Toscano Master Aged 1: Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Mahogany
- Rolling Consistency: Bumpy
- Spring: Hard
- Aromas: Texas BBQ, Campfire, Rubber
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Toscano Master Aged 1 cigars might not win any beauty contests. “Rustic” might be a kinder descriptor for their uneven, slightly curly form.
Known for their “double truncated cone” shape, Toscanos are traditionally meant to be cut in half at their thickest point and shared. Try that with any “traditional” cigar, and you will compromise the construction and end up with a mouthful full of dried leaves.
The wrapper itself is thick and textured, featuring prominent veins and toothiness that resemble the stems of dried roses. An especially unique characteristic of these Toscano cigars is the small ridges on the wrapper, akin to grill marks on a steak. I believe these are produced during the fire curing of the tobacco.
Examining the aromas of the body of the Master Aged 1, I was immediately reminded of Texas BBQ—spicy and vinegary. The secondary notes remind me of campfire and rubber—that’s the fire-cured tobacco for you.
Review Of The Toscano Master Aged 1 Cigar
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Tree Bark, Cocoa Powder, Red Pepper Flake
Fun fact about Toscano cigars: each one is cut at both ends, which might leave you wondering which end to light. The Master Aged line simplifies this decision somewhat, as these cigars taper from thinner to thicker ends. Consistently across my review samples, I’ve chosen to light the thicker end, even though this sometimes means lighting the cigar with the band upside down.
The dry draw of the Master Aged 1 is intriguing. It evokes the earthiness of tree bark and dry cocoa powder, coupled with a warming sensation reminiscent of red pepper flakes at the back of the throat. This combination sets the stage for a robust and spicy smoking experience.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Toffee, Leather, Corn Flake
Lighting up the Toscano Master Aged 1 with careful touches from a torch lighter reveals a surprising strength, about a 5 out of 10 on the intensity scale. This cigar delivers flavors that diverge significantly from those found in traditionally made cigars.
The first third offers a rich tapestry of deep caramel toffee and leather, which is intriguingly paired with an unexpected note of Corn Flake cereal—a first in my tasting experiences. Additionally, a distinct black pepper spice comes through on the retrohale, adding a sharp contrast to the sweeter and more nuanced primary flavors.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Macadamia, Butter, Licorice
The second third of the Toscano Master Aged 1 brings a notable shift in strength, dialing back to a milder level, around a 3 out of 10.
The flavor profile transforms as well, introducing a delightful blend of macadamia nuts characterized by a buttery creaminess, complemented by a subtle hint of licorice anise on the finish.
In the retrohale, the Kentucky Fire Cured (KFC) tobacco asserts itself, imbuing the smoke with a distinct campfire essence that enhances the overall complexity of this cigar.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Hay, Hickory, Black Coffee
As I approach the final third of the Toscano Master Aged 1, a unique transformation occurs.
The texture of the smoke evolves, becoming notably smoother. Thanks to the ‘double truncated’ shape of the vitola, which narrows down to a smaller ring gauge, the cigar begins to smoke cooler, much like a corona or a lancero, which is an aspect I particularly enjoy.
The flavor profile also shifts, introducing notes of hay and hickory paired with a subtle fruitiness reminiscent of a finely brewed cup of black coffee. This combination of flavors and the improved smoke texture make the final third of this cigar exceptionally enjoyable and memorable.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Flakey
- Burn Angle: Wavy
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
Despite their rugged, dried-stick appearance, Toscano cigars, including the Master Aged 1, draw flawlessly. There are no blockages or tar buildup, and the double-truncated cone shape feels extremely comfortable in the mouth.
Often, I find myself holding the Toscano deep against the side of my lips, reminiscent of Clint Eastwood’s iconic look in the spaghetti westerns directed by Italians, where he famously smoked Toscanos.
The primary challenge with Toscanos is their tendency for a wavy burn, a trait attributable to their unique shape and the absence of binder leaves. However, given their overall performance, this is a minor issue; I rarely needed to touch up the lit end with a lighter, though some thicker stems remained unburned, protruding like twigs.
Additionally, the ash tends to be crumbly and falls more frequently than typical cigars, so it’s wise to ash more regularly than usual, especially if you’re dressed in nice trousers.
Overall Experience
The Toscano Master Aged series 1-4 features consistent packaging with matte black boxes highlighted by white art and bronze details, depicting a tobacconist overseeing the aging Toscanos, complete with an Italian flag motif.
The cigars themselves sport a simple yet elegant band of black, bronze, and white, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and reflecting the brand’s Italian heritage.
Pairing Recommendations For Toscano Master Aged Cigar
The Toscano Master Aged 1 is ideal for a casual daytime lunch, pairing beautifully with flavors that match its robust profile.
The savory BBQ notes of this cigar complement red meat exquisitely, making it a perfect match for a grilled steak. Alternatively, a wood-fired pizza or mushroom pasta would also enhance the warm, earthy, and creamy butter notes of the cigar.
As for drinks, an Aperol spritz can mellow out any bitter notes from the fire-cured tobacco, while a crisp, clean beer like a Miller High Life can refresh your palate between puffs.
For a unique twist, mix 2 oz of Aperol with a Miller High Life to create a “spaghett,” which surprisingly resembles the taste of Hawaiian Punch. If you’re a fan of fire-cured tobacco, a cup of black tea is another excellent choice; its tannins will accentuate the campfire notes splendidly.
Closing Thoughts
Toscano cigars often go overlooked by cigar purists, which is truly a shame considering their deep-rooted heritage and distinct profile. This particular blend from the Master Aged series can easily rival cigars priced around $15 each.
With a box of 30 costing approximately $8 per cigar, it’s an affordable slice of ‘La Dolce Vita.’ Plus, you don’t even need a cutter!
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