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The Devil Crab by West Tampa Tobacco Company is a statement piece from master blender Rick Rodriguez, a cigar that challenges the palate while showcasing refined craftsmanship. Known for their meticulous attention to blending and construction, West Tampa has carved out a reputation for producing cigars that are as nuanced as they are bold — and the Devil Crab embodies that ethos. It’s a cigar that straddles intensity and elegance, delivering an experience that builds in depth and power with every third.
First Third: A Spicy Awakening
From the first draw, the Devil Crab ignites the senses with a burst of red pepper and toasted cedar, setting the stage for a flavor-forward smoke. The wrapper’s natural oiliness contributes to an immediate mouthfeel of richness, while underlying tones of earth, cocoa powder, and roasted coffee begin to form a foundation. The retrohale amplifies the pepper and introduces a subtle sweet tang of molasses, hinting at the complexity to come. The smoke is thick and aromatic, carrying a faint leathery note that lingers pleasantly between puffs. The first third is bold but balanced — a confident opening that demands attention.
Second Third: Depth and Development
As the cigar warms, it reveals its true personality. The pepper softens slightly, making way for creamy espresso, oak, and dark fruit notes that dance in and out. There’s an evolving sweet-savory interplay — one moment you taste dark chocolate and burnt caramel, the next, dry earth and walnut. The retrohale smooths out, adding a touch of cinnamon spice, while the texture becomes almost buttery in its delivery. Around the halfway mark, the strength builds to a solid medium-full, but never overwhelms; instead, it maintains perfect composure, showing off Rodriguez’s blending finesse.
Final Third: Power and Precision
In the closing act, the Devil Crab digs deep. The sweetness recedes, replaced by bold flavors of charred oak, espresso bean, and black peppercorn. A faint mineral edge emerges, giving the final third a gritty, grounded feel that’s both satisfying and complex. The retrohale now carries a smoky spice with traces of dark cocoa, while the finish lingers with leather, espresso, and charred wood. Despite its rising intensity, the cigar never loses its balance — it closes strong, structured, and deeply flavorful.
Construction and Burn
The construction of the Devil Crab is top-tier — what you’d expect from West Tampa. The cigar is firmly packed, featuring a dark, slightly toothy wrapper with a sheen that speaks of well-aged tobacco. The draw is smooth, producing generous smoke output with each puff. The burn line stays razor-sharp, requiring minimal correction, and the ash holds firm in solid, gray stacks. From start to finish, the cigar demonstrates consistency and craftsmanship, a testament to its quality rolling and fermentation.
Conclusion
The West Tampa Devil Crab is a cigar that lives up to its name — fiery in spirit, yet refined in execution. It delivers bold, evolving flavors without sacrificing control or finesse, taking the smoker on a journey from spice and sweetness to depth and power.
In short: the Devil Crab is not just smoked — it’s experienced. A masterful blend for those who appreciate strength with sophistication, and a lasting reminder of why West Tampa continues to earn respect in the modern cigar world.
