Tampa has two-century-old traditions: Since 1885, Tampa has been known as “Cigar City.” Since 1904, pirates have been invading Tampa and throwing a large festival called Gasparilla. Each year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. brings both traditions together by releasing a limited edition José Gaspar cigar. Handcrafted by J.C. Newman, a 130-year-old, four-generation family business, José Gaspar cigars pack a punch perfect for any pirate.
“José Gaspar was one of most feared pirates in the Americas,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner. “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.”
This year, J.C. Newman is releasing 10,000 José Gaspar cigars. The 2026 release of José Gaspar is a 6’ x 54 cigar wrapped with a Ecuador Havana wrapper. The 2026 José Gaspar cigars are sold in packs of 5 cigars with an MSRP of $40. José Gaspar cigars are only available at the following locations in the Cigar City of Tampa, Florida:
- Cigar City Brewery Co.
- Corona Cigar Company-Tampa
- Edwards Pipe and Tobacco
- Grand Cathedral Cigars
- Hotel Haya
- Central Cigars
- J.C. Newman Cigar Museum and Factory Store
- King Corona Cigar Bar & Cafe – Ybor
- Tobacco Depot- Carrollwood
- Sterling Cigar Lounge & Bar
- Visit Tampa Bay Visitor Center
- Tampero Cigars Ybor City
- Cigar Castle
- Bruton’s Cigar Shop
- Casa de Montecristo Cigar Lounge & Bar – South Tampa
- Cigars International Superstore – Brandon
- The Columbia Restaurant- Ybor
- J.R. Cigars Outlet-Tampa
