West Tampa Circle of Life

With the Circle of Life cigar, Rick Rodriguez reconnects with a major figure from his past (Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr.) to craft something both personal and forward-looking. Made at the Casa Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic, this marks the first West Tampa release produced outside of Nicaragua, and it signals an evolution in both blend and philosophy.

The cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano oscuro wrapper over an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, with filler tobaccos from Nicaragua’s Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa regions, along with Dominican Corojo '99. It’s a layered, cross-regional blend that reflects Rodriguez’s journey in the cigar world—from apprentice under Perez-Carrillo to brand founder.

The Circle of Life cigar's profile leans medium-plus in intensity, offering a well-structured smoke with notes of cedar, dark fruit, and leather up front, backed by spice and a subtle sweetness through the finish. Circle of Life isn’t just about looking back—it’s an open invitation to reflect, share, and connect. A cigar built on story, shaped by legacy, and meant to carry meaning beyond the smoke.