Brick House Connecticut — Heritage & History

Brick House Connecticut began as an extension of the J.C. Newman family legacy, a name that has rolled cigars in Tampa since 1895. The original Brick House, launched in 2009, honored the sturdy brick home of Carlito Fuente's grandfather, but the Connecticut line emerged later as a deliberate counterpoint—a shade-wrapped expression of the same Nicaraguan and Honduran core. Produced in Danlí, Honduras, at the HATSA factory (a facility with deep Plasencia roots), and also at the J.C. Newman/PENSA operation in Estelí, Nicaragua, the line reflects a rare binational production. What sets it apart is its use of a dual Connecticut wrapper approach: a silky Connecticut River Valley leaf over an Ecuadorian Connecticut binder, a construction that few brands attempt. The Double Connecticut Robusto and the Lancero showcase this technique, delivering a mild-medium smoke that still carries the earthy, peppery backbone of the original Brick House. It is a bridge between old-world shade traditions and modern Honduran-Nicaraguan blending.

Blending Philosophy

Brick House Connecticut's blending approach hinges on a double-Connecticut construction—a Connecticut River Valley wrapper over an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade binder—which is rare in an era of single-wrapper simplicity. This dual-layer strategy softens the strength of the Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers while preserving a creamy texture and a subtle spice. The fillers are aged, though specifics are proprietary, and the cigars are rolled at HATSA in Danlí, Honduras, and at the J.C. Newman/PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, allowing access to distinct tobacco regions. The line’s consistency across vitolas—from the Petit Corona to the Mighty Migh—suggests a blending philosophy that prioritizes balance over intensity, aiming for a smoke that is approachable yet not devoid of character. The use of a Connecticut shade wrapper, typically delicate, demands careful construction to avoid burn issues, and the brand’s reputation for even burns indicates a disciplined rolling process.

Flavor Profile

Across the range, Brick House Connecticut delivers a consistent profile of cedar, leather, and a gentle white pepper that emerges on the retrohale. The Connecticut River Valley wrapper imparts a creamy, slightly sweet character, while the Ecuadorian binder adds a touch of earthiness. Smokers often note a subtle dried fruit sweetness, akin to raisin or fig, especially in the Corona and Lonsdale vitolas. The Robusto and Toro offer a more pronounced leather and a hint of dark cocoa, while the Lancero, with its higher wrapper-to-filler ratio, amplifies the creamy notes and softens the pepper. Strength remains mild-medium throughout, but the Gran Toro and Mighty Migh can feel fuller due to their larger ring gauges, which intensify the leather and spice. The finish is clean, with a lingering note of toasted nuts and a faint, pleasant bitterness.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Double Connecticut Robusto is the ideal starting point. At $8–$12, it’s a low-risk investment, and its mild-medium strength won’t overwhelm. Expect a smooth, creamy smoke with cedar, a hint of leather, and a touch of white pepper on the finish. The Robusto format—5 inches by 50 ring gauge—offers a manageable 45-minute smoke, perfect for learning to appreciate Connecticut shade nuances without commitment.

Brick House Connecticut Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Brick House Connecticut cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Brick House Connecticut cigars made?

Brick House Connecticut cigars are produced in two primary locations: the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras (a facility with Plasencia affiliations and used by General Cigar Holdings), and the J.C. Newman/PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The brand is a J.C. Newman product, and production is split between these two Central American sites.

What is Brick House Connecticut known for?

Brick House Connecticut is known for its unique double-Connecticut wrapper construction—a Connecticut River Valley shade wrapper over an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade binder—which is rare in the industry. It is also recognized for offering a mild-medium strength smoke that retains the earthy, peppery character of the original Brick House line, making it a standout among Connecticut shade cigars.

Are Brick House Connecticut cigars strong?

No, Brick House Connecticut cigars are rated as mild-medium in strength. They are designed to be approachable, with a creamy texture and subtle spice, rather than a heavy, full-bodied smoke. The Connecticut shade wrapper and binder soften the Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers, resulting in a balanced, moderate profile.

What is the best Brick House Connecticut cigar for beginners?

The Double Connecticut Robusto is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-medium strength, creamy cedar and leather flavors, and reasonable price point ($8–$12) make it an accessible introduction. The 5x50 format provides a classic smoking experience without a long time commitment, and the even burn ensures a frustration-free session.

How much do Brick House Connecticut cigars cost?

Brick House Connecticut cigars range from $7 to $13 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona and Corona are at the lower end ($7–$10), while the Belicoso, Churchill, and Toro are at the higher end ($9–$13). Most sizes fall between $8 and $12.

What wrapper does Brick House Connecticut use?

Brick House Connecticut uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper grown in the Connecticut River Valley, USA, and an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade binder. This dual-Connecticut approach is a signature of the line, providing a silky, smooth exterior and a creamy, slightly sweet flavor profile.

Are Brick House Connecticut cigars Cuban?

No, Brick House Connecticut cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Honduras and Nicaragua—specifically at the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras, and the J.C. Newman/PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The brand is a product of J.C. Newman, a family-owned American company with roots in Tampa, Florida.

Where can I buy Brick House Connecticut cigars?

Brick House Connecticut cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those that stock J.C. Newman products. They are also sold through major online cigar retailers such as Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Given their mid-range price point, they are often found in sampler packs and are a common fixture in humidors at specialty shops.