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 a tootsie-roll dark brown wrapper featuring a toothy texture, visible veins, and tight seams. It is well-packed, exuding quality from the first glance.
The first third opens with a robust earthiness, quickly accompanied by notes of BBQ hickory that evoke the warmth of a summer cookout. Leather takes center stage, complemented by a salty undertone and a hint of white pepper spice. In the background, a subtle touch of lemon zest adds a surprising brightness to the mix.
In the second third, the earth, hickory, and leather notes persist but develop into a smoother, more balanced profile. The saltiness becomes more pronounced while the white pepper spice mellows. Lemon zest steps forward alongside a sweet tea flavor, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavier tones.
The final third remains focused on the core flavors of leather, earth, and wood. White pepper lingers but is joined by a new layer of coffee notes and a surprising sweetness reminiscent of banana bread. This combination adds a warm, dessert-like quality to the cigar’s finish.
Throughout the experience, the West Tampa Black Toro delivers a strong smoke output and an excellent draw. This cigar is more mellow than its dark appearance suggests, offering a journey of consistent and engaging flavors. It begins with strength but smooths out beautifully, making it a well-rounded and satisfying smoke. The West Tampa Black Toro is a box-worthy cigar that honors tradition while delivering a contemporary experience. However, some STARS reviewers noted some construction issues which affected the overall score.
Overall Score: 90.30 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 6.35 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #17-C) was scored by a distinguished panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Nick – The Cigar Pulpit, LKOUTS, Jim DeLuca, Justin Fultz, AustinDan, Mike Fox, Ray Forslund, Munch., Dwight Jones, Nick B, Barroness, Hawkeye, and Byron Robinson
