The Cornerstone of the West Tampa Tobacco Company was Laid in 1953

The cornerstone of the West Tampa Tobacco Company was laid in 1953 when Rick Rodriguez’s grandparents, both highly respected cigar rollers, followed the call of America. They left the glamor of Havana behind and moved to the US coast to take part in the booming cigar business in West Tampa, Florida. The Rodríguez made the United States their home and worked hard to support their family, never giving up their craft, even in difficult times. Her love of tobacco skipped a generation and was revived in her beloved grandson, Rick. Growing up in West Tampa, in the shadow of once thriving cigar factories, Rick learned the value of hard work and it instilled in him courage and determination.

Rick never stopped hearing his grandparents’ stories about Havana and Cuban cigars in their heyday. When the opportunity presented itself to work in the cigar business, Rick jumped at the chance. He was soon learning from industry legends, most notably Benji Menendez, who willingly passed his knowledge on to Rick. Decades later, Rick is known as a cigar master himself.

Always looking for new challenges, Rick took a bold step and founded the West Tampa Tobacco Company. His aspiration is to produce the finest handcrafted cigars that can be made with hard work, gratitude and a deep respect for tradition.

West Tampa White

The West Tampa White line is simple and very classy. Each crate is sealed with Rick’s guarantee. The box and each cigar is a feast for the senses. The cigar box lid is classic but also modern and tells the story of Rick’s family and the journey he took to bring the West Tampa Tobacco Company to you.

The large and strong banderol includes a beautiful light pink wrapper. Packed with a Nicaraguan ingredient, West Tampa White explodes with flavour and body to complement its rich and creamy profile.

West Tampa Black

Unlike the West Tampa White line, the West Tampa Black line just screams to be admired. The stronger flavour of this cigar comes from the dark wrapper which has been perfectly fermented and stored. Thanks to the filler of Condega Viso and the legendary Estelí Ligero, the West Tampa Black offers even more flavour and complexity than the West Tampa White. Thus, this line inspires the experienced aficionado and is a perfect complement to the West Tampa White for the humidor.