Just days after officially retiring from STG\/General Cigar Company, Rick Rodriguez announces the formation of his own venture, West Tampa Tobacco Company, where he will serve as Master Blender\/Co-Founder.<\/p>\n
After nearly 25 years at one of the world\u2019s largest manufacturers of premium hand-rolled cigars, Rick has left a lasting impression on some of the industry\u2019s most successful brands.\u00a0 The obvious question is what work he feels he has yet to do.\u00a0 \u201cI feel as though I am the luckiest guy on earth.\u00a0 I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industries most respected cigar masters, such as Benji Menendez, Daniel Nunez and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, and as a result I have had opportunities that few have been given.\u00a0 I felt as though it was my time to turn the page and chart my own course by continuing to pursue my passion, with people I respect, for those that I love.\u201d\u00a0 Rick continued, \u201calong these lines I have chosen as my partner someone that I respect and trust, Gus Martinez.\u201d\u00a0 Gus, a former colleague, will serve as President\/Co-Founder of West Tampa Tobacco Company.<\/p>\n
West Tampa Tobacco Company will be christened with the launch of two blends bearing the company\u2019s namesake, White & Black.\u00a0 Both full-time cigars will be produced at Garmendia Cigar Company in Estel\u00ed, Nicaragua.<\/p>\n
At first glance West Tampa Tobacco Company\u2019s inaugural White launch delivers a clean and crisp look, sealed with a guarantee from Rick.\u00a0 Both the cigar and the packaging are a feast for your senses.\u00a0 Classic, yet contemporary, the lid shares the story of Rick\u2019s family and the journey that he has taken to bring you West Tampa Tobacco Company.\u00a0 The band, big and bold, surrounds a beautiful Habano Light Pink wrapper.\u00a0 Packed with Nicaraguan filler, West Tampa White pleases the pallet and delivers body that compliments its rich and creamy profile.<\/p>\n
Flipping the coin on West Tampa White, West Tampa Black shares the same canvas, the box and band demand to be picked up.\u00a0 The source of this cigar\u2019s beauty lies in the Dark Habano wrapper.\u00a0 Aged to perfection, West Tampa Black more than delivers on complexity. \u00a0Filled with Condega Viso, and legendary Estel\u00ed Ligero, this cigar delivers body that will please both the new and seasoned smoker.<\/p>\n
First shipments of West Tampa Tobacco Company will begin in late May\/early June and will be available both in the US and select international markets, where Stijn Elbersen will lead international expansion.\u00a0Additional blends\/brands are planned for release at this year\u2019s PCA show in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Both West Tampa Tobacco Company White & Black will be available in three sizes, 20 cigars\/box and line priced:
\nRobusto (5×50)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USD 8.99 SRP
\nToro \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(6×52)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USD 9.99 SRP
\nGigante \u00a0(6×60)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USD 10.99 SRP<\/p>\n