West Tampa

West Tampa Tobacco Company offers the finest handcrafted cigars, created with hard work, gratitude, and a profound respect for tradition. Founded by master blender Rick Rodriguez, who brings over 25 years of industry experience from his legendary tenure at CAO Cigars, this boutique brand represents a deeply personal tribute to Tampa's rich cigar-making heritage. West Tampa cigars are extremely flavorful and well-constructed handmade cigars that showcase Rodriguez's masterful blending expertise developed under industry legends like Benji Menendez. The brand stands as a premium offering that honors both Cuban cigar traditions and the historic cigar manufacturing legacy of West Tampa, Florida.

Background

The seed for West Tampa Tobacco Company was planted in 1953, when Rick Rodriguez's grandparents, both highly respected master cigar rollers, heeded the call of the U.S. They left behind the glamour of Havana for U.S. shores, seeking to capitalize on the booming cigar business of West Tampa, Florida. Their love of tobacco skipped a generation, gathering momentum when it was awakened in their beloved grandson Rick. Growing up in West Tampa, in the shadow of the once-bustling cigar factories, taught Rick the value of hard work and instilled in him grit and determination. His grandparent's stories of Havana and Cuban cigars in their heyday were never far from Rick's mind. He soon found himself studying at the right hand of industry legends, most notably Benji Menendez who freely transferred his knowledge to Rick. Decades later, Rick was recognized as a cigar master in his own right. West Tampa Tobacco Company started in 2022 after Rick Rodriguez decided to branch off and start his own business with Co-Founder & President, Gus Martinez.

History

Rick Rodriguez retired from CAO Cigars and General Cigar in April 2022 after 22 years with the company, having started as a sales representative in January 2000. Ricky Rodriguez and his co-founder launched West Tampa Tobacco Company last year. The brand represents Rodriguez's return to his roots, honoring both his Cuban grandparents' legacy as master rollers and the historic cigar manufacturing tradition of West Tampa. The West Tampa Red took #25 Best Cigar of the Year at Cigar Aficionado in 2023, establishing the young brand's credibility in the premium cigar market within its first year of operation.

Reputation

West Tampa Tobacco Company has quickly established itself as a respected boutique brand in the premium cigar market, benefiting from Rick Rodriguez's legendary reputation as the master blender behind iconic CAO cigars like Flathead and Amazon Basin. Since its inception about two years back, the boutique cigar brand known as West Tampa Tobacco Co. has built an impressive following, thanks in part to master blender Rick Rodriguez and his West Tampa Red landing in the Top 25 Cigars of 2023. The brand is highly regarded by retailers and enthusiasts for its exceptional construction, complex flavor profiles, and authentic connection to Tampa's cigar-making heritage. Industry professionals recognize Rodriguez's commitment to quality and his ability to create distinctive blends that honor traditional Cuban techniques while offering modern complexity.