Secret Treasures Rican Thomas Tew 6x52

Thomas Tew, also known as the ‘Rhode Island Pirate’, was a prominent pirate of the late 17th century and a key figure in the Golden Age of Piracy. Little is known about his early life, but he is thought to have been born in Rhode Island in the 1640s or 1650s.

Rise to piracy

Tew began his career as a privateer, meaning he held an official licence to capture enemy ships on behalf of the British Crown. In 1692, however, he embarked on an expedition near Bermuda that was officially directed against French colonies. But Tew and his crew mutinied, declared themselves pirates and set off on the infamous ‘Pirate Route’, a route that led through the Indian Ocean and preyed upon rich merchant ships – particularly those of the Mughal fleet.

Famous raids

One of his most famous successes was the capture of a large Mughal merchant ship in 1693. This haul, which included gold, silver, precious stones and silk, made Tew and his crew extremely wealthy overnight. Every sailor received an enormous sum of money, whilst Tew himself amassed a fortune.

Personal style

Thomas Tew was known for treating his crew fairly and for distributing the plundered riches equitably. He enjoyed the respect and loyalty of his men and was regarded as a charismatic leader.

The Final Raid and Death

In 1695, Tew joined forces with Henry Every, another famous pirate, to attack the Mughal merchant fleets once more. However, during a skirmish, Tew was fatally struck by a cannonball. His death marked the end of his pirating career and prompted the British to step up their efforts to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Secret Treasures: Rican Bartholomew Roberts

Thomas Tew, the daring and charismatic pirate, is perfectly represented by a medium-strength cigar in torpedo format, manufactured in Costa Rica. The elegant, tapered shape of the ‘Secret Treasures Rican Thomas Tew 6x52’ reflects his reputation as a visionary and precise captain who terrorised the Indian Ocean. The torpedo format offers a focused and intense smoking experience, much like Tew’s strategic approach to his raids.

Tasting Notes

Cigar exterior: Sturdy , oily wrapper.
Cigar construction: Medium roll, well-made.
Smoke: Creamy with a hint of sweetness. Plenty of smoke volume.
Flavour: Earth , pepper, coffee and wood.
Burn: Good burn