AshMap
Overview
The American by J.C. Newman Torpedo is more than a premium cigar—it is a living artifact of American industrial heritage, hand-rolled in Tampa's El Reloj factory, the last major cigar manufacturing facility standing in the United States. In an era when domestic cigar production has become nearly extinct, J.C. Newman's commitment to keeping the craft alive in Ybor City transcends marketing. The Torpedo vitola serves as the line's sharpest expression, its tapered profile concentrating the smoke and tightening the flavor arc in ways that the robusto and toro cannot replicate. The cigar opens with a creamy, approachable demeanor—surprising given its Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper—delivering rich dark cocoa, black coffee, and molasses sweetness that immediately signals quality construction and thoughtful aging.
As the smoke develops into the second third, the Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa fillers assert themselves with measured sophistication. Espresso and dark dried fruit emerge alongside a leather backbone, while the sweetness pivots from molasses to dark caramel. The spice never overwhelms; rather, it complements the broader flavor architecture. By the final third, the cigar deepens considerably, introducing bitter dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and earthy undertones. A lingering black pepper and charred oak note develops on the retrohale, anchoring a long finish that returns persistently to cocoa. Throughout, the construction remains exemplary—even draw, minimal touch-ups, and firm grey ash that holds confidently.
For the discerning aficionado, The American Torpedo represents exceptional value at $12–$16 per cigar. It is neither a casual smoke nor a collector's vault piece; rather, it occupies a rare middle ground: a medium-full strength cigar with genuine complexity that rewards attention without demanding expertise. The 75–90 minute smoke duration positions it perfectly for a deliberate afternoon or evening session. Paired thoughtfully—aged bourbon, bold Zinfandel, or espresso—it elevates the occasion. In a marketplace often dominated by imported brands, this American-made torpedo serves as both a tribute to heritage and a reminder that exceptional cigars can still be rolled on domestic soil.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa long-fillers, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Tampa, Florida, USA — J.C. Newman's El Reloj factory, the last remaining cigar factory in Tampa's historic Ybor City |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; finished cigars box-rested before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw and opening light deliver rich dark cocoa, black coffee, and a subtle molasses sweetness from the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Early smoke is creamy and surprisingly soft given the Maduro leaf, with cedar and toasted bread rounding the profile.
Second Third
Complexity builds with espresso, dark dried fruit — think prune and raisin — and a leather backbone emerging. The Nicaraguan fillers assert themselves with a measured spice that complements rather than overwhelms, and the sweetness transitions from molasses to dark caramel.
Final Third
The final third deepens considerably with bitter dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and earth coming forward. A lingering black pepper and charred oak note develops on the retrohale, and the finish is long with a pleasant cocoa-forward sweetness that persists.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent for a U.S.-produced cigar — the draw is open but not loose, burn line is even with minimal touch-ups required, and the ash holds firm in pale grey columns to approximately one inch before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Kentucky bourbon with high corn content — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Wild Turkey Rare Breed pair beautifully, amplifying the caramel and vanilla notes against the cigar's chocolate and earth
Wine
A bold California Zinfandel or an Amarone della Valpolicella — the dark fruit and rustic earthiness of both wines mirror the cigar's mid-palate complexity without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a cold brew concentrate — the cigar's inherent cocoa and coffee notes are elevated rather than competed with
Who Should Smoke This?
The American Torpedo appeals to intermediate and advanced aficionados who appreciate historical significance alongside flavor complexity. This is an ideal cigar for the American cigar enthusiast—someone who values domestic craftsmanship and wants to support the preservation of Tampa's rolling tradition. It suits deliberate smokers with 75–90 minutes to invest, those who enjoy a medium-full profile without aggression, and anyone seeking a premium experience at an accessible price point. Weekend sessions, post-dinner pairings, and occasions where the evolving flavor arc demands attention make this torpedo shine. Beginners with some experience will find it approachable thanks to its creamy opening and balanced spice profile, though its complexity truly rewards seasoned palates.
Bottom Line
The American by J.C. Newman Torpedo is the sharpest expression of a historically significant American-made line, delivering medium-full complexity, impeccable construction, and genuine heritage at $12–$16 per cigar. For American-made premium cigars, this punches well above its tier and its price point. A worthy smoke for anyone serious about supporting the craft on domestic soil.
Similar Cigars
Explore all The American cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The American Torpedo a strong cigar?
It registers as medium-full (4/5) on the strength scale—substantial without being aggressive. The Nicaraguan fillers provide measured spice that complements rather than overwhelms, making it powerful yet balanced.
What does The American Torpedo taste like?
The profile evolves across three acts: opening with creamy dark cocoa, black coffee, and molasses; developing into espresso, dark dried fruit (prune and raisin), leather, and dark caramel; finishing with bitter dark chocolate, roasted nuts, earth, black pepper, and charred oak. The overall arc is sophisticated and layered.
How long does The American Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect a 75–90 minute smoke, making it ideal for a deliberate afternoon or evening session where you can focus on the evolving flavor progression. This is not a rush cigar.
What is the best pairing for The American Torpedo?
Aged Kentucky bourbon with high corn content (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Wild Turkey Rare Breed) amplifies caramel and vanilla notes. A bold California Zinfandel or Amarone della Valpolicella mirrors the dark fruit and earth. Cold brew or espresso elevates the cigar's inherent cocoa and coffee notes.
Is The American Torpedo good for beginners?
Intermediate smokers will find it most rewarding. While the creamy opening and balanced spice make it approachable for those with some experience, the complexity and medium-full strength truly shine for seasoned aficionados.
Where is The American Torpedo made?
Hand-rolled at J.C. Newman's El Reloj factory in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida—the last remaining major cigar factory in the United States. This is a genuinely American-made premium cigar.
What is the price of The American Torpedo?
Retails for $12–$16 per cigar, sold in boxes of 20. For an American-made hand-rolled premium cigar with this level of complexity and construction, it represents exceptional value.
Is The American Torpedo worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and finished cigars are box-rested before release. The cigar arrives in excellent condition. Additional aging will allow the flavors to marry further, though it performs superbly fresh.
What wrapper does The American Torpedo use?
Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro in the Colorado Maduro shade—deep chocolate brown with a rustic, slightly oily tooth. This wrapper imparts the creamy cocoa and molasses notes that define the opening third.
Where can I buy The American Torpedo?
As a premium J.C. Newman product, The American Torpedo is available through authorized premium cigar retailers. Contact local tobacconists or seek out retailers specializing in American-made cigars for availability.