Rick Rodriguez unveils West Tampa Tobacco Company | Cigar Journal

Just days after officially retiring from STG/General Cigar Company, Rick Rodriguez announces the formation of his own venture, West Tampa Tobacco Company, where he will serve as Master Blender/Co-Founder. After nearly 25 years at one of the world’s largest manufacturers of premium hand-rolled cigars, Rick has left a lasting impression on some of the industry’s most successful brands.  The obvious question is what work he feels he has yet to do.  “I feel as though I am the luckiest guy on earth.  I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industries most respected cigar masters, such as Benji Menendez, Daniel Nunez and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, and as a result I have had opportunities that few have been given.  I felt as though it was my time to turn the page and chart my own course by continuing to pursue my passion, with people I respect, for those that I love.”  Rick continued, “along these lines I have chosen as my partner someone that I respect and trust, Gus Martinez.”  Gus, a former colleague, will serve as President/Co-Founder of West Tampa Tobacco Company. West Tampa Tobacco Company will be christened with the launch of two blends…
Read More