Chaveta Report

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with America250 to roll cigars in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States next year. Beginning next month, cigars hand rolled at J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, will be packaged with the official America250 seal.

“J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. 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.”

Drew Newman, fourth-generation cigar maker

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.

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.

“When my great-grandfather founded our family business in 1895, there were 40,000 cigar factories in the United States. 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.”

Drew Newman

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.”