J.C. Newman Debuting LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition at PCA 2023

LeRoy Neiman was known for his love of cigars, now, the famed painter is getting a cigar with his name on it.

J.C. Newman and LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation are collaborating together for a new cigar. The LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition is a 6 x 52 toro that uses a Havana rosado wrapper over a Florida Sun Grown binder and fillers from Nicaragua and the U.S. In November, J.C. Newman says it will ship 500 boxes of 20 cigars to stores.

Each cigar has an MSRP of $20. J.C. Newman and the foundation say that all of its proceeds will be donated to supporting arts education at Tampa’s public schools. The cigars are made at El Reloj, J.C. Newman’s headquarters and factory in Tampa.

“Art has been an integral part of the cigar industry for more than 150 years,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman, in a press release. “No artist is more famous for creating his work while enjoying fine cigars than LeRoy Neiman. It is a true privilege to honor LeRoy’s legacy by creating this one-of-a-kind cigar.”

A lithograph of “Irish-American Bar,” a 1978 painting from Neiman, is included inside each box. In addition, the image is wrapped around each cigar.

“LeRoy Neiman’s ‘Irish-American Bar’ holds a special place in LeRoy Neiman’s portfolio and heart, depicting the legendary New York watering hole where he created memories, artworks, and lifelong friends,” said Tara Zabor, executive director of the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, in a press release. “We’ve placed this lithograph inside our cigar cabinets to welcome aficionados into LeRoy’s cherished world. Every time someone opens the cabinet, they’re getting not just a great cigar, but a piece of LeRoy’s legacy. It’s our way of honoring his life and sharing the joy that he put into every brushstroke.”

Perhaps the most interesting tie-in is the bottom of the box: it is a print of the floor of Nieman’s New York City studio.

“I am truly honored that the Foundation has entrusted me to create a cigar worthy of LeRoy’s name,” said Newman. “I am also grateful to Vrijdag Premium Printing and Common Bond Design for their wonderful support of this project.”

The LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition will be shown off for retailers at the 2023 PCA Convention & Trade Show, which takes place July 8-11 in Las Vegas.