Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. At J.C. Newman Cigar Co., their latest cigar, The Troublemaker, is the result of such inspiration. A simple vintage poster sparked a three-year journey of craftsmanship and innovation to bring this unique cigar to life.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
This story begins with Drew Newman, a fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Co., and his longtime mentor, Rich Dolak. Dolak is the vice president of operations at both J.C. Newman and Arturo Fuente. His office, where Drew learned much about the cigar business, displayed a vintage poster showing an unusual cigar shape. Drew became curious and asked, βWhy canβt we roll a cigar like that?β
However, this seemingly simple question was much more complicated than it first appeared.
The Challenge of Innovation
The cigar in the poster wasnβt a typical one. It had the shape of a perfecto but with a unique taper that set it apart. Unlike the well-known Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigars or other vintage perfectos, this cigar had a subtle, graceful taper from head to foot. It was not easy to replicate.
Rich Dolak rose to the challenge. He hand-carved a wooden dowel to match the shape in the poster. This carving was then used to create custom molds. The skilled cigar rollers at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. in Santiago, Dominican Republic, took on the task of making this new cigar. Even for experienced artisans, shaping this cigar proved difficult.
After three years of trial and error, the cigar was finally perfected. It earned the fitting name: The Troublemaker.
Why The Troublemaker?
Drew Newman explained that the name reflects the challenges faced in making the cigar. βWe call it The Troublemaker because it was very difficult to create,β he said. The cigar required intense focus and skill, which made it a source of frustration in the factory. Though the workers had a different, more colorful name for it, The Troublemaker stuck as its official name.
A Unique Addition to the Julius Caeser Line
The Troublemaker joins J.C. Newmanβs Diamond Crown Julius Caeser line, known for its quality and masterful blending. The cigar is 5 ΒΎ inches long and has a 52-ring gauge at its widest point. Like others in the line, it is made with a blend of Dominican and Ecuadorian tobaccos.
Each cigar is packaged in an elegant leather box, holding 20 cigars. The suggested retail price is $17 per cigar. The combination of the unique shape, the story behind it, and its premium quality make each cigar special.
For now, The Troublemaker is only available at one of the 36 Diamond Crown Cigar Lounges across the United States. However, J.C. Newman plans to expand its distribution early next year, making it available to a wider audience.
Tradition Meets Innovation
The Troublemaker is more than just a new cigar. It represents the artistry and persistence that define the cigar-making craft. This cigar showcases what happens when tradition meets innovation. The journey of creating The Troublemaker is a testament to the skill and dedication of the cigar makers at J.C. Newman and Tabacalera A. Fuente.
Even after more than a century in the cigar business, J.C. Newman continues to push boundaries. Their ability to blend history with modern innovation is what makes them stand out in the cigar world. Whether you find The Troublemaker at a Diamond Crown Lounge or wait for its broader release, this cigar is truly something special.
