I’m practically bouncing as I hop in the car, my third coffee still fueling me after a killer day at work, and I’m feeling unstoppable. Then the shop owner, calls: the West Tampa Dark Time Toro just landed! This 6 x 54 beast, aged over three years with a U.S. Broadleaf wrapper and a Rolex Daytona-inspired cutter, has me stoked. It’s a $29.99 luxury smoke, and I’ve been waiting for this drop. I set cruise control a mile below the speed limit to keep my excitement in check and drive to the shop. Having industry friends is the best! I grab the stick, ready to savor this event cigar.
Time to light this up and dive in.
The Roots
What the Pros Say
Dark Time lit up PCA 2025, with Cigar Aficionado calling it an “event cigar” for its sleek box and cutter. Halfwheel praised its over three-year aging, noting cedar and chocolate depth. Cigar Dojo highlighted its creamy smoke and spice, while X posts like @the_kings_cigar and @cigaraddict rave about its sweetness and build. No full reviews yet, but buzz compares it to Liga Privada No. 9 for richness, though smoother. ??
The Smoke Stats
- Name: West Tampa Dark Time
- Vitola: Toro (6″ x 54)
- Wrapper: U.S. Broadleaf (2019 crop)
- Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
- Origin: NACSA, Estelí, Nicaragua
- Release Date: June 13, 2025
- Price: $29.99/cigar, ~$300/box
To match this Toro’s rich cedar and chocolate vibe, here’s a dish to elevate the session.
Recipe Pairing
Coffee-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin with Dark Chocolate Sauce
This savory dish’s coffee and chocolate notes echo the Toro’s roasted and cocoa tones, while spices vibe with its clove and cinnamon, perfect for a whiskey-fueled smoke.
Ingredients:
- 1 beef tenderloin roast (2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 oz dark chocolate (70%+), chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix coffee, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for the rub.
- Pat tenderloin dry, apply rub, and let sit 30 minutes.
- Heat skillet, add oil, sear beef 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, then rest 10 minutes.
- In skillet, simmer broth and wine, reduce by half. Add chocolate, stir until smooth. Whisk in butter, season.
- Slice beef, drizzle with sauce, serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
The Experience: From Start to Finish
First Look: Pre-Light Impressions
Sipping my rye whiskey, I’m geeking out over this Dark Time Toro like it’s a collector’s watch. The 6 x 54 stick feels solid, its U.S. Broadleaf wrapper dark, oily, and toothy with fine veins, a testament to NACSA’s craft. The minimalist black band with metallic accents screams luxury, and that Rolex-inspired cutter adds serious flair. Pre-light, I get cedar, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate, with a molasses sweetness. The cold draw’s smooth, offering white pepper, dry oak, and cocoa, promising a premium ride.
I light it, ready to savor this aged gem.
Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey
The first third opens with clean cedar and earthy minerals, like a damp forest floor, paired with roasted coffee. The Broadleaf’s sweetness kicks in—molasses and cocoa—balanced by Sumatra’s spice. White pepper sparks the retrohale, with dry oak adding depth. The medium smoke’s creamy, with a light-gray ash holding an inch. The draw’s perfect, pumping out dense clouds. Compared to West Tampa Red, it’s richer, less spicy, but just as smooth.
The second third builds to medium-full, with dark chocolate taking center stage, layered with baking spices—clove and cinnamon. Earth and leather emerge, grounding the sweetness, while Nicaraguan fillers add a subtle kick. The smoke’s dense, creamy, with moderate oil buildup on the palate. The burn’s steady, ash tight, needing one minor touch-up on a wavy sample. Against the Attic Series, it’s smoother, with Dominican fillers softening the edges.
The final third brings cedar back with toasted walnut and anise, while black pepper and espresso dominate the retrohale. A clean, dark roast bitterness lingers, not harsh but bold. The burn’s even, ash clinging to the nub, draw flawless. Compared to Liga Privada No. 9, it’s less intense but equally refined, with the Broadleaf’s sweetness outshining Padron 1926 Maduro’s earth. The 75-minute smoke ends medium-full, a luxurious, layered finish.
Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship
The Dark Time Toro showcases NACSA’s skill. The U.S. Broadleaf wrapper’s oily, dark, with a toothy texture and minimal veins, wrapped tight with invisible seams. The roll’s firm, cap precise, feeling every bit the $29.99 price tag. The burn’s near-flawless, with light-gray ash holding 1.5” chunks, flaking minimally. The draw’s effortless, delivering cool, creamy smoke with cedar and spice. One touch-up on a sample doesn’t dim its polish, matching West Tampa’s premium rep.
Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking
The Dark Time Toro weaves a rich tapestry, starting with cedar, roasted coffee, and earthy minerals, sweetened by molasses and cocoa from the aged Broadleaf. The Sumatra binder adds white pepper and baking spices—clove, cinnamon—while Dominican-Nicaraguan fillers bring depth. Mid-smoke, dark chocolate, earth, and leather dominate, with creamy smoke enhancing the richness. The final third blends walnut, anise, and espresso, with a touch of dark roast bitterness. It’s smoother than Padron 1926 Maduro’s earth but less sweet than West Tampa White, a refined medium-full gem.
 |
Strength & Body: The Power Within |
The Toro’s medium-full strength builds a steady buzz, ideal for seasoned smokers, with a mild nicotine kick in the final third. It’s bolder than West Tampa White’s mild creaminess but smoother than the Attic Series’ punch. The body’s medium-full, with dense, creamy smoke carrying cedar, chocolate, and spice. The flavors are rich yet balanced, perfect for a reflective session.
 |
Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Game |
These pairings boost the Toro’s 75-minute vibe:
- Drinks: Añejo tequila (Don Julio 1942) mirrors sweetness; rye whiskey (WhistlePig 10) lifts pepper; port wine complements cocoa; café Cubano grounds espresso.
- Foods: Dark chocolate echoes cocoa; roasted nuts match walnut; spicy BBQ pairs with clove; coffee-rubbed tenderloin seals the deal.
Pair for a luxurious smoke.
Value: Worth the Price?
At $29.99 per stick (~$300 for a 10-count box), the Dark Time Toro’s price reflects its over three-year aging, NACSA craftsmanship, and Rolex-inspired cutter. With only 2,500 boxes, it’s a collector’s prize, rivaling Liga Privada No. 9 ($20+) for depth and Davidoff Late Hour ($25+) for polish. The minor burn quirk doesn’t dim its value for boutique fans, especially with the cutter’s collectible appeal.
Our Rating:
 |
|
The West Tampa Dark Time Toro earns a Refined. Its cedar, chocolate, and spice notes deliver a medium-full, 75-minute smoke. At $29.99, it’s a premium steal with its cutter and aging, though a slight burn quirk kept it just shy of perfect. A top pick for collectors. |
Final Thoughts
After 75 minutes with the Dark Time Toro, I’m buzzing from its cedar, chocolate, and espresso groove, and my whiskey glass is dry. This aged gem, with its sleek box and cutter, feels like a trophy. Nailing this premium smoke is definitely a flex. The medium-full profile’s rich, layered, and NACSA’s craft shines. It’s a rare win for special nights.
A luxurious classic that delivers.
Own the Smoke: Make It Yours
The Dark Time Toro is for smokers craving a medium-full smoke with cedar, spice, and chocolate, plus collector appeal. It’s bolder than West Tampa White—not for newbies. The 75-minute burn suits chill evenings, but with only 2,500 boxes, it’s a hunt at specialty shops. Light it up, sip a rye, and savor the luxury.
