I'd like to make an analogy: some cigars are like a Bentley or Rolls Royce, and some are like a Catarham R500 (and some are like an old rusted Fiat but that is beside the point). Bentleys and RRs have their time and place, but so does a rough yet fun kit car.
The Toscano Classicos are like the Catarham; they are rough, earthy cigars, that, although you won't be seeing them at a white tie gala, are still bloody good. Maduros, and aged for four months, the flavour is very rough, or 'edgy,' but definitely nice, even to a refined smoker's palate. These are Italian- made in Cava dei Tirreni and Lucca and although machine-rolled, it is difficult to tell- they are tightly and consistently packed. The Classicos are 6 inches and 38 gauge- nothing massive, yet they smoke for a surprisingly long time.
I most definitely recommend these cigars, and I look forward to trying the rest of the Toscano range (the Classicos are the cheapest of the range, and if they're this nice, then their other cigars must be excellent). Having said that, although they are roughly only €5,50 for five (a great value) on the continent, they are going to be at least £16 for a pack of five in the UK (due to our ridiculous taxes).
- Smoking time: 35-45 minutes
- Flavour: 8/10
- Smoke Sweetness: 4/10
- Tar (1=very wet, 10=very dry): 6/10
- Value for Money: 5/10
- Indulgence Factor: 5/10
- Overall Rating: 7/10
Where can I buy Toscana Classico? I just returned for Italy and really enjoyed these cigars but I'm having a hard time finding a place to purchase.
ReplyDeleteIn the US, www.primostogies.com sells these cigars. Not sure if they sell internationally however.
ReplyDeleteAren't these the ones Clint Eastwood smoked in "Fistful of Dollars" and the other Leone Westerns? I could have sworn...
ReplyDeleteI actually just started up a company that sells Toscano Cigars in the U.S. because I could never find them myself. We try to price ourselves at a respectable level considering taxes etc. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. http://www.italiansmokes.com
ReplyDelete-Mike Hines
I bought a pack of Classicos after reading this review, and I agreed with all of your points. It’s a very interesting, strong smoke! I’m definitely going to try some of the other Toscanos.
ReplyDeleteBased on one of the comments here and a google search, I ended up buying from Italiansmokes.com. Good service, and they were pretty fast with shipping.
-Kate Jessup
Boston, MA
I have to say that Toscanos (particularly the premium Toscano Selected type) are my favorite. However, they are hard to find in the US. I've tried a few websites, but most are totally illegal and have very old and crappy product. The only one so far that seems to be legit and with a full catalog is ItalianSmokes.
ReplyDelete-Ron Weber, Kansas City
When my son lived in Denver I got him to bring over some Parodi Kings.
DeleteThey are made in the US with the same Kentucky Tobacco as Toscano in fact the Italians ship some from the ther when they have a low yield crop.
They and the Ammezzati are almost the same taste and more consistant.
The Parodi are about 1" longer than the half of a toscano (Toscanello) but are packed in 5's and now come individually wrapped inside.They cost $35 PER 50 PIECES,the Ammezzati are $53 PER 100.
They are available from http://www.avanticigar.com/
They will post from online orders.
Good strong flavour but difficult to smoke. Not a smooth smoke. You really have to suck it hard. Be prepared to lighten up several times. Suitable to cut it in two - had the idea while smoking one and later have seen same advice on another review. Tried several times this cigar but is not really on my taste. I will keep the last one for when I run out of others.
ReplyDeleteI have been smoking cigars from 3 years and i am addicted to it. But now its expensive for me to buy cigar so is there any place where i can get discounted cigars?
ReplyDeleteBuy them in the European union outside of UK the classico are around Euros 5.3 and the Toscanello Eu 3.50 the Antico 8euros the vecchio about 6.5 Euros.
DeleteIn uk cost are about four times and in Around double I think.
I need filtered cigars as they are safe to drink and i love the taste.Please suggest me the place from where i can grab this.
ReplyDeleteI have been smoking Toscano cigars for the last
ReplyDelete15 years.Because they are machine rolled there is some variation between the characteristics of each and every cigar smoked but having said that I find this adds to individuality of the cigar...you never know exactly how the taste and burn will be what you do know is it will be a great smoke.By the way always buy the 6" version and cut it yourself if you like them that way as they mature better in the wrapped film than unwrapped in the cardboard box.
The aroma versions in cafe,fondant and annise are a great change and much milder ,women also seem to enjoy a puff of the flavored ones...quite romantic on a summers evening in Napoli.
I have been smoking "Toscani's" as they used to be called when the company was state run for around 17 years.
ReplyDeleteI used to get them in France.They were even better then and burned with whiter ash.
Still varied from first to next but were. sweeter and milder.
there was only the one standard Toscani now Toscano and you cut them yourself.
Still a nice smoke,I prefer the Extra Vechia as the mix and wrapper are generally better than the Classico and more like the old Toscani.
At EU prices Euro 5.50 great but £22.00 for a pack of 5 forget it!
You get the best prices in Belgium and can discount for quantities
ReplyDelete