J.C. Newman is bringing back Yagua this year, again in limited quantities. We reviewed this cigar last year and gave it a 93. The brand goes all the way back to 1940's in the Cuban tobacco fields.
After first showing off the cigars at the PCA trade show last year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co., is finally ready to launch Angel Cuesta Cigars. J.C. Newman showed off the final Angel Cuesta cigars at the Tobacconist Association of America meeting this week. These cigars were first sold a century ago and is named after Angel LaMadrid Cuesta, one of the founders of the storied Cuesta-Rey cigar brand. These cigars were the official cigar of King Alfonso XIII, who ruled Spain from 1886 to 1931.
"This was a great cigar that changed on a few occasions. At times it was light and sweet then it would switch it up to a more darker, spicy, and rich profile. This is why blending is so important. When done right it can take you on a journey. This would make a great after-dinner cigar while you sit and reflect on the events of the day. I will be grabbing a few, once I know what it is, to have on hand to end my days with. " -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"I think what I liked most about this cigar is that it serves as a reminder of how enriching the blind review process can be. Preconceived notions influence so many decisions and I find it to be a breath of fresh air when I get to experience something that I never would have chosen for myself in a completely subjective manner. I never would have picked a cigar of this length to smoke. Not only do I think that it looks silly, such a lengthy cigar never feels comfortable in the hand. Although the overall experience wasn't my favorite, it was far from awful and there were a handful of things that I truly liked about this cigar. In addition to a stellar draw and burn, the number of transitions that took place made it seem as though a different cigar was being smoked with every third making for a truly unique smoking experience. With regards to flavor, this cigar really shined the most throughout the latter part of the first third all the way through the second. Not only were the flavors balanced, complex and enjoyable but the smoke was buttery smooth. Had the initial puffs and final third been a little less harsh and more inline with my palate it certainly would have been given higher remarks. Although I wouldn't seek out this particular vitola, I am interested for the reveal as I would certainly give this blend another shot assuming it is offered in a different size." -Noah S. (Noah)
"I would have rated the cigar higher if not for the last third. I feel like it ran out of steam. The flavor profile of the first two thirds was great with the dark rich notes but soon turned to just another run of the mill smoke. It is a shame really, the end was clearly not what the blender intended this cigar to be. I would give it another shot down the road." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. releases The American All-Star Humidor, crafted from the 2011 NBA All-Star Game court, celebrating basketball history with limited edition uniqueness and exclusive cigars. Limited to 40.
"From the time I snatched it from my humidor to the time I laid it to rest in the ashtray my experience with this stick was splendid! Each and every puff was robust with rich and pleasant flavors that were well blended, well rounded, and well balanced. There were no noticeable transitions that took place, but with such incredible flavors that harmonized so well together I wasn't upset by that fact and my palate was plenty entertained throughout. Most notably, this cigar was incredibly smooth from start to finish and the smoke output was simply impressive. This stick would be a great pairing with any number of beverages including a morning cup of coffee, a rich stout, a glass of bourbon, or even a nice red wine. Hurry up already with the reveal please!!!" -Noah S. (Noah)
"This smoke didn't feature a rollercoaster of transitions or over-the-top complexity and in my opinion, those qualities are certainly not prerequisites of an incredible cigar. Rather, I tend to put a premium on a stick that intrigues my palate with abundant flavors that are not only smooth but also balanced enough to keep my attention. This cigar accomplished all of that and more while maintaining similar flavor profiles from start to finish. What stood out for me the most was how smooth the smoke was from the first puff to the last which ultimately led to the incredible smoking experience. Simply put, this is just another banger that I can't wait to add to my collection!" -Noah S. (Noah)
J.C. Newman has named Aimee Cooks the new Vice President and General Manager of Its Historic El Reloj Cigar Factory. In her new role she will over see cigar manufacturing and distribution. This appointment makes her one of the few females in this position in the industry. Based out of Tampa, FL, Cooks will oversee all manufacturing responsibilities, including tobacco fermentation, cigar rolling, aging, and packing. Additionally, she will be responsible for the warehousing and shipping of imported J.C. Newman and Arturo Fuente cigars that are distributed from El Reloj.
"I really enjoyed this cigar. While there was nothing earth-shattering about the flavor profile or the way it smoked, it was a great representative of a shade-grown cigar. Gone are the days when grabbing a Connie means smoking air and nothing much more. This is a very enjoyable, flavor-forward cigar. This would be an ideal first cigar of the day." -Kevin A. (Kevin A.)