The Best Italian cigars of 2019

The Italian Cigar Awards are aimed at creating a list of the best 5 Italian cigars tested during 2019. 2019 marks the fifth consecutive year in which the Top5 is drawn up (here are some previous editions: 2018, 2016).

Among the “Italian cigars” we have considered products for which the production chain is, in whole or in part, located in Italy, without distinction between types of tobacco (Kentucky or Havana-seed) or production method (short filler, by hand , etc.). The list may not only include new releases launched during the year, but also products that are included in the catalog, that manage to maintain excellent quality standards.

The ranking, in addition to taking into account the ratings that were already published in previous tastings, takes into account the team’s re-tasting of the cigars to further confirm the rating.

The best Italian cigars tested during 2019 are shown below.

1. TOSCANO ASSOLO

• Wrapper: North American Kentucky (USA)
• Filler: medium filler, North American Kentucky (USA) and Italy

Manifatture Sigaro Toscano, in September 2019, released this product that immediately convinced the team. In addition to the slightly more generous size compared to the other cigars made by the Lucca Manufacturer, the first impact is of a ready cigar, which does not require any rest in the humidor for its smokability, but, at the most, will enhance its characteristics.

The flavors are played on a savory and bitter combination, enriched by spicy sensations. The aromas released in the smoke are wood, carob, pepper and walnut, supported by a strength that, although pronounced (we are between medium-full and full), does not dominate them. A few years in the humidor can bring will definitely improve it.

For the complete review, click here.

The Toscano Assolo is the winner and its a very traditional Italian cigar, in terms of tobaccos and shape.

 

2. AMBASCIATOR ITALICO TORPEDO

• Wrapper: Kentucky Valtiberina (Italy)
• Binder: Kentucky Veronese (Italy)
• Filler: long filler, North American Kentucky (USA) and Italy

This Torpedo is a cigar conceived as a Caribbean (use of binder and long filler leaves, in a Torpedo shape), but with the use of Kentucky tobaccos. The result is a powerful smoke, rich in flavor and satiating, which also manages to extend its effects for a long time thanks to a very pronounced persistence. It is a cigar for Kentucky tobacco lovers and those who appreciate long smokes (two hours of smoking time).

The base of flavors is marked by delicate sapid and acid characters; at the end there is also a bitter component. Flavors range over a vast spectrum consisting of wood, pepper, nuts, coffee, which evolve towards spices, herbs and earth. The strength increases from a medium to full level, but never overshadows the flavors. A cigar with ample aging potential.

For the complete review, click here.

 

3. TOSCANO ANTICA RISERVA

• Wrapper: North American Kentucky (USA)
• Binder: short filler, North American Kentucky (USA) and Italy

The Antica Riserva could be the story of a fallen nobleman who, after years, has regained his identity and his coat of arms. After the decades of splendor, the period of oblivion, to then reach a new, convincing youth that also brought him among the first classified of the Blind Tasting of Italian cigars.

It reveals sapid notes, enriched with a light bitter component. The flavors released are reminiscent of walnut, earth, coffee, but also dried fruits and leather. Strength grows from medium to medium-full. Convincing, rich and rewarding. It can be enjoyed both cut in half, or as a whole, it can be smoked both in the morning and after a meal.

For the complete review, click here.

 

4. NOSTRANO DEL BRENTA TALIANO

• Wrapper: Nostrano (Veneto, Italia)
• Binder: Nostrano (Veneto, Italia)
• Filler: medium filler, Nicaragua and Nostrano tobacco, aged for 3 -5 years (Italy)

Launched in 2018, the Taliano not only continues to maintain its production consistency, but is always convincing. Born from a blend of Italian (Havana-seed) and Nicaraguan tobaccos (75% and 25% respectively), it is a cigar that, despite the shape and the use of medium filler leaves for the filler, releases an interesting smoke also for Caribbean smokers.

The palate is stimulated by sweet and sapid sensations, perfectly balanced between them. It releases flavors of earth, spices and walnut, which also turn towards more characteristic notes of coffee and ripe fruit. Strength is not exaggerated, all to the advantage of a wide flavor profile and can be smoked at any time of the day.

 

5. COMPAGNIA TOSCANI SIGARI SUPER TUSCAN 2019

• Wrapper: Kentucky Valtiberina (Italy)
• Filler: long filler, Kentucky Valtiberina (Italy) from the 2016, 2017 and 2018 harvests

Now in its second year, the Super Tuscan is the largest cigar (175mm in length and 20mm in diameter in the belly) from the Compagnia Toscana Sigari. The filler is made with long filler tobaccos and a blend of tobaccos from three different years. Opulent in the eyes and intense on the nose.

It first brings a good sapidity and spicy sensations to the palate, followed by the addition of an acidic component. It releases flavors of wood, nuts, earth and mineral notes, joined by leather and spice that take over halfway through the smoke. Strength is full bodied.

For the complete review, click here.