The 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was the third PCA Trade Show for West Tampa Tobacco Company. West Tampa has been working with Garmendia, a small factory in Nicaragua. However, in the past few months, we have seen West Tampa start to work with different factories, first for Boliche Blvd and now with the fourth regular production line known as Circle of Life.
Two General Cigar alumni, Rick Rodriguez and Gus Martinez, founded West Tampa Tobacco Co. With their latest release, Circle of Life, the company adds another General Cigar alumni, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. Circle of Life is produced out of Perez-Carrillo’s Casa Carrillo factory, making it West Tampa’s first Dominican-made cigar. Circle of Life is available in three sizes: Robusto (5 x 52, SRP $12.99), Toro (6 x 54, SRP $13.99), and Gigante (6 x 60, SRP $14.99). West Tampa is keeping the blend undisclosed.
Notably, Boliche Blvd. was produced at Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. (NACSA) and Rick Rodriguez has stated that cigar will remain a one-and-done release.
Interview with Rick Rodriguez, West Tampa Tobacco Co.
Product Reports
Photo Credits: John McTavish, Developing Palates
