PCA 2023: West Tampa Tobacco Co.

As soon as Rick Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co. and I started speaking about his fairly-new company, he began to beam with pride. In just a short time, the company has dramatically increased its number of retailers in the U.S., as well as grown the amount of countries carrying it to over 30.

The genuine joy is hard not to get caught up in. I asked Rodriguez how many years the company has been in business, thinking it was two or three. In his signature style, Rodriguez looked at me and said, “Bro, it’s been just over a year — we launched last May and shipped our first cigars last June.” Quite impressive, to say the least.

As far as new products, the attention is on the West Tampa Tobacco Co. Red, which was released in May as the company’s third core line, joining the White and Black lines. The Red gave Rodriguez another opportunity to use Mexican San Andrés wrappers, after he did so on the first Attic Series release. The company updated the background of its banners to emulate this year’s color red, while maintaining the usual truss-based structure.

Rodriguez also provided some news as to what the company has in store. He is planning a new limited edition called Boliche Blvd. for August. It will be a 6 x 60 cigar, with a name derived from Columbus Drive, in Tampa, otherwise known as Boliche Blvd. The famous street is so named because of the many restaurants along it that serve the signature Cuban roast. Beyond the Boliche Blvd., another Attic Series is in the works for the fall, but the details are not available.