Tampa’s cigar-making legacy lives on at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, where skilled artisans still roll premium cigars by hand just like they did over a century ago.
Tucked away in historic Ybor City, this family-owned factory has survived industry upheaval, changing tastes, and economic storms to remain America’s last standing large-scale cigar manufacturer. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a time machine where tobacco leaves transform into masterpieces and the sweet aroma of aging cigars fills the air.
Whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or just curious about Tampa’s storied past, this working factory offers an unforgettable peek behind the curtain of a craft that refuses to fade away.
The El Reloj Factory Building: A Century-Old Architectural Gem
Standing tall at 2701 N 16th Street since 1910, the El Reloj factory building isn’t just a workplace—it’s a monument to Tampa’s golden age of cigar production. The name translates to “The Clock” in Spanish, referring to the distinctive clock tower that once helped workers track their shifts…