Gene’s Blend
Staff Blends
TASTING NOTES
This cigar delivers a bold and complex blend of earthy tones, black pepper, and dark cocoa, complemented by a subtle sweetness and creaminess. The Nicaraguan Jalapa wrapper adds a sweet and spicy touch, while the Mexican San Andrés binder brings rich cocoa and leather notes, and the Cameroon binder contributes nuttiness. The Esteli ligero offers a peppery kick, balanced by the smoother, earthy qualities of the ASP and Paraguay secos.
STRENGTH
Medium Bodied
ORIGIN
Handmade in Tampa, Fla. U.S.A.
AGED
12 Months
QUANTITY
20
Wrapper
Jalapa Valley Criollo 98
Binder
African Tribu
Filler 1
Andes Oro Seco
Filler 2
A.S.P. Propietary Seed Seco
Filler 3
Esteli Criollo 98 Ligero
$500.00
A bold mix of earthy tones, black pepper, and dark cocoa, with a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
About Gene
Gene Haines epitomizes the essence of a true cigar aficionado, boasting 24 years of experience indulging in the rich flavors and aromas of premium cigars. Prior to his tenure at J.C. Newman, Gene served as a dedicated Tampa Police Officer for 28 years, where he earned the moniker "Mayor of Ybor" for his beloved ritual of enjoying cigars while on patrol.
With a deep-rooted connection to the heart of Tampa's cigar culture, Gene brings a unique perspective and passion to his role at J.C. Newman. As a supervisor on the cigar rolling floor, he oversees the creation of some of the brand's most iconic blends, including his personal favorite, The American.
For Gene, cigars are more than just a hobby—they're a way of life, steeped in tradition and camaraderie. His journey from the streets of Tampa to the hallowed halls of J.C. Newman is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the craft, and his commitment to preserving the heritage of premium cigars for generations to come.
Other Staff Blends
Start From Scratch
While our Staff Blends offer exceptional quality and unique flavors, if you’re craving something truly personal and one-of-a-kind, our Start From Scratch program is the perfect choice. This exclusive experience allows you to craft a cigar that is entirely your own, tailored to your specific preferences, vision, and occasion.
With the guidance of one of J.C. Newman's expert tobacconists, you’ll embark on a journey that takes you deep into the world of tobacco blending. Together, you’ll select from our finest tobaccos—choosing the perfect wrapper, binder, and fillers to create a blend that reflects your taste down to the last detail. Your custom creation will be hand-rolled by master artisans and aged to perfection, ensuring an extraordinary smoking experience.
For those who value craftsmanship and want a cigar that stands apart from the rest, Start From Scratch offers the ultimate in customization. Take the next step and bring your dream cigar to life today.
Learn the processBlending Tool
The Blending Tool offers you an interactive experience to try your hand at being a cigar blender. Select wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos to craft the custom cigar of your dreams. Experiment virtually with various combinations and share your creations with friends.
This tool is perfect if you’re planning to create your personal reserve cigar through our Start From Scratch program, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the tobacco options before your consultation.
Start Blending
Make it Personal
Add your personalization to your cigar band.
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