J.C. Newman Revives Historic Sarzedas Cigar Brand at PCA 2025
J.C. Newman has reintroduced its vintage brand Sarzedas, once known as “The Aromatic Cigar,” at this year’s PCA Trade Show. The revived blend, handmade in Nicaragua, pays tribute to the brand’s rich 125-year legacy.
A Century in the Making: Sarzedas Returns with a Modern Nicaraguan Twist
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is reaching deep into its archives to breathe new life into one of its most storied names—Sarzedas. First rolled in 1900 and affectionately known as “The Aromatic Cigar”, Sarzedas stood out for its distinct profile over a century ago. Now, 125 years later, the brand makes its long-awaited comeback at the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show in New Orleans.
This modern revival isn’t just a branding exercise. The new Sarzedas cigars are handcrafted at J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, using a carefully curated blend developed to honour the cigar’s historic reputation. “I’ve loved the Sarzedas name and its history for years,” said Drew Newman, the company’s fourth-generation owner. “I had to wait until we created a blend worthy of its legacy. Sarzedas is the most flavourful cigar we’ve ever made.”
Blended by veteran Rich Dolak, who has worked alongside the Newman family for 29 years, Sarzedas cigars feature a silky Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, complemented by binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The line will debut in four vitolas:
• Toro (6” x 50)
• Robusto (4.75” x 52)
• Churchill (7” x 48)
• Corona (5.5” x 43)
Although pricing is yet to be finalised, the expected retail range is a very accessible $8–$10 per stick, making Sarzedas a flavourful yet affordable option for aficionados and newcomers alike.
J.C. Newman’s booth at the PCA show features charming nods to the past, including a vintage Sarzedas cigar box, a century-old ashtray, and early 20th-century newspaper advertisements, capturing the essence of the original brand.
This launch is part of a broader rollout, with Sarzedas being the third of five new products introduced by J.C. Newman during the event. With a rich heritage and a flavour profile designed to delight today’s palates, Sarzedas may very well become a standout in 2025’s premium cigar offerings.
