city of champions. Because we handcraft cigars for relaxation and celebration, it is only fitting that Tampa’s latest championship was celebrated with some of Tampa’s finest cigars.”

“Last night, the Lightning were smokin’ – first on the ice and then in their locker room with our Cuesta-Rey cigars,” said Eric Newman, president and third-generation cigar maker.

“Our historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa is famous for its giant neon ‘Home of Cuesta-Rey Cigars’ sign,” said Bobby Newman, executive vice president and third-generation cigar maker. “Last night, the Lightning proved once again that Tampa is also the ‘Home of Champions.’”

As the Exclusive Cigar Partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, J.C. Newman sponsors a Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge overlooking the ice at Amalie Arena, the only place in the National Hockey League where cigar enthusiasts can enjoy a fine cigar while watching a game live. Last week, J.C. Newman’s master cigar roller Luis Gonzalez hand rolled cigars at Amalie Arena for fans attending Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

# # #

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Petitions to Import Cuban Tobacco Again

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Petitions to Import Cuban Tobacco Again

by | Jun 7, 2021 | Our Products

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Petitions to Import Cuban Tobacco Again
The last bale of pre-embargo Cuban tobacco in the United States is in J.C. Newman’s Tampa cigar factory. 

TAMPA, FL – J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the last operating cigar factory in the “Cigar City” of Tampa, Florida, filed a petition with the U.S. Department of State requesting authorization to import Cuban tobacco grown by “independent Cuban entrepreneurs” into the United States.  The State Department currently allows American companies to legally import coffee and a few other products from Cuba.  If granted, J.C. Newman will be able to import the first Cuban tobacco into the United States in 60 years. 

“My family has a long history with Cuban tobacco,” said Drew Newman, great-grandson of company founder J.C. Newman.  “From 1895 until President Kennedy imposed the Cuban Embargo in 1962, my grandfather and great-grandfather imported millions of pounds of tobacco from Cuba through Tampa.  Our last shipment of Cuban tobacco was the subject of a legal dispute decided by the Supreme Court.”

J.C. Newman saved its final bale Cuban tobacco, which is now the last bale of pre-embargo Cuban tobacco in the United States.  This sixty-year-old tobacco continues to age in the basement of J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Ybor City.  

Under the so-called Sec. 515.582 program, the State Department allows “commercial imports of certain specified goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs” in order to “help promote [the Cuban people’s] independence from Cuban authorities.”  To help support Cuban independence, J.C. Newman is requesting that the State Department include raw tobacco grown by independent farmers in this program.

“Prior to the Embargo, far more cigars were rolled with Cuban tobacco in Tampa than in Cuba because Tampa was home to the world’s best cigar factories,” said Newman. “Authorizing the importation of raw tobacco grown in Cuba would allow us to support independent Cuban entrepreneurs and to prove, once again, that we can roll better cigars with Cuban tobacco than Cuba can.”

Brick House Beginnings – TAA Exclusive Original Aged Blend

Brick House Beginnings – TAA Exclusive Original Aged Blend

by | Mar 17, 2021 | Our Products

Before we could start on the major restoration we just completed at our El Reloj Cigar Factory in Tampa, our team had to clear out almost 70 years’ worth of items from the building. During this process, we uncovered some hidden gems.

One of those was a trap door from the 1930s with a secret staircase that went from the General Managers’ office down into the basement where he could hide when the Tampa Mafia would come through looking for payroll cash. Another was J.C.’s travel trunk that accompanied him on his voyage from Hungary to Cleveland in 1889. But perhaps the most exciting find for fans of our brands was a stash of 10-year-old Brick House cigars that was tucked away in the basement years ago to age and wait for a special occasion to arise. When we rediscovered them during our 125th year, we thought that sharing them with our TAA retailers would be a perfect fit.

Fans of Brick House will recognize the flavor of its distinctive blend but will taste some notable differences in this aged version. The many years that have passed since these were rolled have created a smooth and balanced taste that only time has the ability to do. Through the aging process, the flavors have married and created a cigar more mellow and a bit less spicy than its contemporary counterpart. Discover a taste of history and savor this once-in-a-decade Brick House. 

This cigar has now shipped and will be arriving on TAA Retailers’ shelves soon.

Brick House Beginnings – TAA Exclusive Original Aged Blend
Mighty Mighty Maduro (6 ¼” x 60)
10 cigars per box
$9.80
 
Mighty Mighty Natural (6 ¼” x 60)
10 cigars per box
$9.80
 
Churchill Natural (7 ¼ x 50)
10 cigars per box
$9.60

Brick House Beginnings Retailers

Cigar Snob Feature

Cigar Snob Feature

by | Sep 22, 2020 | About the Company

THE AMERICANS

Keeping Tampa’s Legacy Burning

In the newest edition of Cigar Snob, you’ll find a great many interesting pieces, including a 92 rating on our Black Diamond Marquis cigar. But featured in the center is an amazing article on the four generations of Newman men, and how their legacy has continued throughout the years.

Cigar Snob author Steve Miller explores the roles each Newman has played in the success of the company. He also details a look to the future, and everything amazing in the years to come at J.C. Newman Cigar Co. and for Cigar City, Tampa, Florida.

Read the entire article by clicking below, and don’t forget to pick up your copy of Cigar Snob, wherever fine cigar publications are sold.

 

 

Read The Article
J.C. Newman on PCA: A Message to Retailers

J.C. Newman on PCA: A Message to Retailers

by | Jun 16, 2020 | About the Company

Dear Retailer Partners,

We are proud that our family has attended every RTDA/IPCPR/PCA trade show since the association was founded in 1933. We were looking forward to attending this year’s trade show, especially as we had planned to celebrate our company’s 125th anniversary there in a big way. Although we understand and support the decision to cancel the trade show, we will miss seeing you and all of our cigar industry friends in Las Vegas this summer.

Because this year’s trade show has been canceled, our J.C. Newman Regional Sales Managers are bringing our annual trade show specials to you in this summer issue of Outside the Box. In addition to some of our biggest and best deals of the year, we are excited to showcase our new Havana Q by Quorum, reintroduce Perla del Mar, and preview Yagua.

In July, we will finish restoring our 110-year-old El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa and reopen it to the public. Our historic factory will now include a new cigar museum, a theater showing old cigar films, factory store, events space, and new handmade cigar factory. We will be offering factory tours and seminars on cigar rolling and blending. We invite you to visit us and El Reloj once it is safe to travel again.

We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

 

Drew Newman
General Counsel
Fourth Generation

 

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

by | Mar 18, 2020 | Company Updates

We are continuing to roll cigars as usual at our J.C. Newman El Reloj factory in Tampa, Florida and at our J.C. Newman PENSA factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, but we will evaluate our operations as the situation develops. As a family business, we are very concerned about our employees and their families and are encouraging our staff who are ill, more vulnerable to illness, or need to stay home to care for children or aging relatives, to remain at home. We have also asked our sales people around the country to cancel their travel and work close to home for the time being.

In uncertain times like these, we think of the past. Our family business has survived two World Wars, the Great Depression, and many other challenges over the past 125 years, and we are certain that we will overcome this new business challenge as well.

In the depths of the Great Depression in 1933, my great-grandfather ran our cigar factory at full capacity with two shifts per day so that his employees could continue to earn an income for their families. The company did not make a profit that year, but being able to keep his workers employed during such a difficult time caused my great-grandfather to view the year as a success. If the economy worsens, being able to support our loyal and hardworking employees will again be our primary goal this year.

For hundreds of years, adults have enjoyed premium cigars for relaxation and celebration. During this time of social distancing, we hope that a fine cigar can continue provide moments of pleasure for adults around the world who may not be able to enjoy other parts of life right now.

Best,

 

Drew Newman
Fourth Generation Owner
General Counsel

J.C. Newman at PCA 2020

J.C. Newman at PCA 2020

by | Jan 14, 2020 | Events and Appearances

 

As America’s oldest, family-owned, premium cigar manufacturer, we are proud to say that we have attended the very first RTDA trade show in 1933 and have attended every RTDA/IPCPR/PCA trade show since then. This year will be no different.

Throughout the many ups and downs in the cigar industry, the trade show is the one time of the year family-owned cigar manufacturers and brick & mortar retailers come together to discuss ideas to further our business and protect our industry. Given the many regulatory and legal challenges that manufacturers and retailers are facing today, the show is more important and relevant than ever.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas in July. We will be at the PCA Trade Show and hope you will be too.

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Newman
President
Third Generation

 

Bobby Newman
Executive Vice President
Third Generation

 

J.C. Newman 125th Anniversary

J.C. Newman 125th Anniversary

by | Jan 2, 2020 | About the Company

In 1895, our grandfather/great-grandfather Julius C. (J.C.) Newman founded our family cigar business. Four generations later, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker.  We proudly hand roll premium cigars today the same way that J.C. Newman did a century ago.

Today marks not only the start of the New Year but also our company’s 125th anniversary year.  We look forward to celebrating the major milestone throughout 2020. We invite you to join us at special events around the country, visiting our restored El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa when it reopens this spring, and by lighting up your favorite J.C. Newman cigar.  

A key to our company’s longevity has been an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service. As a family-owned company, we personally stand behind all of our products and strive to ensure that each is perfect. Our family’s sole goal is to continue J.C. Newman’s legacy and our family tradition and keep rolling hand crafted premium cigars for another 125 years. 

We are very grateful for your support of J.C. Newman and wish you and your family a very healthy, happy, and successful New Year!

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Newman
Third Generation

 

Bobby Newman
Third Generation

 

Drew Newman
Fourth Generation