Spurgeon's Corner: West Tampa Tobacco Co. Review
Cigar: West Tampa Tobacco Company White
In March 2021, my wife and I moved to West Central Florida. We have come to love the area, and recently had the joy of adopting two sweet little girls here. All that said, it’s now home for the foreseeable future. So, when I saw a cigar in my local shop from the West Tampa Tobacco Company, I wanted to try it to support a “local” business. After all, Tampa was one of the central cigar hubs in the US for many years. I guess in some ways, it still is. And if not, it will be again if Rick Rodriguez has anything to say about it.
On the nose: This cigar was replete with notes of cedar and hay. I anticipated an earthy flavor profile, laden with notes of white pepper. Oddly enough though, I was in for a surprise.
Flavor profile: Despite its Habano wrapper, this blend was quite accessible— meaning even a newbie would likely enjoy it. Unlike its brother, the West Tampa Black, this stick is quite mellow and has tremendous notes of cream and cocoa. As well, in the first third I also came away thinking I noticed some toffee flavor. Now that I think of it, in many ways it was like the cigar version of a Heath Bar. Yet, like a good medium roast coffee, you could actually discern the various complexities without the flavor being overpowered by the body.
Body: The strength profile of this cigar is medium. I smoked it over a 1.5 hr period, while doing some reading and work on the computer. I let it go out once and it was just as stellar after the re-light…which is saying a lot!
Overall evaluation: 4.2/5- I will absolutely smoke this stick again. I highly recommend it if you’re able to find it in your area.
Beverage: Bulleit Bourbon
Bottom Line: If you are a believer (saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ), your Father already knows everything you need. He is the giver of all good things, and He will provide for you. Are you not much more important than the sparrows? (Matt. 6:26)
All we are to do is take our prayers to the Lord and trust in His goodness, holiness, and love. If we see our prayers and petitions fulfilled, we praise him. But here’s the kicker about believing God is sovereign—even when they are not, we praise him! Because we know that God is good, we know that he is producing for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17).
God will receive glory for every single event in history, because ultimately He is the appointer of all things. Before I’m questioned about this statement, no, I do not believe that He does, nor can He do “bad things.” Yet, He can and does create things that will produce evil. Even this He can use for His glory! Who are we to determine whether it is good, or right, to make such a thing?!? See Romans 9:14-24.
So, whatever you’re walking through today, lean not on your own understanding, but trust God’s divine characteristics. Even when you cannot see the light, and it feels like things are hopeless, you may always trust that God is with you, that He will not forsake you, that He is good and righteous, and most importantly— that He is sovereign. Thanks be to God that I can come to Him through our Great and High Priest, Jesus Christ!
BRYAN FURLONG
I write about theology, culture, politics, fitness & lifestyle. Reformed Baptist. Conservative. FL. bryanfurlong.com/blog