J.C. Newman Honors Cigar-Loving Artist LeRoy Neiman
The name LeRoy Neiman may not conjure up a crystal-clear image of a cigar-smoking painter, but chances are you’re familiar with his work. Neiman was an American artist known for his vibrantly colored, expressionist paintings that often featured athletes or celebrity figures. He was also known to frequently have a cigar hanging from his mouth while at work. J.C. Newman Cigar Co. decided to honor the brilliant artist with a new, limited-edition toro called LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition. The cigar will be unveiled at the PCA trade show this weekend in Las Vegas.
The Tampa-based cigar company is not alone on this project. It’s partnered with the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation. Both parties have pledged to donate all profits from the cigars to support arts education in public schools, particularly those around J.C. Newman’s El Reloj factory in Ybor City, Florida.
“LeRoy Neiman embodied a richly textured blend of creativity, passion and exuberance, which found expression in his iconic artwork and a signature appreciation for fine cigars,” said Tara Zabor, executive director of the foundation.
The LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition cigars, available in a Toro (6 inches by 52 ring gauge), were rolled at the El Reloj factory in Tampa where they’re currently aging. The blend features an array of tobaccos from various countries—an Ecuador wrapper that J.C. Newman calls “Havana Rosado;” a binder from Florida grown by Jeff Borysiewicz; and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and American tobaccos.
Production is limited to 10,000 cigars or 500 boxes of 20 Toros. Each box features an authentic lithograph of one of Neiman’s most iconic paintings on the inside lid, the 1978 piece “Irish-American Bar.” The famous work is included in the packaging as well with the print wrapped around each smoke. The painting depicts one of Neiman’s most beloved bars in New York City where he lived for many years. As the bottom layer of cigars empties, the floor of each box will reveal a print of Neiman’s paint-covered studio floor in New York City.
The cigars have a suggested retail price of $20 per smoke or $400 a box. While they’ll be unveiled at the PCA show this weekend, the cigars aren’t expected to ship to retailers until November. J.C. Newman hopes this new project will blossom into an annual limited release that features different artwork each year.
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