Tag: cigars

Few cigars carry a backstory as rich and as cinematic as the Horse Soldier brand. Born from the heroic exploits of a group of Green Berets deployed in the days immediately following 9/11, the Horse Soldier name pays homage to a mission immortalized in the 2018 war drama Twelve Strong. These twelve U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers were among the first to enter Afghanistan after the World Trade Center attacks, famously riding into battle on horseback alongside the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban. Their courage, adaptability, and unbreakable brotherhood serve as the spiritual foundation of the Horse Soldier brand.

From this heroic origin came not only a line of award-winning Horse Soldier Bourbon but also a distinctive line of cigars that seek to capture the same ethos: strength, precision, and craftsmanship. Just as the bourbon is distilled with care in the heart of America, the cigars are rolled with pride and skill in the world-renowned J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Nicaragua—a country known for producing some of the finest premium Nicaraguan cigars in the world.

The Horse Soldier cigar line, much like its bourbon namesake, is a tribute to honor and tradition. Among its offerings, the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro stands out as a shining example of Nicaraguan cigar artistry. With its classic toro shape—typically measuring 6 inches in length with a 52 ring-gauge—this cigar offers an ideal balance between smoking time and flavor development.

A Sunlit Strength

The Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro is expertly crafted using a bold, flavorful blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers, enveloped in a sun-grown wrapper that is both oily and slightly toothy to the touch. Sun-grown wrappers are cultivated under direct sunlight, which gives the leaf a thicker texture and deeper flavor. This process produces a wrapper leaf that is more intense, often contributing peppery spice and richness to the final product.

The binder and filler tobaccos are 100% Nicaraguan, and their age and fermentation process give them complexity, strength, and balance. The fermentation process helps mellow the tobaccos and bring out nuanced notes of earth, cedar, and natural sweetness. The construction of the Horse Soldier Sungrown is immaculate, boasting a seamless wrapper with minimal veins and a triple cap for a clean cut.

While the brand is relatively new in the boutique cigar market, it is produced in collaboration with some of the most respected names in the industry. Though not directly affiliated with the legendary J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Horse Soldier Cigars draws on similar principles of craftsmanship and heritage that elevate every smoking experience.

The Smoking Experience

Lighting up the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro, you’re greeted with an aroma of barnyard hay, leather, and sweet earth—a promising prelude to the experience ahead. Upon ignition, the first third opens with a burst of red pepper on the retrohale, complemented by strong notes of cedar and toasted bread. There’s a subtle undercurrent of brown sugar and nutmeg that rounds out the initial spice, creating a dynamic and layered introduction.

As the cigar transitions into the second third, the peppery punch takes a backseat, allowing creamy notes of roasted coffee and cocoa to shine through. The cedar becomes more nuanced, evolving into a sandalwood-like smoothness, and there’s a sweet, almost raisin-like finish that lingers on the palate. The burn remains razor-sharp, and the draw is easy and generous, offering plumes of aromatic smoke with every puff.

In the final third, the body of the cigar intensifies slightly, with espresso, dark chocolate, and leather becoming more dominant. The sweetness fades, giving way to a savorier profile with hints of black pepper returning to add a bit of kick toward the nub. It finishes strong but never harsh, leaving a clean and satisfying aftertaste.

Horse Soldier Rollcall

In addition to the Sungrown Toro, the Horse Soldier cigar line also features the Horse Soldier Maduro Toro and the Horse Soldier Shade Toro. The Maduro Toro is a bolder expression, featuring a dark and oily maduro wrapper that delivers a rich profile of cocoa, espresso, and spice—perfect for those who enjoy a full-bodied smoking experience. Meanwhile, the Shade Toro offers a milder, smoother experience with its Connecticut shade-grown wrapper. Expect notes of cream, light cedar, and a touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendation: Horse Soldier Bourbon Straight

To truly appreciate the full spectrum of flavors offered by the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro, pairing it with a neat pour of Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon is highly recommended. The bourbon’s warm notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice play beautifully off the cigar’s earthy, cocoa-forward middle third and robust final act.

A Cigar Worth Saluting

The Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro is more than just a cigar; it’s a statement piece. It celebrates courage, honor, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood. With its complex flavor transitions, expert construction, and storied origin, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other premium handmade Nicaraguan cigars in its class.

Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or a newcomer drawn to the brand’s rich history, the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro delivers a robust, flavorful smoking experience that’s worthy of remembrance. Available now on LM Cigars, it’s a must-try for anyone who values not only what’s in their cigar but the story behind it. Light one up, raise a glass, and toast to valor. Horse Soldier cigars are here to honor the past and shape the future of premium tobacco.

The Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf (6.5×52 parejo toro) is a striking cigar that stands out not only for its bold flavor profile but also for its deep-rooted connection to traditional Cuban cigar-making values. Crafted by the renowned Tatuaje brand, this cigar delivers an experience that appeals to seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike. It embodies strength, complexity, and heritage—all of which define the spirit of Tatuaje and its founder, Pete Johnson. With its Nicaraguan blend and rich Broadleaf wrapper, the Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf sits comfortably among the upper echelon of premium cigars. LM Cigars proudly sells the Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf in boxes of ten.

Tatuaje Tales

To appreciate the Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf, it’s important to understand the origins of the Tatuaje brand. Founded in 2003 by Pete Johnson, a music industry veteran turned cigar visionary, Tatuaje was born out of a passion for old-world Cuban-style cigars. The name “Tatuaje,” which means “tattoo” in Spanish, is a nod to Johnson’s own heavily tattooed appearance and the bold personal style he brings to his cigars. When he first joined the cigar industry, the cigar industry man was a boardroom executive. The image of the clean-shaven and suited cigar manufacturer has changed radically since then. From the beginning, Johnson made it his mission to produce cigars that captured the essence of classic Cuban cigars, while using the finest Nicaraguan tobaccos and his own panache.

Pete Johnson partnered with the legendary José “Pepín” Garcia, one of the most respected cigar makers in the world, to bring Tatuaje to life. All Tatuaje cigars, including the Cojonú line, are crafted at the My Father Cigars S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This factory is known for its meticulous attention to detail and its dedication to quality control, which ensures consistency across the brand’s extensive portfolio. The partnership between Johnson and Garcia has become one of the most fruitful collaborations in the modern cigar world, and the Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf is a testament to their combined vision and craftsmanship.

Understanding the Cojonú Series

The Cojonú series, which began in 2003, was designed to be a stronger and bolder counterpart to Tatuaje’s core line. The word “Cojonú” is a colloquial Spanish term meaning “ballsy” or “gutsy,” and it perfectly encapsulates the robust nature of these cigars. The Cojonú 2003 was one of the first releases in the series and has remained a favorite due to its consistent quality and full-bodied flavor.

The Reserva Broadleaf variant of the Cojonú 2003 features a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, which replaces the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper found on the original. This wrapper brings a different dimension to the cigar’s profile, contributing rich sweetness, earthy undertones, and a dense texture. Underneath the Broadleaf is a blend of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos sourced from the Garcia family’s farms. The result is a cigar that combines Nicaraguan strength with American richness, offering a complex and gratifying smoke from start to finish.

A Flavor Profile Built for the Bold

From the moment the Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf is lit, the smoker is met with a powerful burst of flavor. The initial draws introduce notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper, creating an assertive and slightly spicy beginning. As the cigar settles into its core, layers of cedar, molasses, and leather begin to emerge. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper adds a natural sweetness that balances the spice and strength, making the cigar both bold and nuanced.

The construction is exemplary, as expected from the My Father Cigars factory. The draw remains consistent, and the burn is even throughout the smoke. Thick, aromatic smoke adds to the sensory experience, and the ash holds firm for several inches at a time. The cigar finishes with a crescendo of rich flavors—charred oak, cocoa, and a hint of baking spice—that linger on the palate well after the final puff. This cigar is certainly not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy full-bodied blends with deep complexity, it is a memorable experience.

How It Compares to Other Nicaraguan Cigars

In a crowded market of Nicaraguan handmade cigars, the Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf holds its own as a standout offering. When compared to other well-known full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars in a similar price range—such as the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series or the Liga Privada No. 9 by Drew Estate—the Cojonú brings a unique twist to the table. While the Padron delivers smooth cocoa and spice with a velvety texture, and the Liga Privada leans heavily into earthiness and sweetness, the Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf manages to combine power and refinement with a particularly leathery, peppery edge that’s distinctly Tatuaje.

One of the key differences is the emphasis on traditional Cuban techniques, something Pete Johnson insists on with every Tatuaje release. The triple cap, Cuban-style rolling, and meticulous aging process ensure that the Cojonú 2003 not only competes with but often surpasses its peers in overall craftsmanship. Its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper also sets it apart from many Nicaraguan cigars that tend to use Habano or Corojo wrappers, making it a compelling choice for smokers looking for something slightly different but no less luxurious.

Why the Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf

The Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf is more than just another cigar—it’s a statement piece within the Tatuaje lineup and a symbol of the brand’s commitment to quality, strength, and tradition. It brings together the best of both worlds: the bold, spicy characteristics of Nicaraguan tobacco and the rich, sweet influence of a well-aged Broadleaf wrapper. The result is a cigar that consistently delivers a satisfying, full-bodied experience.

Its appeal lies not only in its flavor profile but also in the story behind it. Pete Johnson’s dedication to reviving the essence of classic Cuban cigars is evident in every detail, from the band design to the way the cigar smokes. This isn’t just a boutique cigar—it’s a carefully curated experience made for discerning palates. Smokers looking to explore the deeper end of the Nicaraguan spectrum will find the Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf to be both rewarding and memorable.

For cigar enthusiasts who appreciate complexity, boldness, and craftsmanship, the Tatuaje Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf is a must-try. It represents the best of what modern boutique cigars can offer while staying firmly rooted in tradition. With Pete Johnson’s creative vision, the expertise of the Garcia family, and the impeccable quality control of the My Father Cigars factory, this cigar has earned its place among the top Nicaraguan blends available today. Because of Pete Johnson’s desire to emulate Cuban style, the boxes are simple and come in counts of ten or twenty. This is easily digestible for the everyday smoker who is hesitant to splurge on larger, more expensive boxes.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Tatuaje brand or someone seeking a new cigar that offers rich flavor and bold character, the Cojonú 2003 Reserva Broadleaf is well worth your attention. Its strong performance, balanced complexity, and premium construction make it one of the most impressive offerings in the full-bodied category. When you light up a Cojonú 2003, you’re not just smoking a cigar—you’re experiencing a carefully crafted tribute to tradition, innovation, and bold cigar-making. Visit lmcigars.com for the latest information on availability and deals related to Tatuaje cigars.

When it comes to premium cigars that combine deep historical roots, expert craftsmanship, and rare tobacco blending, few brands match the excellence of the Julius Caeser by the J.C. Newman Cigar Company. This Dominican handmade cigar is more than a smoke—it’s a tribute to an extraordinary legacy that spans over 130 years and four generations of family tradition.

Crafted with aged ligero filler tobacco and produced by the legendary Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic, the Julius Caeser is a truly unique blend in the J.C. Newman portfolio. Here’s why this cigar is an essential experience for premium cigar lovers and how it honors one man’s journey, his legacy, and the evolution of one of America’s most iconic cigar companies. Julius Caeser is part of the Diamond Crown family of Dominican premium handmade cigars. Diamond Crown is named in honor of Queen Victoria, but what is a queen to an emperor?

From Austria-Hungary to the American Dream

The Julius Caeser cigar is named after Julius Caeser Newman, the founder of J.C. Newman Cigar Company and a true American success story. Born in Austria-Hungary in 1875, Julius Caeser immigrated to the United States in 1888, arriving not through Ellis Island, but through Baltimore, Maryland—a common port of entry for many German and Hungarian immigrants at the time.

Interestingly, due to a clerical error during his naturalization process, his name was recorded as “Caeser” instead of the traditional spelling, “Caesar.” Rather than correct it, Julius kept the unique spelling, a small but symbolic detail that would eventually become part of his family’s lasting cigar empire.

At a young age, Julius began apprenticing as a cigar maker. In 1895, he founded the J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Cleveland, Ohio, hand-rolling cigars in his family’s basement. Little did he know that this small operation would evolve into America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar manufacturer.

Four Generations of Newman Family Leadership

For over 125 years, the J.C. Newman Cigar Company has remained a family-owned and operated business, staying true to its founder’s vision while adapting to an ever-changing cigar landscape. The Newman family’s commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation has spanned four generations. Julius Caeser Newman, the founder and namesake of the Julius Caeser cigar, laid the foundation. His son Stanford J. Newman expanded the company’s reach and helped guide it through the post-Cuban embargo era. Grandsons Eric and Bobby Newman continued the tradition into the 21st century. Today, the fourth generation—Drew Newman, Eric’s son—is helping lead the company into the future with a renewed focus on American cigar heritage.

This continuity of family leadership is rare in the cigar industry, and it’s one of the key reasons J.C. Newman has maintained its reputation for excellence and authenticity over the decades.

The Fuente Partnership: A Bond of Excellence

One of the most influential chapters in J.C. Newman’s modern history is its partnership with Arturo Fuente, a name synonymous with cigar mastery. The alliance between these two iconic cigar families began in the 1980s, when the Newmans sought to expand their premium cigar offerings following the growing demand for handmade cigars.

The Newmans partnered with Carlos Fuente Sr. and his son Carlito Fuente, who were establishing themselves as premier cigar makers in the Dominican Republic. Their shared values—family tradition, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality—formed the bedrock of a lasting collaboration.

Today, many of J.C. Newman’s premium cigars, including the Julius Caeser, are expertly crafted at Tabacalera A. Fuente in Santiago, a facility renowned for producing some of the world’s most sought-after cigars. This factory produces about 2 million cigars a year for the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. The Fuente family’s blending expertise combined with the Newman family’s vision has made Julius Caeser a cigar that truly stands out.

Julius Caeser: Boldly Unique Among Dominican Cigars

Launched in 2010 to celebrate J.C. Newman’s 115th anniversary, the Julius Caeser cigar is unlike anything else in the company’s lineup. While many premium cigars rely on a balanced mix of filler leaves, Julius Caeser is blended almost entirely of aged ligero filler tobacco, a bold choice that delivers unmatched depth and character. The complexity and power of the ligero filler blend necessitates a full year of aging in cedar-lined aging rooms.

Ligero leaves are harvested from the upper primings of the tobacco plant. They receive the most sunlight, making them darker and more potent. Ligero is typically used sparingly in blends due to its strength, but the Julius Caeser cigar defies convention.

By carefully aging the ligero and skillfully blending it with a Dominican binder and a silky Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, the result is a cigar that delivers: rich flavor, smooth complexity, and notes of cedar, spice, leather, chocolate, earth, and espresso

This blend is both bold and balanced, offering a premium smoking experience that’s sophisticated, yet powerful—a rare feat in today’s market.

Handcrafted Quality at Tabacalera A. Fuente

Each Julius Caeser cigar is hand-rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente under the supervision of some of the finest artisans in the Dominican Republic. The meticulous production process ensures top-tier construction, an even burn, and consistent flavor in every stick.

The cigars are aged and monitored with care, allowing the ligero filler to mellow and marry with the wrapper and binder. This extended aging process enhances the cigar’s smoothness and complexity, setting it apart as a true luxury cigar for discerning aficionados.

A Cigar with a Story Worth Telling

Beyond its powerful flavor and premium craftsmanship, the Julius Caeser cigar carries with it a powerful story. It is a tribute to an immigrant who built the American dream, a legacy passed down through four generations of Newman family leadership, a partnership with the Fuente family that revolutionized premium Dominican cigar production, and a unique blend of aged ligero tobacco rarely seen in other cigars

Whether you’re a longtime cigar lover or a newcomer exploring the world of premium smokes, the Julius Caeser is more than just a cigar—it’s a story, an experience, and a legacy rolled into one.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Julius Caeser?

When you light up a Julius Caeser by J.C. Newman, you’re not just enjoying a cigar—you’re partaking in a legacy that dates back to 1895. With its distinct ligero-dominant blend, exceptional craftsmanship by Tabacalera A. Fuente, and a rich story of family, tradition, and resilience, Julius Caeser is a must-have for any humidor.

Whether you’re buying for yourself or searching for a gift-worthy cigar for a true connoisseur, Julius Caeser delivers on every front—flavor, history, and heritage. Julius Caeser cigars are available online through LM Cigars on lmcigars.com.