Rick Rodriguez Unveils West Tampa Tobacco Co.’s Attic Series: A Journey of Cigars and Storytelling
After an illustrious 24-year journey with General Cigar Co., during which he spent 13 years as the blender and brand ambassador for the CAO brand, Rick Rodriguez has ventured into storytelling through cigars with the West Tampa Tobacco Co. Attic Series. Drawing on his extensive experience and rich encounters in the cigar industry, Rodriguez initiated the Attic Series last year, aiming to share some of his captivating narratives. Rodriguez’ business partner, Gus Martinez, also a business veteran with a long history at General Cigars, also has many stories to tell.
The inaugural cigar in the series, simply known as the Attic, is a 6 x 54 toro gordo. It boasts a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, a binder cultivated in Nicaragua’s Condega region, and a filler sourced from Condega and Estelí. Classified as a medium-to-full-bodied cigar, the Attic is meticulously crafted at the Garmendia Cigars Co. factory in Nicaragua, the same facility responsible for producing the company’s White, Black, and Red lines.
For the initial release, West Tampa Tobacco Company produced 2,000 boxes, each containing 14 cigars. Notably, these boxes are exclusively available to retailers in sets of five. The pricing strategy was established at $12.99 per cigar. In February 2024, the Attic is scheduled for a re-release, maintaining the same blend and size. However, specific production numbers for the second release remain undisclosed, and with escalating costs, there is speculation regarding a potential adjustment in the MSRP.
The packaging of the Attic Series is adorned with an image of an old chaveta juxtaposed against a solitary chair in an attic. This visual pays homage to Rodriguez’s grandfather, a cigar craftsman who plied his trade in both Cuba and Tampa, Florida. Notably, the Attic Series packaging is said to incorporate various Easter eggs, adding an element of intrigue. Moreover, the foot band features a QR code that consumers can scan to delve deeper into the cigar’s story and details.
