No, my spellcheck isn’t broken; Julius Caeser Newman spelled his name exactly how I have it written. Story goes that he was given the middle name when coming through Ellis Island. When he informed one of the intake clerks that he didn’t have a middle name, he was met with the response that a name like Julius deserved a good one. From that point on his middle name was Caeser. Unfortunately the clerk didn’t have spellcheck and he misspelled the name on his official document.

I am glad that the clerk decided to give him that middle name since J. C. Newman Cigar Company has such a catchy ring to it. For those not familiar, the J. C. Newman Cigar Company is one of the oldest cigar makers in the country and they operate the only surviving cigar factory in Ybor City (Tampa, Florida). Although J. C. started his business in Cleveland in 1895, he relocated to Cigar City in 1954. The company has survived the roaring twenties, the Great Depression, two world wars, and the Cuban Embargo that put every other cigar factory in Ybor City out of business. Recently this factory has come under fire of some proposed FDA regulation, which, if imposed, will literally take the cigar out of Cigar City.

In an attempt to regulate the growing E-Cigarette boom, The FDA would have certainly forced the closure of this historic landmark in Tampa. If you haven’t visited this beautifully bricked building that has been completely restored to its early 20^th century grandeur, then you are missing out on a wonderful piece of not only Florida, but American history.

Like their father and grandfather before them, Eric and Bobby Newman didn’t just stand by and hope for the best. They put up a big fight, calling on help from their friends in the industry. Their efforts were so far reaching that they were able to gain support from both sides of the political aisle. Yes, that’s right. In today’s rabid political environment they have been able to gain bi-partisan support and have won an early battle.

Although the war isn’t over, I think that a little celebration is in order and what better way to do that than with a Julius Caeser cigar. This cigar from their famed and exclusive Diamond Crown line is obviously named for the company founder. This 93 rated cigar was created in 2010 and remains a favorite of mine still to this day. It has a delicious Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Dominican binder, and some beautifully aged Central American filler. The filler blend may be a secret, but the fact that these tobaccos are aged for five years is not.

The cigar has some strength to it, just a notch or two below their Maximus line, but the complexity of flavors are not lost for sure. The flavor spectrum of this cigar is across the board with bold coffee and some nice spicy notes that linger on the sweeter side. There is a little black pepper, but it blends with some nutmeg and perhaps a bit of cinnamon. This cigar also boasts some nutty flavors, which I perceive as toasted almonds.

When you retrohale the cigar the spice notes are more pronounced, but the mild sweetness still lingers on the palate. This is what cigar complexity is all about. I have new cigar smokers ask me all the time about complexity. They say that they have a hard time discerning from the different flavors. This is a cigar that I would give someone seeking that experience. One doesn’t need an experienced palate to enjoy the greatness of this cigar.

It is an exclusive cigar and J. C. Newman is very particular about who they allow to sell this beauty. I am proud to say that they have entrusted us at ABC to provide this cigar to our guests, though we don’t sell it in all of our humidors. If you visit your local ABC and they don’t have it, just ask for them to transfer one in for you or point you in the right direction. It is an amazing smoke that I believe all lovers of the leaf should experience at least once, or twice, or three times.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida regional manager, Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server

Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.