J.C. Newman Cigar Company has released the 2024 edition of José Gaspar cigars. This is an annual cigar line that is named for the famed pirate who would become the inspiration for the city of Tampa’s annual Gasparilla festival. The series first had its debut in 2022.
José Gaspar was a pirate who terrorized the waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Gaspár eventually was killed while attempting to seize a U.S. Navy warship in disguise. Since his death, many stories of Gaspár have become a part of the Tampa Bay Area’s folklore. This led to the creation of the Gasparilla festival in 1904, which is now a Tampa Bay tradition.
“José Gaspar was one of [the] most feared pirates in the Americas,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner, in a press release. “Sailing from his base near Tampa Bay in the late 1700s, he terrorized the Gulf of Mexico and amassed a great fortune. Gaspar celebrated victories with a bold and flavorful cigar. This cigar honors his legacy and the tradition of Gasparilla.”
The José Gaspar 2024 features a “Havana” wrapper over an undisclosed blend. The cigar comes in one size – a 6 1/2 x 52 Toro. It will be sold in five packs with an MSRP of $40.00.
The cigar is pretty much a regional release for Tampa and will be available at the following retailers:
- Corona Cigar Company
- Edwards Pipe and Tobacco
- Grand Cathedral
- Hotel Haya
- J.C. Newman Cigar Museum and Factory Store
- King Corona International Plaza
- King Corona Cigars
- Tobacco Depot
- Vincent & Tampa Cigar Co.
- Casa de Montecristo
- Sterling Cigar Lounge
- The Columbia
- Visit Tampa Bay
- Tampero Cigars Ybor City
Photo Credit: J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
