West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Rick Rodriguez played a pivotal role in steering the CAO brand within the General Cigar Co. portfolio. Serving as both the brand's ambassador and master blender, Rodriguez oversaw the development of various lines, including the acclaimed Amazon Basin series, Flathead, Pilón, Session, Bones, and more. However, change is inevitable, and on March 11, 2022 Rodriguez announced his departure from General Cigar Co., formally concluding his tenure on April 29. Not one to rest, he quickly unveiled a new venture—West Tampa Tobacco Co.—on May 10, 2022. Joining him in this endeavor is Gus Martinez, formerly associated with General Cigar Co. and now serving as the president of West Tampa Tobacco Co.

The first two lines introduced by West Tampa Tobacco Co. were the White and Black, both making their way to the company's first 75 accounts in mid-June. Delving into the blends, both the White and Black lines feature an Ecuadorian habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder sourced from the volcanic island of Ometepe, and filler from the Condega and Estelí regions. Notably, the Black line's wrapper is harvested from a higher priming than its White counterpart, lending it a darker hue and a more robust flavor profile. Crafted by the Garmendia Cigars Co. in Estelí, both lines offer identical sizing options, each available at the same prices: Robusto (5 x 50) $8.99, Tor (6 x 52) $9.99, and Gigante (6 x 60) $10.99. All come in boxes of 20.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Garmendia Cigars Co.
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) John I. (John I.) Kevin A. (Kevin A.) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $9.99
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: June 2022
Contributed by: West Tampa Tobacco Co.

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“Medium reddish brown wrapper with a fair amount of oiliness. There are several large veins running throughout the wrapper, and a little bit of tooth. The seams on the body of the cigar are well done, but the seams for the cap are starting to pull loose.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Aroma: 89

“There is a sweet, almost chocolate-like aroma that I'm getting from the cigar. That's easy to miss if you really don't take a moment. Interesting, as I don't typically pick up sweetness like this prior to lighting.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar is very “bready” at the start. Dry toast, walnut shells, dry cedar, and dry earth start the experience. There is a very nice citrus zing on the retrohale, and some mild black pepper. Burn and draw are both performing well, with strength and body in the medium range.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“Starts out rather green on lighting. Raw flavors subside pretty quickly resolving into soft leathery notes. Draw is pretty open, ash is rather flakey. Continuing notes of creamy buttery leather.
Toward the end of the third some acrid flavors develop on the finish.” –John I. (John I.)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Draw is still performing nicely. burn is still a little compromised not bad enough for a correction yet. strength is at a medium light medium. the toasted sugar is increasing. the more I smoke the more I enjoy this cigar.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“That nougat is still the headliner of the show. I'm also picking up a nice warmth of cinnamon. It's wild because I'm halfway through the cigar and I have yet to really get any spice or pepper or anything of that ilk. This puppy is straight-up sweetness, and not in a way that is artificial or cloying.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Final Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“This cigar is phenomenal if you enjoy a sweet light medium cigar. burn did correct its self with no help from me. this cigar is definitely box worthy.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Sourdough bread, roasted cashews, damp earth, cardamom and black pepper round out the cigar. This transition is a very welcome change from the midpart and makes for an enjoyable finish to the cigar. Retrohale continues with the citrus zing with mild black pepper that hs been present since the start. Strength just creeps into the medium-full range, while body remains medium. Burn and draw performed well all the way through.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“Using my V-cutter, I was able to get a fantastic draw from the cigar.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Burn: 90

“Burn was consistent. Ash was rather flakey and didn't hold up to develop much of a stack of times.” –John I. (John I.)

Construction: 91

“Aside from a small flaw in the wrapper, the construction here was very good.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 88

“Wonderful profile with a nice light medium light body and a very sweet background.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Mild cigars are usually not my cup of tea. This was definitely light on flavor and the flavors present were not tremendously nuanced. Lots of creaminess with some hints of nuts and soft leather. From start to finish. It was also a bit of a chore to draw slowly enough to avoid overheating.” –John I. (John I.)

“This was an OK smoking experience. Nothing exceptional, but nothing bad either. Has the bitterness present midway continued, it would have changed the overall experience, but the sourdough bready notes along with the citrus zing at the end made for a fun experience.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“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)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 90

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Toro – Blind Cigar Review