Brick House

Brick House

Brick House cigars trace their lineage back to 1937 when J.C. Newman Cigar Company founder Julius Caesar Newman first launched the brand as true Cuban puros rolled with the finest Havana tobaccos. Named to honor his family’s childhood home, a sturdy brick house in the Hungarian countryside that sheltered the Newman family upstairs while housing a local tavern below, the brand carried deep personal meaning. After the Cuban embargo ended access to Havana leaf, the Brick House brand faded from prominence until third-generation cigar makers Eric and Bobby Newman revived it in 2009 with an entirely new approach. They replaced Cuban tobacco with specially aged Nicaraguan leaf, crafting a blend that earned recognition as Cigar Aficionado’s Best Bargain Cigar of 2009 and regular 90+ ratings since.

What Makes Brick House Exceptional

• Heritage brand dating to 1937, reimagined in 2009 with premium Nicaraguan tobaccos
• Hand-rolled at J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, ensuring quality and consistency
• Features a rich Ecuadorian Havana (Havana Subido) wrapper layered over Nicaraguan binder and long-filler tobaccos
• Medium-bodied profile with exceptional balance of flavor, strength, and complexity
• Delivers notes of cedar, walnut, oak, pepper, grass, and nutmeg with creamy fullness
• Rated 90 points by Cigar Aficionado, recognized for premium quality at accessible pricing
• Available in seven vitolas from compact Teaser (3 1/2 x 56) to generous Churchill (7 1/4 x 50)

Flavor Profile and Construction

The mahogany-red Havana Subido wrapper presents an oily sheen and silky texture with visible veins that hint at the complexity within. Pre-light aromas reveal walnuts, cedar spice, oak, pepper, and grass notes prominently along the barrel. The smoking experience delivers a full-flavored profile that remains approachable and deeply satisfying, balancing richness with smoothness. The Nicaraguan filler blend provides a creamy fullness that distinguishes Brick House from other medium-bodied offerings, creating layers of flavor that evolve throughout the smoke.

Construction quality reflects the craftsmanship of J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory, where attention to detail ensures consistent performance across all vitolas. The draw opens smoothly, delivering generous smoke output and even burn characteristics. Reviewers consistently praise Brick House as a versatile choice suitable for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions, offering the flavor complexity of premium cigars at value pricing that makes it accessible for regular rotation.

A Legacy Reimagined

Julius Caesar Newman immigrated to the United States in 1888 and founded the J.C. Newman Cigar Company in 1895, making it America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker. The Brick House brand emerged as one of his earliest creations, with the imposing brick house featured prominently on the label serving as a tribute to his Hungarian heritage and cherished childhood memories. When the Cuban embargo forced the discontinuation of the original Cuban puro blend, the Newman family maintained their commitment to quality while seeking new sources of exceptional tobacco.

The 2009 relaunch represented more than a simple recipe change. Eric and Bobby Newman set out to recreate the rich, well-balanced flavor their grandfather’s original Brick House cigars delivered, blending specially aged Nicaraguan tobaccos with flavorful wrapper leaves to match that vintage character. The result exceeded expectations, earning industry acclaim and building a devoted following among value-conscious aficionados who appreciate premium quality without premium pricing. Customer reviews reinforce this reputation, with one noting it as “a super solid affordable smoke” perfect for introducing friends to cigars or enjoying during casual activities.

Summary

• Box Count: 25
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havana (Havana Subido)
• Filler: Nicaraguan

What is the history of Brick House cigars?

Originally launched in 1937 as Cuban puros made with Havana tobaccos, Brick House was named after founder Julius Caesar Newman’s childhood brick house in Hungary. The brand was relaunched in 2009 with Nicaraguan tobaccos and earned Cigar Aficionado’s Best Bargain Cigar award that year.

What wrapper does the original Brick House use?

The original Brick House is dressed in an Ecuadorian Havana wrapper – specifically the Havana Subido leaf – prized for its mahogany-red color, oily sheen, and silky texture.

What strength level is Brick House?

Brick House is rated medium-bodied, offering full flavor and complexity while remaining approachable and smooth for a wide range of smokers.

What sizes are available in the Brick House line?

Brick House offers seven vitolas including Teaser (3 1/2 x 56), Traveler (6 1/8 x 48), Corona Larga (6 1/4 x 46), Short Torpedo (5 1/2 x 52), Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), Mighty Mighty (6 1/4 x 60), and Churchill (7 1/4 x 50).

What flavor notes can I expect from Brick House?

Expect cedar, walnut, oak, black pepper, grass, and nutmeg with a creamy fullness that adds layers of complexity throughout the smoking experience.

How does Brick House compare to other value cigars?

Brick House stands out by delivering premium quality construction and flavor complexity at accessible pricing, earning consistent 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado while remaining budget friendly.

Who makes Brick House cigars?

J.C. Newman Cigar Company, America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker founded in 1895, produces Brick House at their PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Is Brick House good for beginners?

Yes, the medium-bodied profile and approachable flavor make Brick House an excellent choice for beginners while offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced smokers.