For the past six years, J.C. Newman has released a limited-time Bricktoberfest cigar. This year was the 6th anniversary of the release.
The Brick House Bricktoberfest 2023 is expressed in a (6 x 52) toro with a pigtail cap. The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian habano rosado
- Binder – Nicaragua
- Filler – Nicaragua
The cigars come packaged in 10 count Cuban style boxes and have an MSRP of $10.00/cigar.
The company notes that the cigars are blended to pair with the märzen-style beer that is drank during Oktoberfest.
Eric Newman explains the significance of Bricktoberfest.
“My grandfather, J.C. Newman, was born in the only house made out of brick in a small village in Austria-Hungary. He lived with his family on the second floor while the first floor was the local tavern and general store. The ‘Brick House’ cigar label depicts his family’s home. My ancestors gathered in the original ‘brick house’ to relax and celebrate with beer and cigars 150 years ago, and Bricktoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate the season with beer and Brick House cigars today.”
The Bricktoberfest 2023 are made at the J.C. Newman PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua
For this review I sampled 4 of these, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
I found the J.C. Newman Brickhouse Bricktoberfest 2023 to be a fine-looking cigar. From its satin smooth, milk chocolate brown wrapper with a slight reddish tinge to the expertly applied triple cap with pigtail, this cigar is attractive. The light oily sheen and subtle marbling on the wrapper only adds more pop to the cigar. It is firmly packed and expertly rolled from head to foot. There were no soft spots on any of the cigars I sampled for this review.
A single band adorns the cigar that is simple the standard brick house band. Strangely, the marketing material from the company shows a secondary band on it that demotes it as a Bricktoberfest 2023. Maybe the media got the ones with without the secondary banding. I think I saw a post like that on social media. I know it is the Bricktoberfest because it has the pigtail cap.
As I ran the cigar across the nose, the barrel sets off an aroma of floral and fruit notes while the foot exuded tangy fruit and cocoa notes.
I chose to open this one up using my double blade Xikar cutter, slicing the cap just above the shoulder of the cigar. I found the cold draw to have a nice restriction and offering a natural sweetness, cocoa, and a touch of earthiness.
Using my Xikar single flame torch I warmed the foot gently to bring it to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of peppery smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial puffs are peppery with a touch of butter
- The pepper rises to front and center of the profile early in the burn with a touch of coffee
- A light grey ash forms on top of a thin char line
- Earthy notes join the mix in the first third with an added citrus note
- There is a mild jag in the burn
- The well-formed ash fell in nice chunk revealing a fine burn cone
- Pepper recedes near the end of the first third as a hint of cream enters
- Dark chocolate notes delight the palate moving into the second third
- Pleasant fruit notes add to the enjoyment
- As the burn moves into the midway point, the pepper notes reemerge gently
- Fruit morphs back into a citrus note with a light spice into the final
- Medium plus in strength
- Total smoking time 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
In the initial puffs of the J.C. Newman Brickhouse Bricktoberfest 2023, the flavor unfolds with a burst of peppery piquancy, tinged with a whisper of buttery smoothness. Gradually, the pepper takes center stage, asserting itself prominently, accompanied by a subtle note of coffee. Earthy undertones join the symphony of flavors, complemented by the zesty touch of citrus that is mouthwatering upon the palate. As the first third concludes, the pepper gradually yields its prominence, making way for a subtle essence of cream to grace the profile. The second third introduces a delectable interplay of dark chocolate notes, adding a delightful richness to the overall experience, while pleasant fruit undertones contribute to the enjoyment. Approaching the midpoint of the journey, the pepper notes make a gentle resurgence, adding a familiar spice that intertwines seamlessly with the evolving profile. The fruit, once more, transforms, returning to a citrusy note, now infused with a light, tantalizing spice as the journey draws to its final stages. This is cigar I would enjoy on a regular basis if it was not so limited. Grab a box while they are available. This is an easy 95 in my book.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Jag in Burn; (-1) Slight Off Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Well Balanced; (+1) Pleasant and Consistent across Multiple Samples; (1) Box Worthy
During Bricktoberfest which runs till the end of October 2023, if you buy a 5 pack you will get a cool beer stein as a gift from the company.
When you participate on social media, you can win the Bricktoberfest Grand Prize, with two ways to enter!
1) Follow J.C, Newman on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and post a picture of yourself enjoying a Brick House cigar with the hashtag #Bricktoberfest2023. (Instagram Story Submissions do not count)
2) Find their weekly Bricktoberfest posts on Instagram or Facebook, and tag 3 friends with who you would enjoy your winning prize with.
The more ways you enter, the more likely you are to win! Each option gets you an extra entry to be a winner.
BRICKTOBERFEST 2023 GRAND PRIZE
Show your love of Brick House and Bricktoberfest all month long! This year’s Bricktoberfest Grand Prize package includes 2 Bricktoberfest 2023 Pilsner Steins and a box of 10 Bricktoberfest 2023 Pigtail Cigars. One winner will be selected from each of our social platforms: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
