CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "West Tampa White Robusto"
About West Tampa Tobacco
The story of the West Tampa Tobacco Company is deeply rooted in family heritage and the rich history of Tampa as a cigar hub. Founded by Rick Rodriguez, a former top blender at CAO Cigars, Rodriguez returned to Tampa after a globetrotting career to establish a brand that tells both the city's and his family's story. The logo on the West Tampa White and Black labels represents the West Tampa Little League, echoing Rodriguez's childhood memories in Tampa. Each cigar from West Tampa Tobacco Company is a narrative in itself, with the Attic Series revealing tales from Rodriguez's life. The inception of this company traces back to 1953, with Rodriguez's grandparents, master cigar rollers from Havana, who moved to capitalize on the thriving cigar industry in West Tampa
Appearance & Construction: 14/15
The West Tampa White Robusto began well, featuring a well-rolled structure, a firm cap and foot, and a smooth, semi-oily wrapper. Its initial quality was somewhat affected by the development of cracks towards the end of the smoke.
Aroma: 12/15
The aromas were subtle, with the wrapper emitting a mild woody fragrance and the foot presenting gentle natural tobacco notes. The cold draw offered a slight pepper flavor. The overall scent profile was subdued and not very pronounced.
Flavors: 28/35
The flavor profile was straightforward and modest in depth. It started with notes of cedar and black pepper, complemented by a subtle hint of vanilla and an underlying tobacco essence. This flavor profile remained consistent throughout the smoke, without significant complexity or development.
Burn & Smoke: 13/15
The smoking experience was affected by an inconsistent burn and a restrictive draw, necessitating extra effort with double puffs. The ash, while white, lacked firmness, and the smoke produced was light and lacked substance.
Overall Enjoyment: 16/20
While I personally wouldn't highly recommend this smoke, it provided a simple, mild to medium experience that didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of complexity and robustness. Nonetheless, if you've tried it and believe it deserves another chance, I'm open to hearing your thoughts. I'm also considering trying another blend from West Tampa to find something more aligned with my palate preferences.
Conclusion
My encounter with the West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Robusto was somewhat disappointing. The initial construction and straightforward flavor profile of cedar, black pepper, and vanilla initially seemed promising. However, the development of cracks and a faint aroma lessened the overall enjoyment. The simplicity of the flavor and the challenges with the burn and draw also reduced my satisfaction. I gave this cigar a score of 83 out of 100, acknowledging some positive qualities but ultimately not meeting my expectations. Despite this, I'm still interested in trying other blends from West Tampa Tobacco Co. to find a more gratifying smoking experience.
Aroma: 12/15
The aromas were subtle, with the wrapper emitting a mild woody fragrance and the foot presenting gentle natural tobacco notes. The cold draw offered a slight pepper flavor. The overall scent profile was subdued and not very pronounced.
Flavors: 28/35
The flavor profile was straightforward and modest in depth. It started with notes of cedar and black pepper, complemented by a subtle hint of vanilla and an underlying tobacco essence. This flavor profile remained consistent throughout the smoke, without significant complexity or development.
Burn & Smoke: 13/15
The smoking experience was affected by an inconsistent burn and a restrictive draw, necessitating extra effort with double puffs. The ash, while white, lacked firmness, and the smoke produced was light and lacked substance.
Overall Enjoyment: 16/20
While I personally wouldn't highly recommend this smoke, it provided a simple, mild to medium experience that didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of complexity and robustness. Nonetheless, if you've tried it and believe it deserves another chance, I'm open to hearing your thoughts. I'm also considering trying another blend from West Tampa to find something more aligned with my palate preferences.
Conclusion
My encounter with the West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Robusto was somewhat disappointing. The initial construction and straightforward flavor profile of cedar, black pepper, and vanilla initially seemed promising. However, the development of cracks and a faint aroma lessened the overall enjoyment. The simplicity of the flavor and the challenges with the burn and draw also reduced my satisfaction. I gave this cigar a score of 83 out of 100, acknowledging some positive qualities but ultimately not meeting my expectations. Despite this, I'm still interested in trying other blends from West Tampa Tobacco Co. to find a more gratifying smoking experience.
Bonus - Perfect Pairing
For an intriguing pairing with the West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Robusto, consider a classic Mojito. The lively combination of lime, mint, and sugar in the Mojito can offer a delightful contrast to the cigar's mild flavors of cedar, white pepper, and vanilla. This pairing might highlight different aspects of the cigar, creating a harmonious balance between the drink's freshness and the cigar's straightforward taste profile.
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