West Tampa Tobacco Company is excited to announce that West Tampa Dark Time has shipped and is now available in the US and very shortly in international markets. Unveiled at this year’s PCA Show in New Orleans, Dark Time represents the pinnacle of quality. “Time is our most precious resource and what better way to spend that time than sharing our finest cigar with family and friends”, said Gus Martinez, co-owner. Painstakingly blended and aged […]
This week on The Cigar Authority, it’s the Circle of Life in The Cigar World with Rick Rodriguez, Owner of West Tampa Tobacco Co.! Like any industry there is a cyclical nature in the world of cigars & as much as things change, they stay the same! We ask Rick about his journey in the Cigar Industry & how it’s come full circle while smoking Circle of Life! Join Mr. Jonathan, David Garofalo and Ed […]
The West Tampa Circle of Life Toro is more than just a cigar—it’s a moment of mentorship come full circle. A collaboration between Rick Rodriguez and his mentor, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, this cigar was born at the famed Casa Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic. While the exact blend remains a mystery, the experience it delivers is both meaningful and memorable, much like the name suggests. Is it a metaphor for the journey of a cigar […]
This week on The Ash Holes, Dan & Aaron ask, what moves the needle in 2025 for cigars? They are going to light up the West Tampa Circle of Life Robusto while they discuss what moves the needle in the new year for cigars! We’ll also have a Dave’s Weekly 6 pack, a Top 5 list and Kilt Man’s Dan’s Corner. The Ash Holes is a member of the United Podcast Network and is recorded live […]
Tampa, FL – West Tampa Tobacco Company starts the New Year with a bang, with the shipment of their long-awaited Circle of Life line. West Tampa Tobacco Company is excited to announce that Circle of Life will begin to ship on January 6th, 2025 and will be available both in the US and international markets. Circle of Life brings together two of the industry’s most well-known master blenders, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo and Rick Rodriguez. “Ernesto has had […]
West Tampa Black Toro is a cigar that carries the legacy of Master Blender Rick Rodriguez, whose roots in cigar craftsmanship trace back to his grandparents, master rollers from Havana. This cigar exemplifies a deep respect for tradition while delivering a modern and flavorful smoking experience. With a dark Habano wrapper, an Ometepe Habano binder, and Condega Viso and Esteli Ligero fillers, it promises a complex and rewarding profile. The cigar’s appearance is striking, with […]
The 2023 Contenders for Cigar of the Year have arrived! The anticipation is over, and the stage is set for The Cigar Authority’s most coveted honor—the Cigar of the Year. With stringent criteria in place, the contenders for 2023 have been meticulously chosen, representing the pinnacle of excellence in the world of cigars. Let’s delve into the top 10 contenders vying for the prestigious title. You can purchase the contenders pack here: https://www.2guyscigars.com/contenders-pack 1. Artista […]
This week on The Cigar Authority broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… The Urban Dictionary of Cigar Smoking, and some unrelated terms you might not know or wish you never heard! We light up a cigar from The Cigar Authority Care Package that is experimental consisting of one type of tobacco while in the second hour we fire up a cigar that has become one of the favorites for Barry […]
This week on The Cigar Authority broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… We are joined by Rick Rodriguez who you may know from his days at CAO. These days he owns West Tampa Tobacco Company and we discuss his road from corporate to independent. We will fire up a West Tampa Black in the first hour which is part of the The Cigar Authority Care package and in the second hour […]
After 20 years with General Cigars & CAO it was announced in March 2022 that Rick Rodriguez would be retiring. Beginning in 2000, Rick Rodriguez would start his career as a sales representative learning from Benji Menendez and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. In 2008 he joined Team La Gloria, the blenders behind La Gloria Cubana. When General Cigar bought CAO in 2009 he would become their blender and brand ambassador. Only 10 days after his official retirement […]