An outstanding evening with a Tampa custom.

[laficion]

Tonight I decided to smoke one of my" Tampa" samples that I received 3 days ago.

I'm smoking this cigar now because a good friend advised me to smoke it fresh,

off the truck if you prefer.

First off the smell of this Tampa is a trip to Cuba, a walk in the fabrica.

For me,(RyJ, the old building) if I remember well.

The cigar is so oily and the sheen is simply beautiful.

The pre-light taste is truly earthy and dense with a great draw, just how I like them.

I lit the cigar without first cuting the cap .The shaggy end of the cigar burned perfectly

and the cigar was ready for the first tasting.

What a great sheen.

1st third,right off the smoke showed deep aromas, meaty, little spices and best of all ,

no pepper but lots of leather and dark chocolate.

2nd third, The Tampa was burning beautifully and the tastes were getting more on a grilled

toasty side with rich chocolate,very earthy with notes of expresso coffee.

Last third was really the surprise of this Tampa ,outstanding notes of cinnamon mixed with

expresso coffee with hints of leather. I can't say that the Tampa is very animal in it's flavors,

but then, who knows after a few years of resting.

My conclusion is that, first, the Tampa is very reminiscent of a Habano smoked right off the

bench in Havana, I've had the chance to smoke quite a few of those (mostly at the old factory

RyJ ) but this Tampa has a something special in the fact that there's no harshness or bite that

you normally get with a fresh cigar, on the contrary, it's very smooth and silky. I'm ready to bet

that the tobacco has some age on it already.

I give the Tampa a clear 91 and I'm sure a 95 in a few years from now.

A really fantastic cigar and a big congratulations to Rob and the blending team who created

such a fine smoke. I'm sure Chuck would love this cigar.

I paired the Tampa with a fantastic "Green Spot" Irish Whiskey of a rare elegance and fineness

and for which I would like to thank Andy, my favorite Irishman, for allowing me to taste such a

fine nectar.

To finish this review with a smile, the cigar was having a fine time burning away that I suspect a small

erection at the end

[Professor Twain]

Thanks for this great review and the accompanying photos. I received a sampler with the Czar and Tampa and intended to let these sit for a while... but you are tempting me...

[CigarmanTim]

I also got a "woody" reading that review. Great job Guy....looks like a winner.

[ChanceSchmerr]

Wonderful Review, Guy! I was waiting for a few months before I touched my customs that I won, but after this maybe I will light up a Tampa to see how they are right now.

Incidentally - How was the Green Spot? I have been searching for this whiskey for what seems like forever, until just yesterday (funny enough) I tracked down the last bottle for sale in North America (I'm pretty sure) since it's only made for the Irish Market! I can't wait until my friend picks it up for me so I can give it a try - it has been my holy grail of Irish Whiskies haha (Ardbeg Arigh Nam Beist is my counterpart holy grail for Single Malt - still looking for a bottle of that in Canada)

[lemmycaution]

Thanks for the review. The Tampa I smoked was an incredible experience for me. I usually let cigars rest, but I think everyone should try one of these fresh.

[Ryan]

Great review Guy!

Glad the whiskey's going down well.

[LeafLover]

Looks like you had a mighty fine time doing that review. Thank you for sharing Guy.

[mkz]

Now I really wish I hadnt frozen mine and stowed them away for two months...

Oh well, something to look forward to...

[mbrody]

Very nice Guy. I'm going to wait another week before I spark one up. Looking forward to it...

[#2 man]

Great review !!!

[dicko]

Thankyou for the review! and great pictures and general thoughts! You and Ross set the bar with your reviews of these customs.

I'm pleased you found similar flavours to my review a couple of weeks ago. It shows I am slowly learning. Although I still cannot tell the difference between a dog and a bear!

[Dbone]

Truely, an outstanding evening you had Guy. Man I need to get me some.

[CanuckSARTech]

Well done, Guy - great photos, and an intriguing review. I can't wait to get and try mine. Thanks for sharing the experience!

[Colt45]

Very nice Guy! I still intend to wait a bit before I try one

[Jimmy2]

Nice review Guy sound like a great cigar ! Wish I could have tried some ..

[Wil]

Damn, why didn't I get some of these!

[PADDYWHACK121272]

A drop of green spot and a custom roll...that's my death row 'meal' right there..

[Stalebread]

That's quite an evening.

Now I'm not sure about how long to wait before trying one of these.

Now? In a couple of weeks? Months? My head hurts.

[thechenman]

Great review Guy. I really enjoyed the pictures too. Looking forward to smoking a Tampa soon. If it only wasn't so damn cold out in NY right now. God I miss SoCal.

[jackohalloran]

Superb Guy! great pics. the Tampa looks amazing

[El Presidente]

Fantastic review Guy

ala George Peppard..."I love it when a plan comes together"

This really has been a community project. We set out to make a cigar which is unique and enjoyable and I think we have.

lets hope that we can maintain consistency going forward which will be the biggest challenge.

[soltino]

Now I really wish I hadnt frozen mine and stowed them away for two months...

Oh well, something to look forward to...

Snap!!! I did exactly the same thing! But we'll know better for next time.... And what a great Christmas/New Year we'll have indulging in these gems!

[ChiTownHuck]

Nice review!