J.C. Newman to Roll Official Cigars for America250 Celebration

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. will mark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary by producing a special run of cigars bearing the official America250 seal. The Tampa-based company has reached an agreement with America250—the organization directed by Congress to coordinate the 2026 Semiquincentennial—allowing cigars rolled at the El Reloj factory to carry the commemorative branding.

Production is set to begin next month at El Reloj, which the company notes is the last large traditional cigar factory still operating in the United States.

“J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation cigar maker. “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.”

Newman points to tobacco’s deep historical roots, dating back to early colonial planting in 1612, and its economic importance throughout the original 13 Colonies—where figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson farmed the crop.

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

The America250 initiative includes licensing its branding for a variety of U.S.-made products, with the aim of engaging the public ahead of the 2026 milestone. As part of the celebration, J.C. Newman is encouraging enthusiasts to visit the El Reloj factory, which features a museum, tours, rolling classes, and event options.

Company founder Julius C. Newman reflected on his own sense of national pride in his 1958 autobiography Smoke Dreams, writing, “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.”

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