In the heart of Italy, where tradition and craftsmanship intertwine, a group of skilled artisans known as La Sigaraie keeps an age-old practice alive — handcrafting Toscano cigars. These expert cigar rollers, primarily women, dedicate their talents to preserving the legacy of one of Italy’s most cherished tobacco products.
The Tradition of Toscano Cigars
Toscano cigars date back to 1815, when a serendipitous accident led to the creation of an entirely new smoking experience. A shipment of Kentucky tobacco left out in the rain began to ferment under the summer heat. Instead of discarding it, the tobacco was used to produce cigars, resulting in a robust and intensely aromatic smoke. The Toscano cigar was born, quickly becoming a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and an essential part of the country's cigar culture.
La Sigaraie
In the world of Italian smokes, there's nothing like the fine product that is brought to you by the expertise of the honored 'sigaraie' tradition. The art of making Toscano cigars has been passed down through generations, and La Sigaraie remains the heart of this tradition. These highly skilled cigar rollers work primarily in Lucca, Tuscany, and Cava de’ Tirreni, Campania—two locations where Toscano cigars are still handmade using techniques that have remained largely unchanged for over two centuries. Many of the mainstream Toscano cigars are produced in Lucca, Italy, while Toscanello cigars are primarily produced in Cava de’ Tirreni, Italy.
Unlike machine-made cigars, which require precision engineering, handmade Toscano cigars rely entirely on the expertise of La Sigaraie. These artisans hand-roll each cigar using fermented Kentucky tobacco leaves, ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of quality. These men and women cannot undertake this profession with a mere cursory knowledge of the craft of hand-rolling; it takes apprenticeship, practice and countless hours of applied experience to fill this role. Expert sigaraie can produce up to 520 cigars per day. The highest quality and limited edition cigars are hand rolled by sigaraie who, unlike their Caribbean counterparts, roll the filler tobacco with only the wrapper leaves and no binder (Caribbean cigars use a binder around the filler before a final cover is added). One of the defining features of Toscano cigars is their uneven, rustic appearance—each cigar bears the unique touch of the roller who crafted it, making every piece one of a kind.
The Process of Handcrafting Toscano Cigars
The meticulous process of rolling a Toscano cigar involves several key steps:
Tobacco Selection and Fermentation: Only the finest Kentucky tobacco leaves are selected. These leaves undergo a natural fermentation process, which enhances their strong, earthy flavors.
Hand Rolling: La Sigaraie expertly moisten and shape the leaves by hand, ensuring an even consistency and optimal airflow.
The cigars are then carefully dried and aged, allowing their rich flavors to mature.
Cutting and Quality Control: Once aged, each cigar is examined and cut. Toscano cigars are known for their ability to be smoked whole or cut in half to share—an enduring Italian tradition.
Preserving a Cultural Heritage
Beyond their craftsmanship, La Sigaraie represent a living cultural heritage. Their work is not merely about producing cigars; it is about maintaining a centuries-old tradition that embodies the artistry, patience, and passion of Italian tobacco craftsmanship.
While modern manufacturing has introduced machine-made Toscano cigars, the handmade versions remain the pinnacle of authenticity, offering a unique smoking experience that connoisseurs deeply appreciate. The dedication of La Sigaraie ensures that this remarkable art form continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.
3 Italian Hand Rolled Cigars You Should Know
Toscano Anno Domini 1492: A tribute to the spoils of the Columbian Exchange, Anno Domini exalts the American tobacco in the filler and wrapper made from the best leaves Tennessee has to offer. A singular, slightly bitter, and 'round body' flavor is achieved through double fermentation and a twelve month maturation process.
Toscano Originale: A full cheroot rolled with traditions that go back to 1818. The aromas and strong character are to be savored ripe with great concentration. A delicacy perfectly complemented by rich red wines.
Toscano Il Moro: This is considered the finest hand rolled Italian cigar. At nine-inches in length, this premium product is a collector’s item that has to be experienced to savor the time esteemed traditions of the sigaraie. Brought to you by elite Italian cigar makers at Manifatture Sigaro Toscano.
Conclusion
For lovers of fine cigars, a handmade Toscano is more than just a smoke—it is a testament to history, tradition, and the skilled hands of La Sigaraie. As long as these artisans continue their craft, the legacy of Toscano cigars will endure, bringing the essence of Italian heritage to smokers worldwide.
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Hand rolled cigars have the ability to evoke a romantic nostalgia for the days of old-world craftsmanship. Experience the magic of hand-rolled Toscano cigars yourself: try Toscano AD1492, Toscano Originale, or, if you prefer something a bit more luxurious, one of our featured Il Moro cigars.
