J.C. Newman Ships Updated Diamond Crown Black Diamond

Much like it did with the recently-released El Baton, J.C. Newman has updated its Diamond Crown Black Diamond line with new packaging and a stronger blend. It is now shipping to stores according to a report from Cigar Aficionado.

A representative from J.C. Newman did not respond to a message from halfwheel seeking confirmation.

On paper, the blend appears the same as the one used when the cigar was introduced in 2016: it uses a Connecticut habano-seed wrapper over a Dominican binder and Dominican fillers, made by Arturo Fuente in the Dominican Republic. That said, J.C. Newman says it tweaked the blend to make the Black Diamond stronger and more refined.

Packaging changes include less purple—which was previously used as the main accent color—a foot band, a matte finish to the boxes amongst other changes.

“My grandfather, Stanford J. Newman, told me that his father, J.C. Newman taught him that we should aim to do something better every day,” said Drew Newman, general counsel and fourth generation owner, in a press release in July. “Although our Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars have been savored by cigar enthusiasts around the world for six years, I was not satisfied and wanted to make them better.”

It continues to be offered in the same three sizes:

• Diamond Crown Black Diamond Radiant (4 1/2 x 54) — $18 (Box of 20, $360)
• Diamond Crown Black Diamond Marquis (5 1/4 x 56) — $20 (Box of 20, $400)
• Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald (6 x 52) — $21 (Box of 20, $420)

While the blend and packaging have changed, the prices remain the same.