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Rick Rodriguez

·May 13, 2022

Rick Rodriguez Forms West Tampa Tobacco Company – Cigar News

Rick Rodriguez wasted no time after retiring from STG/General Cigar Company before announcing his next project, West Tampa Tobacco Company. There, he will serve as Master Blender/Co-Founder along with his former colleague, now business partner, Gus Martinez. Martinez will serve as President/Co-Founder of West Tampa Tobacco Company.

89%

Good

West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Toro - Blind Cigar Review

All Blind Cigar Reviews Featured Habano Rick Rodriguez Toro

·December 20, 2023

West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Toro – Blind Cigar Review

"One of those delectable treats you get in the form of a cigar. Very straight-forward, but very rewarding as well. If you want stability, sweetness, and no kickback, this should be right up your alley." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Cigar News: CAO Adds Two New Sizes to Steel Horse

All CAO Featured News Rick Rodriguez

·March 10, 2016

Cigar News: CAO Adds Two New Sizes to Steel Horse

CAO Announced today that the CAO Steel Horse Will Welcome Two New Vitolas. CAO Steel Horse is launching two smaller-format smokes -- Handbrake (4.5” x 50 – SRP per cigar is $6.99) and Roadkill (5.5 x 54 – SRP per cigar is $7.00) will be available at retail beginning next week.

CAO News Rick Rodriguez

·March 17, 2022

CAO Announces Pilón Añejo – Cigar News

CAO (Owned by General Cigar) has announced a limited edition follow-up to their Pilón line which has been around since 2015. CAO Pilón Añejo will use the same labor-intensive fermentation techniques along with a new blend and period of aging after it's been rolled.

CAO Announces Arcana Series Firewalker - Cigar News

CAO Habano News Nicaragua Rick Rodriguez

·January 31, 2022

CAO Announces Arcana Series Firewalker – Cigar News

CAO has announced a new cigar in their Arcana Series: Firewalker. The Arcana Firewalker follows the Arcana Mortal Coil released last year. The series focuses on old-world processing methods and a limited run. Firewalker was inspired by the Chincagre method of aging and will come in one vitola a 6.5 x 56 toro.

Cigar News: CAO Announces Arcana Series, Starting with Mortal Coil

CAO Connecticut Broadleaf Nicaragua Rick Rodriguez

·February 9, 2021

Cigar News: CAO Announces Arcana Series, Starting with Mortal Coil

General Cigar has announced a new series in the CAO brand: Arcana Series. The first release in this new line is called Mortal Coil. The purpose of the Arcana Series is to "highlight the secrets and traditions of old-world tobacco processing methods, passed down from generation to generation to bring out the best in native tobaccos from across the globe."

89%

Overall Score - Good

All Blind Cigar Reviews CAO Dave Diana Double Toro Featured John A.Mexican San Andres Mickey T.Natural Nicaragua Rick Rodriguez Ryan H.

·September 4, 2018

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Zócalo

”It started off as a tasty cigar, however it plateaued about halfway through into a steady flavor profile. The back half remained a pleasant profile but lacked complexity. Draw, construction, and burn were exceptional for this sample considering the size. Not something I’d run and grab every day but definitely smoke one here and there when I crave a large stick.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

92%

Very Good

West Tampa Tobacco Co. Black Toro - Blind Cigar Review

All Blind Cigar Reviews Featured Habano Nicaragua Rick Rodriguez Toro

·April 5, 2024

West Tampa Tobacco Co. Black Toro – Blind Cigar Review

"This was a solid cigar overall. The initial flavors were very good. My only complaint about this cigar is the final portion changed significantly from the first two portions, and the flavors became more muddied. As it stands, I would gladly smoke another of these again, and would happily recommend to a friend to give a try." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

91%

Very Good

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Bones Chicken Foot

All Blind Cigar Reviews CAO Connecticut Broadleaf Featured Maduro Nicaragua Rick Rodriguez Robusto

·December 30, 2020

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Bones Chicken Foot

"A cigar with some of the classic notes and transitions that mesh well together. Always been a fan of red pepper and coffee notes in cigars, and to end with a mellowed out cinnamon bread, was very rewarding. I wouldn't run out and buy boxes of these, but I could definitely smoke this again." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

91%

Total Score - Very Good

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Amazon Basin Toro

All Blind Cigar Reviews CAO Derek Featured Gregg Jason H.Nicaragua Rick Rodriguez Ron Sandeep Sumatra Toro

·October 6, 2014

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Amazon Basin Toro

"I really enjoyed the first third and was hoping the coffee would develop a little more, or at least remain in the mix. While it left during the end of the second third, the transition gave me a chance to smoke a cigar with another profile. Both were very good." -Gregg (McGreggor57)

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