J.C. Newman Cigar Company “El Reloj” Factory Tour – Tampa, Florida

Discover the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory “El Reloj” Tour in Florida

Step into the last working cigar factory in the United States — J.C. Newman’s “El Reloj” in Tampa, Florida, where tradition, craftsmanship, and history intertwine. Founded in 1895, J.C. Newman is America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, and its factory in Tampa’s historic Ybor City still produces cigars the same way it did more than a century ago.

Visitors can explore the fully restored El Reloj building, watch skilled cigar rollers at work, and experience the artistry of cigar making firsthand. From the aroma of hand-selected tobacco leaves to the rhythmic movements of expert torcedores, this immersive tour offers an authentic look into Tampa’s “Cigar City” heritage.

Why it’s special: The J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the last of its kind in the U.S. to hand-roll cigars in a historic working factory. Its blend of living history, craftsmanship, and preservation makes it one of Florida’s most unique and culturally significant tours.

History of J.C. Newman & El Reloj

Julius Caeser Newman founded his cigar company in 1895 after emigrating from Hungary, hand-rolling cigars in his family’s Cleveland home. In 1954, the company moved to Tampa, taking residence in the iconic El Reloj (The Clock) building — named for the tower’s clock that still marks the heart of Ybor City’s skyline.

The Newman family has preserved the building and its legacy through five generations, restoring it into a living museum and visitor experience while continuing to handcraft premium cigars like the Cuesta-Rey and The American. Today, the factory stands as both a thriving business and a tribute to Tampa’s historic cigar industry.

What You’ll See & Do on the El Reloj Tour

• Walk through the factory floor, where expert rollers craft cigars by hand on antique wooden tables.

• Learn about the entire cigar-making process — from sorting and aging leaves to blending, rolling, and packaging.

• Visit the hand-rolling gallery and see torcedores at work.

• Explore the museum exhibits, featuring century-old tools, photos, and restored cigar-making equipment.

• Watch the historic clock tower mechanism (“El Reloj”) that inspired the factory’s name.

• End the tour at the factory store, offering cigars, accessories, and Tampa-made souvenirs.

Hands-On Elements: Live cigar-rolling demonstrations; guests can optionally roll their own cigar during special workshops.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted in public areas; flash discouraged near cigar makers.
Souvenirs & Extras: Premium cigars, cutters, humidors, branded apparel, and historic merchandise.

Pricing of the El Reloj Cigar Factory Tour

• Guided Factory Tour: $15 per person

• Self-Guided Museum Admission: Free

• Cigar Rolling Experience: $75 (includes private instruction and cigar materials)

• Group Tours: Available by reservation for 10+ guests

Practical Info for Visiting J.C. Newman Cigar Company

Duration: 45–60 minutes (guided tour); 30 minutes for self-guided museum visit
Format: Guided or self-guided tour through working factory and museum
Schedule & Seasonality: Open Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM; Saturday tours at select times; closed Sundays
Audience: Adults, history buffs, cigar enthusiasts, and cultural travelers
Accessibility: Fully accessible building with elevator and accessible restrooms
Safety & Restrictions: Smoking not permitted during tours; must be 21+ to purchase cigars
Languages: English; Spanish-language tours available by request
Group & School Visits: Educational and heritage tours available for adult groups
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes and a curiosity for craftsmanship
Facilities: Museum, shop, tasting lounge, restrooms, parking lot
Closures & Downtime: Closed on major holidays and during private events

Nearby

• Ybor City Historic District – Explore cigar shops, cafés, and cultural landmarks.

• Tampa Bay History Center – Exhibits on Florida’s history and maritime heritage.

• Armature Works – Popular food hall and social space by the riverfront.

FAQs About Visiting the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory

Is the factory still operational?
Yes — El Reloj is a fully functioning cigar factory producing thousands of cigars daily by hand.

Do I need a reservation for the tour?
Reservations are recommended for guided tours, though walk-ins are welcome when space allows.

Can I watch cigars being made?
Yes, visitors can observe professional cigar rollers up close on the production floor.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not permitted during the tour, but guests can enjoy cigars in the outdoor lounge after.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Children are welcome for the educational portion, though cigar sampling is for guests 21+.

Is the factory accessible?
Yes, the facility is fully ADA compliant with elevator access and accessible restrooms.

Can I buy cigars on-site?
Absolutely — the factory store offers hand-rolled cigars, gifts, and branded merchandise.

Do you offer group or private tours?
Yes, private tours and cigar-rolling workshops can be arranged by appointment.