JC Newman Cigars Co.

JC Newman Cigar Company stands as America's oldest family-owned premium cigar manufacturer, representing over 129 years of unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Operating from their iconic El Reloj factory in Tampa's historic Ybor City, the company seamlessly blends traditional hand-operated antique cigar machines with modern handmade production techniques. Known for their diverse portfolio spanning value-oriented everyday cigars to ultra-premium luxury offerings, JC Newman has earned international recognition through brands like Diamond Crown, Brick House, and Cuesta-Rey. The company's commitment to excellence extends across three manufacturing facilities in Tampa, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, making them a true powerhouse in the global cigar industry.

Background

Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, a Hungarian immigrant who started rolling cigars by hand in his family's barn in Cleveland, Ohio, the company began with just $50 borrowed from his family and an order for 500 cigars from the local grocer. In 1954, the company relocated to Tampa's historic Ybor City district, moving into the landmark Regensburg cigar factory known as 'El Reloj' (The Clock), built in 1910. A pivotal moment came in 1958 when Stanford Newman purchased the internationally renowned Cuesta-Rey brand from the Cuesta family, five months after his father Julius's death. The company's modern success began in 1986 with a leveraged buyout and the historic partnership with the Fuente family, which continues to this day. The company expanded further by building their PENSA factory in Nicaragua in 2011, cementing their position as a major force in premium cigar manufacturing.

History

After World War II, Julius's sons Stanford and Millard Newman joined the company, with Stanford handling manufacturing operations and Millard overseeing sales. The company faced significant challenges including Julius's death in 1958, the Cuban Embargo in 1961, and near bankruptcy in 1986. The turning point came in 1986 with Stanford and his sons Eric and Bobby performing a leveraged buyout and establishing the crucial Fuente-Newman partnership. In 1995, to celebrate the company's centennial, Stanford Newman and Carlos Fuente Jr. created Diamond Crown Classic, which revolutionized the industry as the first 54 ring gauge cigar.

Reputation

Recognized as America's oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, JC Newman has earned widespread industry acclaim and consumer loyalty through consistent quality and innovation. Their Brick House brand has received numerous accolades including Best Bargain Cigar and placement in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars, while Diamond Crown revolutionized the cigar industry by introducing the first 54 ring gauge cigar. Today, the company's cigars are sold in 81 countries worldwide, and their El Reloj factory stands as the last large cigar factory still operating in the United States. The company maintains its reputation through meticulous quality control, with Diamond Crown cigars being inspected three times and aged for a minimum of 12 months.