Black - West Tampa Tobacco

West Tampa Tobacco

Nov 10

There is an interesting matrix in the cigar industry. Trying to remember which master blenders used to work for one place and have moved on to blend at another. Companies that partner together to blend something special. It’s a tall task for anyone to keep track of. The story behind West Tampa Tobacco is no different. Rick Rodriguez, blender and ambassador for CAO, recently left to launch his own brand. He announced this alongside Gus Martinez who is West Tampa Tobacco’s President. The first releases from West Tampa were simply called Black and White.

Let’s begin with Black…

The dark brown wrapper might give you the initial impression that it’s a full-bodied, knock your socks off kind of cigar. On the contrary. The Black is an incredibly smooth, medium-bodied cigar. Some of the spicy kick underneath this cigar comes from its Habano wrapper and also the Nicaraguan binder, which is grown in the volcanic soil of the Ometepe island.

This cigar gives you a little of everything. Starting with a little bit of pepper and earth in the first third. Throughout, you’ll get notes of leather, oak, black pepper, cream, and espresso beans. The Estelí Ligero and Condega Viso filler, delivers complexity and flavor that new and experienced cigar smokers will all enjoy.