West Tampa And EPC Cigar Collaborate On Circle Of Life
Things have come full circle for Rick Rodriguez of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo for a new, regular-production line called Circle of Life. The cigars will be on display at the PCA trade show in Las Vegas this weekend and are expected to ship to retailers in May.
“Ernesto has had such an incredible impact on my career,” says Rodriguez, who worked under Carrillo when they were both employed at General Cigar Co. “As the first of four Hall of Famers to train under, reuniting with Ernesto on Circle of Life was an opportunity to connect with my past and lay another brick in my future.”
Made in the Dominican Republic at Perez-Carrillo’s Casa Carrillo factory (formerly Tabacalera La Alianza), Circle of Life will be available in the following sizes: Robusto, measuring 5 inches by 52 ring gauge ($12.99); Toro, 6 by 54 ($13.99); and Gigante, 6 by 60 ($14.99). All sizes come in boxes of 20. The company is not disclosing the blend but told Cigar Aficionado that the cigars are medium-bodied.
The name of the brand alludes to the symbolic role cigars have not only played in the lives of the cigarmakers, but also in the lives of consumers and retailers.
West Tampa has done quite well in past ratings, with the West Tampa Red Robusto being named the No. 25 Cigar of 2023.
