Brick House — Heritage & History

Brick House was born in 2009 as a tribute to J.C. Newman's founder, J.C. Newman, whose childhood home was a brick house in Cleveland, Ohio. The brand was created to honor his legacy with a cigar that delivers robust flavor at an accessible price. Produced in Danlí, Honduras, at the J.C. Newman/General Cigar factory (HATSA), Brick House quickly became a staple for those seeking a hearty, no-nonsense smoke. The line's signature Maduro Toro, with its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and the Double Connecticut Churchill, a mild-medium offering, showcase the range's versatility. Unlike many competitors that chase limited-edition hype, Brick House has remained a consistent, value-driven workhorse, earning a loyal following among daily smokers. Its success helped cement J.C. Newman's reputation as a producer of reliable, flavorful cigars that don't break the bank.

Blending Philosophy

Brick House's blending approach is rooted in a 'no-frills, full-flavor' ethos. The brand prioritizes hearty, sun-grown tobaccos and bold wrappers—like the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro on the Maduro line and the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade on the Double Connecticut—to deliver a punchy, unapologetic profile. Rather than chasing complexity for its own sake, the blenders focus on balance and consistency, ensuring each vitola, from the Mighty Mighty gordo to the Excalibur Toro, offers a satisfying, medium-to-full-bodied smoke. The use of dual wrappers in the Filthy Hooligan Barber Pole, where Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and Ecuadorian Connecticut Natural are spiraled together, exemplifies a playful yet deliberate construction technique. This is blending that respects tradition but isn't afraid to experiment, all while keeping the smoker's experience—and wallet—in mind.

Flavor Profile

Across the Brick House range, smokers can expect a core of earthy, leathery notes with a distinct pepper kick, often framed by cedar and a touch of natural sweetness. The Maduro line, like the Maduro Robusto, delivers dark cocoa, espresso, and a subtle dried fruit sweetness, with a medium-full body that builds on the palate. The Double Connecticut series, such as the Double Connecticut Toro, offers a milder entry point, with creamy cedar, light toast, and a gentle white pepper on the retrohale, making it approachable yet not bland. The Excalibur line, particularly the Excalibur Churchill, sits in the middle, balancing the earthiness of the Honduran Habano with a hint of spice and leather. Overall, Brick House cigars are known for their consistency and a flavor profile that leans savory and robust, with strength varying from mild-medium to medium-full depending on the blend.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Brick House Double Connecticut Robusto is an ideal starting point. At $8–$12, it's a low-risk investment. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers a mild-medium smoke with creamy cedar, light toast, and a subtle white pepper finish. Expect a gentle, approachable profile that won't overwhelm, and a smoking time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour—perfect for a first foray into premium cigars.

Brick House Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Brick House cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Brick House cigars made?

Brick House cigars are primarily made in Danlí, Honduras, at the J.C. Newman/General Cigar factory (HATSA). Some lines, like the Excalibur, are produced at General Cigar's Villazon factory in Danlí, while others may be rolled at NACSA in Estelí, Nicaragua, depending on the blend.

What is Brick House known for?

Brick House is known for delivering hearty, full-flavored cigars at an accessible price point. The brand's Maduro line, with its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and the Double Connecticut series, featuring Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, are particularly celebrated for their consistency and value. The Filthy Hooligan Barber Pole, with its dual-wrapped spiral, is a standout for its unique construction.

Are Brick House cigars strong?

Brick House cigars range from mild-medium to medium-full in strength. The Double Connecticut line is mild-medium, making it a good entry point, while the Maduro and Excalibur lines lean medium-full, offering a more robust experience. The Mighty Mighty gordo is also medium-full, providing a longer, stronger smoke.

What is the best Brick House cigar for beginners?

The Brick House Double Connecticut Robusto is the best choice for beginners due to its mild-medium strength and approachable flavor profile. Priced at $8–$12, it offers creamy cedar and light toast without overwhelming pepper, making it an easy introduction to the brand.

How much do Brick House cigars cost?

Brick House cigars are priced between $8 and $13 per cigar, depending on the line and vitola. For example, the Double Connecticut Robusto is $8–$12, while the Maduro Torpedo is $9–$13. This makes them a solid value in the premium cigar market.

What wrapper does Brick House use?

Brick House uses a variety of wrappers, including Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Connecticut, Connecticut Shade (Ecuador-grown), Honduran Connecticut Shade, Honduran Habano, and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. The Excalibur line features a unique dual wrapper—Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and Ecuadorian Connecticut Natural—spirally applied in barber pole fashion. The Maduro line uses Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, while some releases may use Nicaraguan Jalapa Maduro or Honduran Connecticut Broadleaf.

Are Brick House cigars Cuban?

No, Brick House cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Honduras and Nicaragua, primarily at General Cigar's HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras, and NACSA in Estelí, Nicaragua. The brand is a proud product of these Central American countries, using non-Cuban tobaccos.

Where can I buy Brick House cigars?

Brick House cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, online cigar retailers, and through major cigar catalogues. Given their mid-range price point, they are a common fixture in humidors across the U.S. and internationally. Check your local shop or trusted online vendors for the full lineup.