When it comes to the finer things in life, a cigar has always been perceived as the go-to for that added touch of class.
It’s a sign of discerning taste, of a person who knows what to enjoy in life. It could be to accompany a good drink or for rounding off memorable evenings with friends; however and whenever you smoke, there is nothing quite like a good cigar.
There is the usual chiding that to enjoy a good cigar you need to buy Cuban. To a certain extent that argument or discussion is a good one, however, let us introduce you to one of Europe’s oldest and lone surviving cigar companies called Toscano. They have the advantage of a history of nearly 200 years and hailing from a rich Italian heritage of industry and culture.
The great benefit of cigar making is that it is embellished by old ways and methods. Toscano still adheres to a traditional and age old process that to this date haven’t much changed. Like anything made by hand, it takes years of training and preparation to be able to execute such precision and deliver high standard products. Toscano takes pride in training their rollers for a minimum of 18 months before they’re allowed to roll anything unsupervised.
The story of Toscano is one of accident and discovery – like so many great products that have arisen out of a ‘mistake’ or a ‘disaster’. Toscano had the fortune to have been unknowingly blessed by experiencing a sudden summer downpour in 1815 that they believed ruined the crop. However, with the ‘spoiled’ tobacco they decided to make it into cheaper cigars that could still to be sold to people in Florence. The water had actually made the tobacco ferment, giving it a completely new taste.
Thus the legend of Sigaro Toscano was born and it has been in regular production since 1818. Manifatture Sigaro Toscano who produce the cigars have built up a strong institution that has firmly safeguarded the old traditions and a historical brand, which is deeply rooted in the Italian history and territory. That dedication and commitment at maintaining these customs has led to a growing success which now sees them selling 180 million cigars in the Italian and International markets. For 200 years, Toscano have used the same tobacco, the same recipe, and are still manufactured by the Sigaraie (female cigar makers), who can be seen at work at the Manifattura of Lucca.
Nowadays they have an excellent range that includes cigars suitable for demanding smokers and part-time appreciators alike. Their unique taste has become revered and appreciated the world over. Toscano use 100% Kentucky tobacco from 200 tobacco growers concentrated in Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria, Campania and Veneto. The tobacco is seasoned from 4 – 12 months and is formed into a unique yet irregular truncated-cone shape, with the mantra of it being made genuine and natural to be enjoyed by everyone at any time.
The Moro is for those who want more, while the Toscano Originale Millennium, Toscano del Presidente, Originale Selected, and the Toscano Originale are made from old recipes that offer well-rounded character.
Seasoned smokers regard Toscano as having a very natural flavour free from any additional artificial topping – usually given to lesser quality cigars to enhance the flavour. They feel it stays true to the Toscano character of being friendly, but candidly frank. The cigars’ personality is down to earth, informal and welcoming. If given the chance opportunity to acquaint yourself with a Toscano cigar, you will find that it leaves you content and inspired.
Manifatture Sigaro Toscano pride themselves on being ambassadors of the region as well as Italian production and manufacturing in general. Their unequivocal honour and pleasure in having the Made in Italy stamp signifies their commitment to quality while sharing every aspect of Italian culture and traditions. Those qualities and values give the Toscano cigars their unique character and positioning as a reputable global player.
Feature originally published in JOSHUA’s Magazine Issue THREE
