It’s that time again! As All Hallow’s Eve inches closer and closer, in the cigar world that signifies that it’s officially Bricktoberfest! For the last 3 years, J.C. Newman has celebrated this magical time of the year by releasing a limited edition of their popular Brick House brand and I’m excited to light it on fire despite not having a märzen-style beer handy to pair with it… for shame.
THE CIGAR – BRICK HOUSE BRICKTOBERFEST 2024 by J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR COMPANY
Size: 6 x 52 (toro)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
Binders: Nicaraguan (Condega & Estelí)
Filler: Nicaraguan
Price: $10.00 (while these samples were submitted for review, please remember when purchasing some fine J.C. Newman cigars from FamousSmokeShop.com to use your new favorite promo code TNCC20 at checkout where it will knock $20 off your purchase of $100 or more)
This year’s Bricktoberfest features a reddish wrapper leaf that is slightly oily to the touch. An earthy aroma is present and there’s a distinct sweetness detected when sniffing the foot of the toro directly.
After experiencing a cold draw which was so heavy on mint to the point that it reminding me of menthol, it’s time to get this party started! First impressions are of dry, potent black pepper through the nose and a woodsy oak note backed by some leather pouring in from the draw. I did not cut the cap of the Bricktoberfest, I simply tore the twisted cap and that’s providing a perfect amount of airflow. Around the 1” mark, a peanut flavor begins creeping in underneath the black pepper.
Just a friendly heads up, the ash likes to drop in inch increments so keep an eye on it. Construction early on is fantastic with a smooth draw and a straight burn line that’s required zero correcting after the initial light. While the pepper has dialed back a bit, it is still very much an active participant and the additions of dry peanuts and a touch of must make the retrohale’s profile hard to ignore – in a good way. The draw’s core flavors of oak and leather continue along undisturbed.
Do I wish that I had a märzen-style beer to go along with the Bricktoberfest? Yes. Do I wish I had any beer whatsoever to pair along with this cigar at 10am CST? Well, yes. Stop judging me! Honestly, this cigar would pair beautifully with most beers and I think a dry Cabernet would work really well too. The Bricktoberfest’s secondary band is a bit tricky to remove, I ended up sliding it down over the ash – file that under “no big deal”. The retro’s pepper spice increases in potency here in the second half and, in doing so, it sheds the peanut note entirely. Full body and medium-full strength territory is where the cigar is falling for most of the smoking experience.
The combination of peppery spice, oak, and leather is working very much in the Bricktoberfest’s favor here in the final act. I’d be content with that profile continuing on as is but a slightly creamy coffee note suddenly develops on the draw adding a welcome new addition to the mix. So add a cup of your favorite coffee to the beverage options that would pair quite well with this cigar. Or maybe start off with a coffee, then pour a glass of wine, and chase them both with a delicious beer? Unlike you, I won’t judge.
THE NUB
TNCC FINAL SCORE = 92
Expertly constructed, well balanced, and offered at a price point that will make your wallet happy, the Brick House Bricktoberfest 2024 is a highly enjoyable cigar that’s screaming out for a beer. Much like I am at this point… is it noon yet? Okay, fine, you can judge me now. Happy Bricktoberfest!
*Final Smoking Time: 60 minutes
