Description
The Good Life by Brian Desind (J.C. Newman) Aged 2+ Years
Size: 6×54
Vitola: Toro Gordo
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Fillers: Nicaraguan
Flavor Notes: Chocolate cake, babka bread, nutmeg, fresh-baked bread, cedar, red wine, sugar, dried florals, sandalwood, roasted nuts, herbs, chili spice, menthol finish
Pairing Notes: Chocolate cake, champagne, amber lager, cognac, chocolate-covered almonds, egg cream soda, steak dinners, ice cream sundaes, celebratory occasions
Manufacturer: J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Privada Storytelling
Cue the soundtrack: “I’m talking bout the good life…” This is that moment when luxury and legacy align, and a cigar becomes more than tobacco—it becomes a lifestyle. A few months back, I got a call from J.C. Newman in Tampa, Florida, one of the most historic and respected names in cigars. They wanted to talk about community, about culture, about what makes Privada so powerful. Naturally, I turned the conversation back to you, our members, because without you there is no Privada.
The collaboration turned into more than just a meeting. It became a cigar—a statement piece in Broadleaf—that I personally designed the band for and oversaw during blending. The Good Life was born from the oldest family-owned cigar company in America, a company fighting tirelessly for this industry against FDA overreach. It represents celebration, decadence, and heritage. This isn’t just a cigar; it’s a chocolate cake in smoke form, a reminder that indulgence has its place in life, and that place is here and now.
Flavor Journey
First Third: Bursts of baker’s spice—nutmeg, fresh-baked bread, pine, and the unmistakable richness of chocolate babka. Notes of red wine, sugar sweetness, florals, and a peppery undertone create a decadent opening.
Second Third: The sweetness dials back, replaced with Italian herb seasoning, cedar, and grainy tones reminiscent of sugar smacks cereal. Breadiness remains strong while sandalwood and smoke add depth.
Final Third: Chili seasoning spice enters, with more florals and cedar lifting the palate. The profile becomes a gourmet chocolate cake seasoned with herbs, roasted nuts, and unique spices. A menthol-like coolness emerges on the finish, leaving an unforgettable impression.
Why It Belongs in Privada
Because celebration is part of cigar culture, and no other cigar captures celebration quite like this one. The Good Life stands as proof that Privada can collaborate with giants like J.C. Newman while still pushing creativity and flavor forward. This isn’t a corporate blend—it’s a love letter to indulgence, heritage, and community. It belongs in Privada because it’s not just a cigar; it’s an experience reserved for those who know how to savor life.
