Toscanino Viola cigars are a popular variety of Italian cigarillos, known for their distinctive characteristics derived from the traditional Italian cigar-making process. Here's a breakdown of what defines them:
Key Characteristics:
Italian Origin: They are produced by Manifatture Sigaro Toscano, an Italian cigar maker with a long history. The tobacco is primarily Kentucky tobacco, often grown in Italy (especially Tuscany) and North America.
Fire-Cured Tobacco: A hallmark of Toscano cigars, the Kentucky tobacco undergoes a unique wet fermentation and fire-curing process in ovens fueled by oak and beech woods. This imparts a smoky, woody, and sometimes mesquite-like flavor, similar to pipe tobacco.
Aroma/Flavor Profile: The Viola variation is specifically known for its intense cherry aroma and flavor. This is a flavored cigar, offering a stimulating smoking experience with the bold Kentucky tobacco tempered by the sweetness of Italian tobacco and the distinct coffee notes. Other potential underlying notes can include woody, spicy, and peppery hints.
Shape and Size: Toscanino cigars are typically "cigarillos" or short panatelas. They have a characteristic elliptical shape with truncated ends, often referred to as "ammezzati" meaning they are already cut in half and ready to smoke. They are compact, usually around 77-80mm long with a diameter of about 10-13mm.
"Dry" Cigars: Unlike many cigars that require humidors, Toscano cigars are considered "dry" cigars or cheroots. The special fermentation process of the Kentucky tobacco makes it less hygroscopic, meaning they can be stored at room temperature for extended periods without drying out or cracking.
Smoking Experience:
Body and Strength: Generally considered medium to full-bodied with a medium strength.
Smoke Profile: They produce a dense, consistent smoke with pronounced flavors.
Smoking Time: Designed for shorter smoking breaks, typically lasting 10-20 minutes.
Pairing: Reviews suggest they pair well with coffee (especially espresso), sweet liqueurs like Amaretto or Frangelico, dessert wines, and certain whiskies.
Rustic Appearance: Toscano cigars often have an uneven, sometimes lumpy surface with noticeable ribs from the wrapper leaves. These irregularities are considered characteristics rather than defects, especially in hand-rolled versions.
Packaging: Toscanino Viola cigars are often sold in packs of 10 cigarillos.
In essence, Toscanino Viola cigars offer a distinct and flavorful Italian smoking experience, characterized by their fire-cured Kentucky tobacco and prominent cherry aroma, all in a convenient, ready-to-smoke cigarillo format. They are popular for those seeking a robust, short smoke with a unique taste.
! This product is exclusively for people over 18 years of age !
Directive 2014/40/EU
Smoking seriously harms your health and the health of those around you. Smoking during pregnancy harms your baby. Protect your children: don't let them breathe your smoke. Smoking is addictive, don't start smoking! Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart or lung diseases. Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.