The American Wins Fifth Cigar Trophy at 2026 Awards in Dortmund

Tampa's J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is celebrating another major industry honor after The American was named Best Brand, Other Countries (USA) at Cigar Journal magazine's annual Cigar Trophy Awards, held in Dortmund, Germany.

The consumer voted award was announced this week and marks the fifth Cigar Trophy collected by The American, following wins in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025.

J.C. Newman, established in 1895 and known as America's oldest family owned premium cigar maker, shared the news with supporters and thanked everyone who voted.

The American traces its roots to 1910, when it became the first cigar produced at the company's historic El Reloj factory in Tampa's Ybor City. The brand returned in 2016 as a 100 percent American puro. Every component, from Florida Sun Grown wrapper to Connecticut Broadleaf binder and Pennsylvania and Connecticut filler tobaccos, plus the bands, boxes, and even the hinges, comes from the United States. The cigars are still hand rolled at El Reloj, the last large traditional cigar factory operating in the country.

"We are proud to share that The American has been named Best Brand, Other Countries (USA)," the company posted. "This honor marks the fifth Cigar Trophy awarded to The American... Thank you to everyone who cast a vote and continues to support our four generation, family owned business."

The Cigar Trophy Awards remain one of the few major honors decided directly by cigar smokers around the world rather than a panel of judges. J.C. Newman's latest win underscores the enduring appeal of a cigar made entirely on American soil with American grown leaf.