Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6 x 52
Strength: Full
Purchase Link: West Tampa Tobacco Co Red
WEST TAMPA RED REVIEW – DOM
Summary: After lighting up, dark chocolate seeks shelter and finds the palate to be a safe haven from the pepper hellfire that assaults my olfactory factory like a union strike turned violent. The built-like-a-linebacker ash finally hits earth, and lo and behold, the overwhelming spice seems to go with it (not mere correlation, but a tackle).
Fudge, pepper, and some dank peppermint bring the icy hot to succor the second half, posturing for a major comeback. Strength wise, this cigar sits at medium even though it tastes like it should be stronger. In a crazy turn of events, my ending disappointment is that it smoked too quickly.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Playing your gym playlist when you first wake up
Pairing Suggestion: Grand Marnier
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
WEST TAMPA RED REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brought notes of chocolate, espresso, cream, earth, clove, and cinnamon. At times the flavor profile reminded me of a mocha latte.
Draw and burn were on point; no issues to speak of with this stick.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Mocha Lattes
Pairing Suggestion: Light roast coffee
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box
WEST TAMPA RED REVIEW – BENECIA
Summary: New leather aroma and warm baking spices on the retro and palate for most of the first half. Dried fruit and a touch of honey in the second half. I can appreciate the consistent-but-not-overpowering leather in this cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Celebrating Oktoberfest
Pairing Suggestion: Beer
Perceived Strength: Medium+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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