Founded in 2022, West Tampa Tobacco Company is dedicated to the business of producing, marketing and distributing the finest premium-branded cigars around the world. West Tampa Tobacco Company cigars can now be found in over 300 retailers across the US and 25 International countries and growing. For more information about West Tampa Tobacco Company please visit westtampatobacco.com.
Rick Rodriguez, master blender and co-owner, is especially excited about this release as noted:
“West Tampa Red gave me the opportunity to sit down with the factory and really focus on creating a blend that I enjoy. Normally when I blend cigars, I don’t blend for what I like, I blend cigars for what my fans enjoy. Red will be a reflection of what I believe is the next piece to lay in the West Tampa puzzle, a full-bodied cigar that delivers the full flavor consumers have come to enjoy from West Tampa.”
Rick chose to work once again with the Mexican San Andreas wrapper that he used for his inaugural Attic Series release. The wrapper is where the similarities end. Changes he has made in the all-Nicaraguan binder and filler deliver an unforgettable smoke.
West Tampa Tobacco Company Red will be available in three sizes, 20 cigars/box and will be line priced with Black & White:
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $8.99
- Toro (6 X 52) – MSRP $9.99
- Gigante (6 X 60) – MSRP $10.99
First shipments of latest West Tampa Tobacco Company Red began in May and are available both in the US and international markets.
For this review I sampled 2 of the toros, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The West Tampa Tobacco Co. – Red Label sports a dark brown, toothy, oily, and slightly rugged wrapper. The cigar feels solidly packed and pressed with no soft spots. Pungent floral leaf aroma along the barrel. Rich floral and earthy notes off the foot. It is finished with a well applied cap.
A single band adorns the cigar. It is essentially the same as it’s siblings except this time it uses a red, grey white and gold motif and proudly displays the company’s logo in the center, noting that the company was established in 2022.
I opened the cap perfectly using my CigarMedics Baller cutter and gave it some cold draw puffs that treated the palate to a blend of earthiness, fruity cream, and a touch of black pepper
After a few more cold puffs, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow using my double flame torch lighter and drew in the first puffs of an intriguing array of flavors including citrus, dark chocolate, and spice. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Buttered toast aroma right off the first light
- White ash forms on top of a thin char line
- Early notes of mild citrus, dark chocolate, and spice start the journey
- Smooth mouth filling draws of smoke on every puff
- Cream notes add to the profile
- The citrus notes become quite refreshing and mouth watering
- Ash fell revealing an excellent burn cone
- Earthy notes join the mix with ever evolving citrus
- Increased spice notes with an added toasted cracker flavor
- Dry leather notes enter down through the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
I have to say, Rick Rodriguez, is knocking it out of the ballpark this year with his cigar releases and the West Tampa Red is no exception. From the moment I fired up this cigar, the first waft of smoke off the foot offered an intoxicating aroma of buttered toast that enveloped my surroundings, teasing the senses. As the flavorful journey embarked, there was a harmonious blend of subtle citrus, dark chocolate, and a tantalizing hint of spice. The profile gained depth as creamy undertones intermingled, further enhancing the overall experience. The citrus notes evolved into a revitalized burst of refreshment, causing the mouth to water in anticipation of the next draw. Midway through, the blend took on an earthy quality, gracefully interweaving with the ever-evolving citrus notes, creating a symphony of flavors that captivated the senses. As the journey nears its conclusion, the spice notes intensified, adding a delightful kick to the mix, accompanied by a lingering toasty cracker flavor that added a layer of complexity. Just when it seems the adventure was coming to an end, the entrance of dry leather notes introduced a final touch of elegance, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. This is a box worthy cigar. I rate this a 97.
Point Deductions: NONE
Bonus Points: (+1) Excellent Burn Line; (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Balanced and Pleasurable across Multiple Samples
Check this one out for sure