Cigar Review: West Tampa Tobacco Red Robusto

Industry veteran and General Cigar alumnus Rick Rodriguez left the company in 2022 to launch West Tampa Tobacco Co. with his partner, Gus Martinez. Since then, they’ve been focused on building the brand and getting their cigars into the hands of smokers.

The name honors the cigar-making city where Rodriguez’s grandparents settled, though production takes place in Nicaragua at the Garmendia Cigar Co. factory. West Tampa Red marks the company’s third and boldest release, delivering a rich core of chocolate from start to finish, accented by notes of hickory, nutmeg, leather and a smooth mocha finish.

Master blender and co-owner Rick Rodriguez has infused his personal tastes into this creation, departing from his usual focus on fan preferences. The West Tampa Tobacco Co. Red showcases a distinct blend, setting it apart from its predecessors. It features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, reminiscent of the limited-edition Attic Series, complemented by an all-Nicaraguan binder and fillers.

If you want to try this cigar yourself, the West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto is available at Havana House!

About the West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto

Owner: Rick Rodriguez
Factory: Garmendia Cigars Co.
Origin: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium to Full
Size: Robusto (5″ x 50)

Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop

The Beginning

The start was spicy and offered chocolate notes straight away. A pleasant peppery note lingered on the lips and retrohale, without overpowering the cherry and chocolate-like flavours. It’s rare to find this kind of profile in a cigar, and it really starts it off with a bang.

The Middle

There are subtle hints of dry oak as it progresses to the middle. The pepper combination persists for much of the smoke but gradually smooths out, creating a well-balanced and harmonious experience.

The End

The same flavours remained, accompanied by more cream and sweetness on the retrohale, along with a subtle coffee note that gradually emerged.

Burn & Draw

The burn line remained consistently even. The ash was a snowy white, stacking neatly throughout.

Overall, the construction was flawless. The cap was well-applied, cutting cleanly with no excess loose tobacco at the end.

Overall

This is a captivating smoke with a diverse and exceptionally enjoyable flavour profile. Well-balanced yet distinctive, the dominant notes of spice, earth, cherries, and coffee remain consistent throughout and take the main stage at different intervals.

Ross Rating: 9/10

What alcoholic drink would I pair the West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto with?

The West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto will pair fantastically with the Blackened American Whiskey American Straight Whiskey (75cl / 45%).

Blackened was created through a unique collaboration between the late master distiller Dave Pickerell and Metallica. In an unconventional approach, the barrels are aged while immersed in the band’s music, with the belief that low-frequency vibrations enhance the spirit’s interaction with the wood. Finished in black brandy casks, this whiskey delivers notes of honey, cinnamon, allspice, and dark fruits on the palate, followed by a smooth finish of butterscotch taffy and maple.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pickerell was instrumental in shaping brands like Maker’s Mark and Whistlepig. Sadly, he passed away in late 2018, shortly after Blackened’s launch. Master distiller and blender Rob Dietrich later joined the team, carrying forward ‘The Boss Hog’s’ legacy blend.

What soft drink would I pair the West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto with?

Regular Coca Cola (Mexican made) from a glass bottle. The real cane sugar really makes this cigar taste even better.

Would I smoke the West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto again?

I’m a huge fan of West Tampa Tobacco Co. Their cigars deliver bold, full-bodied flavours that really stand out; they don’t have that distinctive Nicaraguan “stank” that many cigar enthusiasts don’t get along with. It’s that earthy, robust character that gives their cigars a unique depth and complexity. I’ve enjoyed their previous releases, and I’m really looking forward to their upcoming blends. With Rick Rodriguez’s experience and dedication to crafting high-quality cigars, I’m excited to see what new flavour profiles and innovations they’ll bring to the table next.