In a world of mass-produced goods, Brick House cigars stand out as an emblem of heritage, quality, and consistency. The brand's journey from its humble origins in Hungary to its modern-day revival in Nicaragua exemplifies a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. This article delves into the rich history and contemporary resurgence of Brick House cigars, highlighting how this legacy brand evolved into a top contender in today's cigar industry.
Origins of a Legacy: The Early Days of Brick House
The story of Brick House cigars begins in the late 19th century in a small Hungarian village, where Julius Caeser Newman, the family patriarch, spent his childhood. His family's home, the only brick house in the village, was a social hub for locals and travelers alike, who gathered there nightly to share drinks, food, and stories. This camaraderie inspired Newman to name his cigar brand Brick House in honor of that special place.
In 1937, Newman launched the original Brick House cigars, a Cuban puro blend of the finest Havana tobaccos that quickly garnered acclaim among cigar enthusiasts. But the onset of the Great Depression halted the original brand's success. Despite its unfortunate demise, the spirit of Brick House remained, awaiting a time when it would once again flourish.
The Modern Resurgence: A New Chapter for Brick House
More than 80 years later, Julius's grandsons, Eric and Bobby Newman, rekindled their grandfather's legacy. Determined to bring the beloved Brick House name back to life, they relaunched the brand with a new Nicaraguan twist. Working with carefully aged Nicaraguan tobaccos and their proprietary Havana Subido™ wrapper, the Newmans created a cigar that paid homage to the original while incorporating modern craftsmanship.
Brick House cigars are now hand-rolled by skilled artisans at the JC Newman PENSA factory in Nicaragua. The meticulous attention to detail and quality control, coupled with the aging of the tobaccos in Nicaragua’s mountains, ensure that each cigar delivers an exceptional smoking experience.
Signature Characteristics and Consistent Quality
The hallmark of Brick House cigars lies in their unique Havana Subido™ wrapper, which imparts a rich, hearty flavor. Coupled with carefully selected Nicaraguan tobaccos, the result is a distinctive blend that appeals to both novice and seasoned cigar enthusiasts.
Brick House cigars are lauded for their consistent quality and impeccable construction. Each cigar is designed to embody the heritage and craftsmanship that made the original Brick House a sensation. These characteristics earned Brick House cigars a 93-rating from Cigar Aficionado and a place among the Top 25 Cigars in multiple years, including 2010, 2016, and 2022. The reviews often emphasize the cigars' bang-for-the-buck
factor and their ability to deliver full-bodied flavor notes of wood, tea, and a toasty aftertaste.
A Trio of Blends: Catering to Diverse Tastes
Brick House cigars offer a range of blends to cater to different tastes and preferences. The three flagship blends include:
Original Brick House: This medium-full-bodied blend is wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and filled with Nicaraguan long fillers, creating a rich profile with notes of earth, cedar, pepper, and coffee. The well-balanced flavor is complemented by a toasty, slightly sweet finish, making it a versatile choice for any time of day.
Brick House Maduro: Featuring a dark Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, the Maduro blend shares the same internal composition as the original but introduces flavors like black pepper, chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit. This medium-full-bodied cigar is a perfect evening companion, offering a rich, satisfying smoke that pairs well with whiskey.
Brick House Double Connecticut: With a smooth Connecticut Shade wrapper and Nicaraguan long fillers, the Double Connecticut blend is mellow-medium bodied with flavors of cedar, cream, and toasted bread. It's a smooth, creamy cigar that pairs wonderfully with a morning coffee, providing an elegant start to the day.
Types of Brick House Cigars
Brick House Classic Cigar Churchill: A 7 1/4" x 50 Churchill, this cigar offers a balanced, medium-full flavor experience with earthy and spicy notes. Its longer size makes for an extended and satisfying smoke.
Brick House Classic Cigar Corona Larga: A 6 1/4" x 46 Corona Larga, this cigar is rich in flavor with a robust blend of cedar, pepper, and coffee. It provides a smooth, slightly sweet finish in a more slender shape.
Brick House Classic Cigar Mighty Mighty: A 6 1/4" x 60 Mighty Mighty, this cigar combines a hearty profile with the brand's signature earth, pepper, and cedar flavors. Its thicker ring gauge offers a bold, satisfying smoke.
J.C. Newman Brick House The Traveler Cigar in Aluminum Tube: This 6 1/8" x 48 Traveler is encased in a protective aluminum tube for freshness and portability. It offers the classic Brick House flavor profile with an easy draw and consistent burn.
J.C. Newman Cigars Brick House Classic Toro Cigar: The 6" x 52 Toro delivers a medium-full experience with notes of earth, coffee, and spice. Its balanced blend makes it suitable for a versatile smoking session.
Brick House Classic Cigar Short Torp: A 5 1/2" x 52 Short Torp, this cigar combines a slightly tapered shape with rich flavors like cedar, nuts, and coffee. The Torpedo tip enhances the intensity of the smoking experience.
Brick House Classic Cigar Robusto: A 5" x 54 Robusto, this cigar provides a medium-full profile with flavors of pepper, earth, and cedar. Its shorter length makes for a consistently flavorful smoke.
Brick House Classic Cigar Corona: A 5" x 42 Corona, this slender cigar delivers a smooth blend of cedar, spice, and tobacco sweetness. The smaller ring gauge offers a quick yet enjoyable smoking session.
The Teaser: this cigar offers a compact, powerful flavor punch with earthy, spicy notes. The thicker gauge provides a surprisingly robust smoke in a small, convenient size.
Production at the JC Newman PENSA Factory
The JC Newman PENSA factory in Nicaragua plays a pivotal role in the quality and consistency of Brick House cigars. Here, a team of master artisans oversees every step of the production process, ensuring each cigar adheres to the high standards set by the Newman family. The tobaccos are carefully aged to perfection, while the cigars are meticulously hand-rolled to guarantee flawless construction.
This attention to detail allows Brick House cigars to stand out in the competitive boutique cigar market. The consistent flavor profiles and superb craftsmanship have made the brand a household name among cigar enthusiasts and critics alike.
Consumer Appeal and Market Presence**
Brick House cigars have earned a reputation for being exceptional yet affordable, providing enthusiasts with a premium experience without breaking the bank. This value-driven approach, combined with the brand's distinct flavor profiles and attention to quality, has helped Brick House build a loyal following.
Their versatility across blends makes them suitable for different occasions. The Double Connecticut is perfect for a morning smoke, while the Maduro offers a richer, bolder flavor for evening relaxation. The Original blend is versatile enough to enjoy at any time, offering a balanced mix of flavors that pairs well with various beverages.
Brick House cigars are available in different sizes, from robustos to toros, ensuring there’s something for every preference. The cigars can be purchased in boxes of 25 or in affordable packs of 5, making them accessible for everyday enjoyment.
Brick House cigars are a testament to how tradition and modern craftsmanship can come together to create something truly exceptional. The brand's revival by Eric and Bobby Newman preserves the legacy of their grandfather, Julius Caeser Newman, while elevating the blend to new heights with Nicaraguan tobaccos and meticulous production techniques.
Each blend is crafted to perfection, delivering distinctive flavors that cater to diverse tastes. Whether it's the earthy and smooth Original, the rich and bold Maduro, or the mellow and creamy Double Connecticut, Brick House cigars provide an unparalleled experience that reflects the spirit of camaraderie and quality that Julius Caeser Newman envisioned in 1937.
