J.C. Newman Ships LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition

The collaboration between the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation and J.C. Newman is now heading to stores.

It’s called the LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition, 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. Neiman was a noted cigar smoker, oftentimes seen holding a cigar in one hand and a paint brush in the other.

Each cigar has an MSRP of $20. J.C. Newman and the foundation say that all of their 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.”

This is the first in what is expected to be an annual series. Each release will center around a different Neiman painting. This year, that painting is “Irish-American Bar,” a 1978 painting from Neiman. A lithograph of “Irish-American Bar,” will be included with each box.

“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.”

The bottom of the box includes a print that is a replica of the paint-covered floor of Neiman’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.”