Master blender Rick Rodriguez seems to be putting in the time and effort it takes to grow West Tampa Tobacco. With the “Red,” they will bring their third regular production cigar to market. They have also produced their first Limited Edition, the Attic, making four blends in just over a year of operation. The Red…
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We, at least all the cool kids, were excited when Rick Rodriguez stepped out on his own with West Tampa Tobacco. Rick worked at General/CAO/STG for over 20 years, helping to blend some well-known and very popular cigars, such as the Flathead and the Amazon Bason, which made quite a splash with its re-release. West…
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“At last we have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact; re-covered same for your arrival; congratulations,” read the telegram from Howard Carter to his patron, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Thus, the world changed in 1922. After never fully recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident in 1903, Lord…
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For those that do not know, the “Read Meat Lovers Club” was birthed at Tulane University as a response to the wholly un-American Club S.A.V.E., Students Advocating Vegetarian Eating. Soon Mr. Evan Darnell, or the Secretary of Steak, “SoS,” was holding monthly meetings, and the club had reached 300 red meat-loving red-blooded members. Post-graduation, the…
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Tim Ozgener is a well known name in the industry. Most will recognize the name from a few years ago as head of CAO cigars. Things happen in the cigar industry and some people just have to take a hiatus. Rumors in the industry hinted to an “Ozgener Return” and it was finally solidified during…
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Micallef, there is a lot to unpack with this brand. Full disclosure, I like the Micallef / Gomez Sanchez Family cigars, every one I have smoked I have enjoyed. I have had the chance to chat up their team at the PCA this year. If we are looking at the beginning of an end to…
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I don’t watch baseball. And did not know this was a baseball-related cigar until after a bit of research. Truthfully, James gave me these in an Oxford Cigar company bag, and they went into the humidor for a bit without even being opened. When I finally opened it, I took one look and thought, Okay,…
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Alright, first things first; it would be weird if they weren’t, right? I am not the biggest Crowned Heads fan, but I dont avoid them either, and if I see one on the shelf I haven’t smoked in a while, I will pick one up. With that in mind, I had a conversation with the…
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If you were unaware Cohetes, is literally translated to mean “rocket”. However, a Cohetes is not just any rocket. They are what can best be described as an exploding bottle rocket. Traditionally made and used in Nicaragua on December the 8th at dawn and noon to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and call…
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I smoke a lot of Drew Estate cigars. A lot. Typically, I’ll smoke through a box of Drew Estate Undercrown Maduros each week. I throw in some other cigars throughout the week for good measure, but Drew Estate is my go-to brand when it comes to cigars. I was excited to smoke their new 20…
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