History
Since the 1800s the region of Tuscany in central Italy has been manufacturing a peculiar but beloved style of cigar fondly referred to as the Toscano.
Instantly recognisable from their double tapered, rustic aesthetic, these cigars are unique to this part of the country.
The Toscano can trace its origin back to 1818, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany started the tobacco factory that produced the first Toscano cigars.
A special fermenting process is used to create these cigars, but the discovery of this technique was down to pure chance.
A bale of tobacco was left exposed to the elements by workers, and when soaked started to ferment.
The crafty people in charge of overheads decided it would be better to sell the cigars produced with this batch of fermented tobacco to the people of Florence. To their surprise these cigars were incredibly well received, and thus a new tradition was born.
Contents
Toscano cigars are made using Kentucky tobacco, the filler being grown in various regions of Italy whilst the special North American Kentucky wrapper, favoured for its larger width, is imported.
As mentioned previously, the tobacco is prepared first and treated to a wet fermentation process. This can take anywhere between 15 and 20 days, during which time the tobacco is subjected to repeated fire curing.
Once the tobacco is deemed properly cured, it is ready to be rolled. Unlike most cigars, Toscano cigars are binderless, instead opting for a single wrapper.
This creates a pleasurable, smooth smoking experience that is plentiful in its smoke production.
Flavour & Strength
It is fair to say that Toscano cigars are strong, full flavoured cigars that are mostly popular with well versed cigar smokers.
The tobacco itself imparts a brilliant sweet flavour that really can’t be found with any other style of cigar or replicated when grown anywhere else.
The longer version of the cigars are often cut in two, turning a pack of five cigars into a pack of ten.
The manufacturers realised this trend and over time started selling packs of the half sized cigars, dubbed Toscanellos.
These cigars go hand in hand with a good beer and are equally as good at complementing a coffee.
Arrivederci
Unfortunately Toscano cigars are halting all importation to the UK and as a result, these cigars will be disappearing from our shelves. We highly recommend that if you’re a fan, or just curious to try Toscano’s, you get them now whilst stocks last!
