Category: Cigar

West Tampa is famous the world over for its handmade cigars, from Garcia y Vega to Cuesta-Rey. However, few West Tampa brands survived to the modern day. Rick Rodriguez, master blender and West Tampa native, launched the brand as a homage to his cigar city roots. West Tampa Tobacco Co.’s White line is exactly the kind of cigar that West Tampa would have rolled in its hayday. It is a modern Nicaraguan expression wrapped in West Tampa family lore. The West Tampa White blend tells the story of Cuban grandparents who found their way to the booming factories of West Tampa in the 1950’s. The West Tampa Tobacco Co.’s White Robusto is a 5 x 50 parejo with a Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Ecuadorian Habano binder and a three‑region Nicaraguan filler blend (Jalapa, Ometepe, and Pueblo Nuevo). It bills itself as mild‑to‑medium, but like most well‑conceived Nicaraguans it has enough cream, cedar, and pepper to keep an experienced palate interested for the full smoking experience of 45–60 minutes.

If you have read recent LM blogposts on classic cigar shop staples, such as the Brick House or the Diamond Crown, you know LM Cigars loves to anchor a cigar in a lineage. West Tampa may be a 2022 brand and not a 130‑year‑old Tampa institution, but it is consciously speaking the same language: Tampa as cigar city, the immigrant factory as meeting place, heritage as proof of quality. West Tampa is tapping into that same memory bank, just from the vantage point of a blender who grew up there.

The White Robusto is a handsome cigar. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is repeatedly described by consumers as “light pink,” and that is not marketing fluff — there is a distinct rosado blush to the leaf, with light oils and only fine veins. The band is large, white, and ornate, giving it a contemporary‑classic look similar to the polished white boxes of J.C. Newman Diamond Crown or Rocky Patel Emerald. The box itself (20 cigars) continues the family story on the inside of the lid, reminding you that this isn’t just a contract‑rolled Nicaraguan; it’s a personal project. Cold draw brings hay, clean cedar, a touch of dried fruit, and faint white pepper. Nothing harsh, nothing sloppy.

On toasting, the cigar opens in a way that will feel familiar to smokers who like Nicaraguan cigars built for balance rather than brute force — think Brick House Natural on the gentler days, or even Perla del Mar Shade. There’s a core of clean, sweet‑leaning tobacco wrapped in fresh‑cut cedar. Almost immediately a creamy texture arrives, helped along by the Ecuador Habano binder, and retrohales push a mix of white pepper and bakery spice. Jalapa shows up as gentle sweetness; Ometepe contributes a little earth and volcanic dust; Pueblo Nuevo adds the slightly more rustic, grain‑like nuance. Combustion is excellent out of the gate, with a near‑razor burn and solid ash segmentation.

The middle of the cigar is where the blend justifies its existence. The cream thickens, the cedar warms, and a light berry‑like brightness flickers in and out between puffs. Pepper moves from the tip of the tongue to the retrohale, making room for toasted bread, light roasted nuts, and a suggestion of baking cocoa. Body is squarely medium now, but the strength never outruns the flavor. Construction remains tight, the draw stays in the ideal zone, and smoke output is ample enough to feel “premium.” At this stage it pairs nicely with coffee or a soft wheat beer.

As the burn line enters the last inch and a half, the White Robusto gathers itself for a more savory finish. Cedar turns to oakier, toastier wood; the pepper returns with more insistence; and the cream dials back just enough to let the Nicaraguan filler speak in a darker register. You may pick up light leather, earth, and a return of that Pueblo Nuevo rusticity. Importantly, it does not go bitter if you respect the cadence. The cigar stays smokeable down to the final inch, which is more than can be said for a lot of sub‑$10 Nicaraguans on the market right now.

These cigars are produced in Estelí at Garmendia Cigar Co., the factory West Tampa partnered with for its launch. The results are impressive: straight burn, consistent bunching, clean caps, and uniform color across the box. The 5 x 50 format in particular seems to be the sweet spot for this blend, the ratio of wrapper to filler lets the Ecuadorian Habano glow without overwhelming the Nicaraguan core.

West Tampa Tobacco Co.’s White Robusto is an easy cigar to recommend. It is pretty without being gaudy, modern without forgetting where the industry came from, and flavorful without bullying the palate. This should be a slot in the everyday smoke rotation it for intermediate smokers who are already comfortable with Nicaraguan tobacco but want something dialed‑in for daytime, guests, or mixed. It’s also a nice teaching cigar: three countries’ worth of tobacco expression (Ecuador wrapper and binder, Nicaraguan core) shown in a controlled, 5 x 50 format. Keep one in the rotation, and keep telling the Tampa story while you smoke it.

When it comes to iconic cigars that balance heritage, quality, and affordability, the Brick House brand from J.C. Newman Cigar Co. continues to stand out. This cigar review explores the Brick House Natural, one of the company’s flagship lines, and why it has earned a place in humidors worldwide.

The Story Behind Brick House

The Brick House line was first created by Julius Caeser Newman, founder of the Newman cigar family legacy. Growing up in a small village in Hungary, Newman’s family home was built of brick. That house was more than shelter—it was a gathering place for food, tobacco, and family. This memory inspired the name Brick House, which was later revived by Eric and Bobby Newman to honor their grandfather’s vision.

Today, the Brick House Natural is rolled at the J.C. Newman PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, featuring a Nicaragua filler blend that brings traditional craftsmanship into the modern cigar industry.

First Impressions and Pre-Light

Unwrapping a Brick House reveals a supple wrapper with thin veins and a smooth triple cap. The cigar feels well-rolled and sturdy. On the pre light inspection, aromas of hay, wood, and subtle baking spices greet the nose. The cold draw hints at fig-like sweetness, nuttiness, and a touch of mild spice, promising a balanced smoke.

Smoking Experience

First Third

The first third of the Brick House Natural opens with notes of black pepper, cedar wood, and roasted nuts. The draw is smooth, smoke output is rich, and the burn line remains steady. Retrohales reveal a pleasant wave of spice without overwhelming the palate.

Second Third

At the halfway point, the cigar transitions into a creamier experience. Flavors of toasted bread, chocolate, and dried fruit develop. A subtle sweetness lingers on the palate, layered with hints of oak and sweet wood. The ash held firm, showing excellent construction.

Final Third

In the final third, strength ramps up slightly. Bold spice, licorice, and deeper woodsy notes dominate, but the smoke remains balanced. A touch of molasses sweetness and a creamy texture carry through to the long finish, leaving a satisfying impression.

Construction and Performance

The Brick House Natural shows off high-quality craftsmanship. The burn line is straight, the ash forms tightly, and the draw stays consistent from start to finish. Each stick comes adorned with two bands, giving it a traditional yet elegant presentation. Whether in the Robusto, Corona, or other vitolas, performance remains reliable across the line.

Value and Everyday Appeal

Perhaps the strongest appeal of the Brick House is its price. At around five to ten dollars per cigar—or less when buying by the box—it delivers flavors and consistency usually found in far more expensive smoked cigars. This makes it the perfect everyday smoke, yet refined enough to enjoy during special occasions. Few cigars can claim to offer such a balance of quality and affordability.

Flavor Notes at a Glance

• Flavors: Cedar, pepper, chocolate, toasted bread, fruit, oak, molasses
• Aromas: Wood, spice, sweetness
• Texture: Creamy, smooth, layered
• Strength: Medium-bodied with gradual build-up
• Finish: Long, balanced, and satisfying

Final Thoughts on Brick House Cigar Review

The Brick House Natural remains a shining example of what the Newman cigar family stands for: tradition, craftsmanship, and accessibility. From the first third to the last third, the cigar evolves with character, offering complexity without sacrificing smoothness. Whether you are new to the hobby or a seasoned guy who has smoked more than a few cigars, this blend belongs in your humidor.

If you’re looking for a cigar that’s rolled with care, delivers consistent flavors, and honors its family background, the Brick House deserves a spot in your rotation. It is a cigar built to last—like the brick house it was named after—strong, welcoming, and timeless.

The Deadwood Leather Rose Torpedo from Drew Estate is the most intense and intriguing cigar in the Deadwood Tobacco Co. lineup. Combining bold Nicaraguan character with rich aromatic sweetness, this 5 x 54 torpedo offers a smooth to medium smoking experience that appeals to both traditional cigar enthusiasts and fans of flavored cigars. It is a standout addition to our collection of Premium Cigars and one of the most talked-about options in the Deadwood series.

Visually, the Leather Rose Torpedo makes an immediate impression. It features a dark, oily Maduro wrapper with visible tooth and a slightly rugged texture. The torpedo head is expertly constructed, contributing to a controlled draw and precise combustion. The band is unmistakable, featuring the iconic saloon-style illustration of Leather Rose herself, adding flair and collectability to every stick. As part of our curated collection of Torpedo-shaped cigars, this cigar delivers style as well as substance.

The pre-light aroma is rich and inviting. Sweet notes of brown sugar, cherrywood, cocoa, and spiced rum create an almost dessert-like bouquet. The cold draw confirms the profile, offering hints of molasses, vanilla, and dark chocolate. The Leather Rose Torpedo earns its place in our Flavored Cigars category, but it stands apart for its complexity and balance. Rather than overwhelming the palate, the infusion enhances the natural richness of the Nicaraguan tobaccos within.

Upon lighting, the cigar immediately produces dense, fragrant smoke. The first third offers dominant notes of cherry cola, toasted caramel, and a touch of cinnamon. Beneath the sweetness, earthy undertones of oak and light black pepper ground the experience. The burn line stays razor sharp, and the draw remains open, showcasing the expert construction that Drew Estate is known for.

In the second third, the cigar’s profile evolves. The initial sweetness becomes more integrated, and new flavors emerge. Espresso, leather, and nutmeg begin to take center stage. The retrohale introduces a mild peppery finish along with dry cedar and a trace of baking spice. This phase highlights the cigar’s high-quality Nicaraguan filler, making it a natural fit within our premium Nicaraguan cigars selection. It becomes clear that Leather Rose is not simply about sweetness. It is about layering, complexity, and character.

The final third is where the Deadwood Leather Rose Torpedo becomes bolder. The sweetness fades into the background, allowing deeper flavors to take over. Bittersweet cocoa, charred oak, and subtle anise provide a satisfying finish. The strength edges up, still resting within the Smooth to Medium range, but with enough body to leave a lasting impression. The cigar finishes cleanly, with no bitterness and a firm ash that speaks to its excellent construction.

This cigar pairs exceptionally well with a variety of beverages. A dark roast coffee or an aged spiced rum will complement its sweetness. For those who prefer wine, a port or Madeira will enhance the cigar’s dessert-like characteristics. It also matches well with dark chocolate or fruit-based desserts, making it a great post-meal cigar.

The Deadwood Leather Rose Torpedo retails for approximately ten dollars per stick, offering outstanding value for the quality and flavor it delivers. Available in singles or by the box at LM Cigars, this cigar is an accessible luxury. It provides an elevated smoking experience that bridges the gap between traditional and infused cigars. With its premium construction, flavorful profile, and iconic branding, Leather Rose has quickly become a customer favorite across our full Cigars catalog.

For fans of the Deadwood line, including Fat Bottom Betty and Sweet Jane, the Leather Rose Torpedo represents a bold evolution. It brings increased strength, added spice, and a deeper finish while maintaining the Deadwood series’ signature aromatic character. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a cigar with flair and flavor that does not sacrifice tobacco quality.

Whether you are new to Drew Estate or a seasoned connoisseur, the Leather Rose Torpedo deserves a spot in your humidor. It is ideal for anyone looking to explore unique blends without compromising on craftsmanship. Shop now at LMCigars.com to experience this unforgettable cigar and explore our complete collection of Drew Estate, Flavored Cigars, and Premium Cigars. Our online store features fast shipping, expert service, and carefully curated cigars from the world’s most respected brands.

With its eye-catching appearance, intricate flavor evolution, and consistent performance, the Deadwood Leather Rose Torpedo continues to earn praise among enthusiasts who seek something both daring and dependable. Order yours today and discover why this cigar has become one of the most iconic offerings from Drew Estate and a signature selection at LM Cigars.

Few cigars carry a backstory as rich and as cinematic as the Horse Soldier brand. Born from the heroic exploits of a group of Green Berets deployed in the days immediately following 9/11, the Horse Soldier name pays homage to a mission immortalized in the 2018 war drama Twelve Strong. These twelve U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers were among the first to enter Afghanistan after the World Trade Center attacks, famously riding into battle on horseback alongside the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban. Their courage, adaptability, and unbreakable brotherhood serve as the spiritual foundation of the Horse Soldier brand.

From this heroic origin came not only a line of award-winning Horse Soldier Bourbon but also a distinctive line of cigars that seek to capture the same ethos: strength, precision, and craftsmanship. Just as the bourbon is distilled with care in the heart of America, the cigars are rolled with pride and skill in the world-renowned J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Nicaragua—a country known for producing some of the finest premium Nicaraguan cigars in the world.

The Horse Soldier cigar line, much like its bourbon namesake, is a tribute to honor and tradition. Among its offerings, the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro stands out as a shining example of Nicaraguan cigar artistry. With its classic toro shape—typically measuring 6 inches in length with a 52 ring-gauge—this cigar offers an ideal balance between smoking time and flavor development.

A Sunlit Strength

The Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro is expertly crafted using a bold, flavorful blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers, enveloped in a sun-grown wrapper that is both oily and slightly toothy to the touch. Sun-grown wrappers are cultivated under direct sunlight, which gives the leaf a thicker texture and deeper flavor. This process produces a wrapper leaf that is more intense, often contributing peppery spice and richness to the final product.

The binder and filler tobaccos are 100% Nicaraguan, and their age and fermentation process give them complexity, strength, and balance. The fermentation process helps mellow the tobaccos and bring out nuanced notes of earth, cedar, and natural sweetness. The construction of the Horse Soldier Sungrown is immaculate, boasting a seamless wrapper with minimal veins and a triple cap for a clean cut.

While the brand is relatively new in the boutique cigar market, it is produced in collaboration with some of the most respected names in the industry. Though not directly affiliated with the legendary J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Horse Soldier Cigars draws on similar principles of craftsmanship and heritage that elevate every smoking experience.

The Smoking Experience

Lighting up the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro, you’re greeted with an aroma of barnyard hay, leather, and sweet earth—a promising prelude to the experience ahead. Upon ignition, the first third opens with a burst of red pepper on the retrohale, complemented by strong notes of cedar and toasted bread. There’s a subtle undercurrent of brown sugar and nutmeg that rounds out the initial spice, creating a dynamic and layered introduction.

As the cigar transitions into the second third, the peppery punch takes a backseat, allowing creamy notes of roasted coffee and cocoa to shine through. The cedar becomes more nuanced, evolving into a sandalwood-like smoothness, and there’s a sweet, almost raisin-like finish that lingers on the palate. The burn remains razor-sharp, and the draw is easy and generous, offering plumes of aromatic smoke with every puff.

In the final third, the body of the cigar intensifies slightly, with espresso, dark chocolate, and leather becoming more dominant. The sweetness fades, giving way to a savorier profile with hints of black pepper returning to add a bit of kick toward the nub. It finishes strong but never harsh, leaving a clean and satisfying aftertaste.

Horse Soldier Rollcall

In addition to the Sungrown Toro, the Horse Soldier cigar line also features the Horse Soldier Maduro Toro and the Horse Soldier Shade Toro. The Maduro Toro is a bolder expression, featuring a dark and oily maduro wrapper that delivers a rich profile of cocoa, espresso, and spice—perfect for those who enjoy a full-bodied smoking experience. Meanwhile, the Shade Toro offers a milder, smoother experience with its Connecticut shade-grown wrapper. Expect notes of cream, light cedar, and a touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendation: Horse Soldier Bourbon Straight

To truly appreciate the full spectrum of flavors offered by the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro, pairing it with a neat pour of Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon is highly recommended. The bourbon’s warm notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice play beautifully off the cigar’s earthy, cocoa-forward middle third and robust final act.

A Cigar Worth Saluting

The Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro is more than just a cigar; it’s a statement piece. It celebrates courage, honor, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood. With its complex flavor transitions, expert construction, and storied origin, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other premium handmade Nicaraguan cigars in its class.

Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or a newcomer drawn to the brand’s rich history, the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro delivers a robust, flavorful smoking experience that’s worthy of remembrance. Available now on LM Cigars, it’s a must-try for anyone who values not only what’s in their cigar but the story behind it. Light one up, raise a glass, and toast to valor. Horse Soldier cigars are here to honor the past and shape the future of premium tobacco.