Cigar Info
West Tampa Tobacco Co. previewed its new Circle of Life cigar line at the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show, and today we’re the pre-release version of the cigar given to us at the trade show. Made at Casa Carrillo in the Dominican Republic, the blend details remain undisclosed, but the cigar comes in three sizes: Robusto (5 x 52) for $12.99, Toro (6 x 54) for $13.99, and Gigante (6 x 60) for $14.99. Boxes of 20 range from $259.80 to $299.80.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The cigars were slated to hit the market in May, with distribution planned for the U.S. and international markets, but that hasn’t happened yet and there have been no updates on shiping dates. While the blend specifics haven’t been confirmed yet, this pre-release gives us an early look at what to expect from West Tampa’s latest offering.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Casa Carrillo
Blender: Rick Rodriguez, E.P. Carrillo
Number of reviewers: 4 – Angel M. (Angel) Chris M. (Chris) Alan (Eulogy) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Price: $13.99
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: N/A
Contributed by: West Tobacco Co.
Initial Impressions – West Tampa Tobacco Co. Circle of Life Toro (Pre Release)
Appearance: 88
“This toro is covered in an oily, chocolate-colored wrapper. It’s a fairly lumpy roll, and I found a few imperfections as I inspected it. Sloppy double cap up top.” –Chris M. (Chris)
Aroma: 90
“The scent at the wrapper is sweet and musty compost which is nice, and the foot is lighter with hay notes.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
First Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“This is a dirty profile from the start with a slightly bitter tobacco, baking spice, raisins, and mild pepper. The draw is good but the smoke production is a bit soft.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Floral cedar, rock candy sweetness, and white bread make for a pretty unique start. There is a light cinnamon spice on the finish as well. The floral cedar continues to grow getting into this section.” –Chris M. (Chris)
Second Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“There has been a nice transition into the second third with all the flavors of vanilla, baking spice, and cedar present, but with a nice hefty edition of cashew. The smoke remains nice and smooth and cool in temperature, so far this cigar is very enjoyable. Medium.” –Angel M. (Angel)
“Into the middle portion, the pepper has faded considerably and now the earth is really allowed to shine, along with the addition of fresh espresso. Through the nose the smoke feels slightly hot but isn’t harsh.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Final Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“In the final third, there was another nice transition I am still picking up the vanilla, baking spice, and cedar along with the cashew. However, there’s a nice roasted coffee flavor that also jumped in at the end. The smoke did dry out a bit but remains nice and smooth. As for the temperature in the final third it did warm up a little bit which is to be expected, but all in all still remained an excellent cigar.” –Angel M. (Angel)
“Into the final third, the curse has become decadent with syrupy chocolate and espresso, very much like a rich mocha. Honestly, I’m even getting a boozy note that reminds me of a great barrel-aged stout. Such a great finish!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Overall Impressions – West Tampa Tobacco Co. Circle of Life Toro (Pre Release)
Draw: 91
“The draw was actually great but the smoke output was a tad thin for how open the draw was. It wasn’t bad but was missing a creamy mouthfeel that I was looking for.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Burn: 93
“While not razor sharp the burn always self-corrected and never needed a touch-up. I’m always thankful for this!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Construction: 91
“It wasn’t pretty. The wrapper was pretty ugly with a large patch, poorly applied triple cap, and poorly cut foot but it did smoke well.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 93
“Overall, this was an outstanding cigar, all the flavors were very enjoyable with vanilla, baking spice, cedar, cashew, and finishing off with some roasted coffee. The texture and temperature of the cigar was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this cigar to friends and family and look forward to seeing what it is.” –Angel M. (Angel)
“This cigar was very consistent. The flavor profile was fairly simple, but the flavors presented worked well together. My real issue was the construction. With such an inconsistent feel to the pack, I wasn’t surprised when areas would burn awkwardly. These would make a pretty decent yard stick, but I can’t see myself adding these into my stash.” –Chris M. (Chris)
“If you like a dirty profile with a good amount of transitions you should give it a shot. It was pretty ugly to look at but the draw and burn was fantastic. I liked the middle and ending thirds with its deep notes and sweet tobacco. I would pick up a five pack when I’m looking for a strong late-night cigar.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“This cigar started off more full than it finished yet still remained above medium power for me. The initial flavors were interesting but the finish was spectacular and has me wishing for another to smoke. If you like them deep and rich then this is for you!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 88
| Reviewer | Appear. | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall Experience |
| Angel M. | 95 | 88 | 95 | 97 | 97 | 100 | 90 | 95 | 97 |
| Chris M. | 85 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 85 | 85 | 88 |
| Alan | 83 | 92 | 90 | 92 | 90 | 92 | 95 | 88 | 90 |
| Jason H. | 90 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 95 | 92 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here