J.C. Newman Unveils José Gaspar 2025 Cigar for Tampa’s Iconic Festival

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. continues its annual tradition with the release of the José Gaspar 2025 cigar, crafted exclusively for Tampa and its famous Gasparilla Pirate Festival. This year’s edition introduces a bold new blend featuring a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper.

The José Gaspar 2025 is a 6 x 54 Toro made at J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. It marks the first time the company has utilised a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper for this line, adding a rich, robust profile to the cigar. Priced at $8 per cigar, they are sold in packs of five and are available at 17 select locations across Tampa, including iconic venues such as the J.C. Newman Cigar Museum and Factory Store, King Corona Cigars, and Casa Santo Stefano.

Named after the legendary pirate José Gaspar, the cigar pays homage to the folklore that inspired Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival. While there’s little historical evidence of Gaspar’s existence, his legacy looms large in Tampa’s cultural calendar, with celebrations spanning January to March and featuring three major parades alongside other events.

“José Gaspar was one of the most feared pirates in the Americas,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman, in a press release. “This cigar honours his legacy and the tradition of Gasparilla.”

The José Gaspar 2025 offers cigar enthusiasts a chance to indulge in a bold, flavourful smoke while celebrating Tampa’s vibrant history. Available from January at select retailers, it’s a perfect addition to the festivities. Whether you’re a local or visiting Tampa for Gasparilla, don’t miss this exclusive release.