West Tampa Tobacco Company
West Tampa Tobacco Company Cigars
At Buster Cigars, we’re proud to present the cigar range from West Tampa Tobacco Company — a brand rooted in heritage, passion, and a deep respect for traditional cigar making.
The story of West Tampa Tobacco Company begins in 1953, when Rick Rodriguez’s grandparents, both highly respected master cigar rollers, left the glamour of Havana for the growing cigar district of West Tampa, Florida. Drawn by opportunity and guided by their craft, they built a life in the United States while remaining steadfastly devoted to the art of cigar making.
Although their love of tobacco skipped a generation, it was rekindled in their grandson Rick, who grew up surrounded by the echoes of West Tampa’s once-thriving cigar factories. Those early years instilled in him a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the traditions that shaped the industry. Inspired by his grandparents’ stories of Havana’s golden era, Rick answered the call when the chance to enter the cigar business arose.
His journey led him to study alongside some of the industry’s most respected figures, most notably Benji Menendez, whose mentorship helped refine Rick’s skills and philosophy as a blender.
Today, recognised as a master in his own right, Rick Rodriguez founded West Tampa Tobacco Company with a clear and honest mission: to create exceptional handcrafted cigars that honour tradition while delivering bold, modern flavour. Every cigar reflects hard work, gratitude, and an unwavering respect for the craft — values that align perfectly with our own at Buster Cigars.
Explore the West Tampa Tobacco Company range and discover cigars built on legacy, passion, and uncompromising quality.
