Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar Review

After reviewing the Masted Aged 1, I’m diving into the second offering in the Toscano Master Aged series. As expected, it’s a continuation of this line’s unique craftsmanship.

The Master Aged 2 maintains the original 50/50 blend of Tuscan and fire-cured tobaccos from Kentucky and Tennessee seen in the Master Aged 1.

However, it steps up this filler with a Kentucky Fire Cured (KFC) wrapper that enhances its flavor profile; This differs from the Italian Kentucky-Seed wrapper used in the Master Aged 1.

Read along as I review this Toscano Master Aged 2 via the following categories:

Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar Overview

  • Brand: Toscano
  • Range: Master Aged 2
  • Reviewed Vitolas: 6.3 x 40 “Double-Truncated Cone”
  • Wrapper: Kentucky Fire-Cured
  • Binder: N/A
  • Filler: Tuscany, Tennessee & Kentucky
  • Factory: Lucca (Italy)
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Body: Full
  • Estimated Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
  • Pricing: $225 / Box of 30 [Buy On CigarPage]

Toscano is a big fan of Kentucky seed fire-cured tobacco, which I’m affectionately referring to as KFC. According to Toscano, in the 1800s, a bale of tobacco left out in the rain was salvaged by drying it over a fire, inadvertently infusing it with rich earthen and woody flavors.

Unlike traditional cigars that need specific humidity levels to be smokable, fire-cured tobacco does not, so Toscanos can often be found in cardboard boxes outside of humidors. While the Master Aged line incorporates Italian tobacco and benefits from some humidification, it remains more forgiving than standard varieties.

Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar

Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigars

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Toscano Master Aged 2: Look & Feel

  • Wrapper Hue: Pretzel
  • Rolling Consistency: Bumpy
  • Spring: Hard
  • Aromas: Rubber, BBQ Sauce, Mushroom

I must admit, I gasped when I unwrapped the first of Toscano Master Aged 2 cigars. The veins on the cigar were strikingly different in hue from the rest of the wrapper, somewhat resembling a pretzel.

Kentucky Fire-Cured Wrapper On Toscano Master Aged 2

I removed the cellophane from the others to find they lacked this pretzel-like striping. Initially, I was concerned this discoloration might affect the flavor or smoking experience, but fortunately, it did not. All the cigars provided a uniform taste and smoking experience, making that first one just an “ugly duckling” in appearance.

The aroma from the body and foot of the cigar brought forward a distinct rubber note, accompanied by the familiar vinegary BBQ sauce aroma seen in the Master Aged 1. It rounded off with a pleasant mushroom finish. This wrapper definitely carried a more earthy scent compared to its Italian-wrapped counterpart.

Review Of The Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar

Pre-Lighting Experience

  • Draw: Ideal
  • Aromas: Mesquite, Root Beer, Menthol

As mentioned in my previous Toscano review, both ends of the Master Aged 2 cigar are open, and I opted to draw from the thinner end for the pre-light.

Master Aged 2 Cigars From Italy

The cold draw revealed a dominant savory flavor of mesquite smoke, complemented by a distinctive herbal quality reminiscent of root beer. The experience concluded with a menthol-like tingle at the back of the palate, adding an invigorating finish to the prelight draw.

1st Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Roasted Eggplant, Parsley, Lemon Rind

In exploring the best ways to light Toscano cigars, I learned that a soft-flame lighter or a match stick is preferred.

Toscano Master Aged 2 Review Of First Third

I dusted off an old soft-flame lighter for the occasion, and the Master Aged 2 immediately came out punching with flavor notes similar to roasted eggplant, parsley, and lemon rind… maybe I have Lebanese food on my mind. The retrohale introduced a distinct metallic copper note, adding a highly unique twist to the smoking experience.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Mulch, Walnuts, Tarragon

Approaching the thickest “belly” of the vitola, the Master Aged 2’s flavor profile deepened into distinctly earthy tones. I also encountered notes of walnuts and mulch intertwined with the subtle herbal nuances of tarragon. The retrohale contrasted these flavors with a sharp hit of black pepper, adding complexity to this smoke.

Master Aged 2 Cigar by Toscano Italy

Notably, the smoke, which had a somewhat coarse texture during the first third, has smoothed out significantly.

Final Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Red Meat, Cedar, Charcoal

As the Toscano Master Aged 2 progresses from its widest point to the more tapered end, the smoke evolves into an exceptionally smooth, velvety texture.

Toscano cigars are traditionally designed to be cut at their thickest and shared, but I must admit, the final third of this cigar is so delightful I’d be tempted to keep this portion all to myself.

Smoking Review of Master Aged 2 Cigar

The flavors become richly savory, dominated by notes of red meat complemented by undertones of cedar and charcoal. The retrohale introduces a sharp bite, reminiscent of red pepper flakes, adding a spicy accent to the robust and deep flavors.

Overall Burn

  • Ash Backbone: Flakey
  • Burn Angle: Wavy
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Draw: Ideal
  • Final Smoking Time: 90 Minutes

As with all Toscanos, the burn on the Master Aged 2 was characteristically wavy. I find this trait adds to its rustic charm and doesn’t detract from the smoking experience. Additionally, at no point did I need to touch up the combustion line.

Overall, I think the Kentucky Fire Cured (KFC) wrapper contributed to a coarser smoke, but it notably smoothed out as the cigar approached the halfway mark, evolving into a more refined experience.

Shop Toscano Master Aged Cigars

Overall Experience

The Toscano Master Aged series maintains a consistent aesthetic across all four variants, with the primary distinction being the large numeral on each band indicating its specific iteration.

Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar With Box

The packaging is sleek, featuring matte black boxes adorned with white art and elegant bronze detailing. The artwork beautifully captures a tobacconist carefully monitoring the aging Toscanos, adding a narrative depth to the visual presentation. Naturally, the Italian flag is subtly included, nodding to the brand’s heritage.

Details Of Cigar Band Master Aged 2 Cigars

Finally, each cigar band sports a refined and minimalist design in black, bronze, and white, echoing the sophistication and traditional craftsmanship of the Toscano brand.

Pairing Recommendations For Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar

The Toscano Master Aged 2, with its robust profile, is particularly well-suited for an evening pre-dinner setting, much like an aperitif that primes the palate.The Kentucky Fire Cured (KFC) wrapper enhances this experience by preparing your taste buds for the meal ahead.

A charcuterie board, with its rich, earthy flavors, perfectly complements the cigar’s savory notes, while sharp cheeses can highlight its herbal nuances. For the main course, a hearty dish like osso buco would be ideal, matching the cigar’s meaty and peppery elements.

Toscano Master Aged Cigar With Drink Pairing And Boveda

For beverages, a Basque-style cider made from Oregon apples was a sublime match, its slight bitterness and funky characteristics harmonizing with the lemon and herbal notes of the Toscano. If cider isn’t available, an aperitif such as Campari offers a similar palate awakening.

Finally, for those who appreciate fire-cured tobacco’s distinct profile, a glass of root beer would beautifully amplify the woodsy, earthy flavors of the cigar.

Closing Thoughts

Initially, I was surprised to learn that the primary difference between the Master Aged 1 and 2 was merely the wrapper. However, the introduction of the Kentucky Fire Cured (KFC) tobacco in the Master Aged 2 significantly enhances both the flavor and strength compared to its Italian-wrapped predecessor.

Toscano Master Aged 2 Cigar Review

This blend is ideal for those curious about KFC tobacco but wary of its robustness. It delivers the characteristic smoky flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Now, if you’re a KFC fanatic, this next cigar review coming up is for you. The Masteraged 3 is 100 % fire-cured all the way down!

Shop Toscano Master Aged Cigars
"The Toscano Master Aged 2 cigar enhances the classic Italian blend with a Kentucky Fire Cured wrapper, offering a robust yet balanced experience perfect for those exploring the rich depths of fire-cured tobacco."
Bespoke Unit Rating: ★★★★

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading this cigar review, feel free to check out more related content:

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