Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar Review

My journey through Toscano’s Master Aged series culminates with this Master Aged 4, which, through this process, I’ve learned has a few secrets up its sleeves.

While researching this particular blend, I saw it advertised as an Italian wrapper with a 50/50 Italian and American filler, which sounded identical to the Master Aged 1. To get clarification, I contacted Michael Cappellini, the US Toscano brand ambassador.

He kindly informed me that the wrapper on the Master Aged 4 is micro-fermented. This particular treatment, conducted at higher temperatures, is designed to enhance flavor complexity without intensifying the strength.

This is rather intriguing, and I’m eager to put the Master Aged 4 through the Bespoke Unit Cigar Matrix:

Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar Details

  • Brand: Toscano
  • Range: Master Aged 4
  • Reviewed Vitolas: 6.3 x 40 “Double-Truncated Cone”
  • Wrapper: Italian Micro-Fermented
  • Binder: N/A
  • Filler: 50% Italian / 50% Kentucky Fire-Cured Tobacco
  • Factory: Lucca (Italy)
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Body: Full
  • Estimated Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
  • Pricing: $225 / Box of 30 [Buy On CigarPage]

Despite employing a sophisticated micro-fermentation process that enhances its flavor complexity, the Toscano Master Aged 4 remains competitively priced. It is available for $225 per box of 30, which breaks down to $7.5 per cigar. This keeps it aligned with the rest of the Master Aged cigar collection.

All Toscano Master Aged Cigars Together

Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigars

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Look & Feel Of The Master Aged Series 4

  • Wrapper Hue: Dark Chocolate
  • Rolling Consistency: Bumpy
  • Spring: Hard
  • Aromas: Tomato Paste, Vinegar, Salt

The Toscano Master Aged 4 stands out with a notably thicker vitola than its predecessors. As explained by Michael Cappellini, the US Toscano brand ambassador, this design choice aims to enhance the experience when the cigar is split and shared—a traditional way to enjoy Toscanos.

Despite this intent, I chose to smoke it end-to-end for this review to maintain consistency with our established review matrix.

Master Aged Cigar Shapes Compared

This cigar’s wrapper is darker and more aromatic than the others in the Master Aged line, adding an intriguing element to its presentation. During a session in my garden, the robust aromas were even noticeable to my wife from across the table. The dominant scent notes included tomato paste, vinegar, and sea salt, reminiscent of BBQ potato chips, promising rich and savory flavor.

Reviewing The Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar

Pre-Lighting Experience

  • Draw: Ideal
  • Aromas: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Suede

The pre-light draw of the Toscano Master Aged 4 immediately highlights the uniqueness of its wrapper.

It offers a rich tapestry of warming spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon, complemented by an intriguing suede note that rounds out the initial flavor profile.

1st Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Almonds, Sage, Mushroom

Lighting the larger tapered end of the Toscano Master Aged 4 with a soft flame lighter, I immediately noticed a smoother experience than typical Toscano blends.

First Third Of Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar

The initial flavor notes were distinct and inviting, featuring almonds, sage, and mushrooms, suggesting a rich and earthy profile. Additionally, the retrohale brought a unique malty note reminiscent of beer, adding an intriguing layer to the overall flavor complexity.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Macadamia, Cream, Hazelnut

As I reached the wider belly of the Toscano Master Aged 4, Michael Cappellini’s insights became evident. This segment of the cigar offers a notably smoother mouthfeel, enriching the smoking experience with a burst of flavors.

Second Third Of Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar

The palate is greeted with the luxurious taste of macadamia nuts blended seamlessly with cream and hazelnut, crafting a rich and creamy profile. Complementing these flavors, the retrohale carries a distinct aroma of rye, adding a spicy depth that enhances the complexity of this blend.

Final Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Pastry, Blackberry, Mint

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times: Toscanos are unique.

Final Third Review Of Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar

In the final third of the Master Aged 4, the smoothness reaches its peak, presenting a delightful array of flavors reminiscent of a rich pastry and blackberry, with a subtle hint of mint on the finish. To round this off, the retrohale has a lovely flavor of hazelnut.

Overall Burn

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

This Master Aged 4 delivers the best smoking experience across the Toscano series, with notably the smoothest mouthfeel and most effortless draw of the lineup. While it still exhibits some waviness typical of Toscano cigars, the overall performance is superior.

Burn & Combustion Of Master Aged 4 By Toscano

Initially skeptical, I’ve become a convert to the benefits of the micro-fermented wrapper, which significantly enhances the cigar’s quality. This experience has left me questioning why this thicker vitola isn’t the standard for all their cigars, given its impressive attributes.

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Overall Experience

The Toscano Master Aged 4 maintains the series’ design language, featuring the signature black-and-white bands adorned with copper detailing.

MAster Aged 4 Cigar Band Details

The box also resonates this theme but introduces additional charm with an Italian flag detail and exquisite illustrations on the interior of the box.

Pairing Recommendations For Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar

Despite not being the most visually appealing sticks, the Toscano Master Aged 4 carries an elegance that makes it suitable for a black tie event. This cigar’s character allows it to be shared, potentially becoming a conversation starter with a new acquaintance.

Fernet Branca Drink With Master Aged 4 Toscano Cigar

The Master Aged 4, akin to a digestif, pairs wonderfully with complex and herbal notes, making it a perfect match for Fernet Branca—an Italian bitter liqueur known for its medicinal, chocolatey, and minty flavors. If bitter liqueurs aren’t to your taste, Coca-Cola could also complement the herbal qualities of the cigar, with its sweetness enhancing the sweeter notes found in the cigar’s final third. Combining Fernet and Coke, a popular drink in Argentina, could offer a delightfully summery experience.

For those preferring wine, a full-bodied red wine would nicely complement the earthy, savory notes evident in the first third of the cigar.

Toscano Master Aged 4 Cigar with Tillamook Ice Cream

Food-wise, the Master Aged 4 would make a unique addition to a dessert menu. Pairing it with Rocky Road ice cream or tiramisu would accentuate its complexity. For a savory twist, consider a pasta dish with a rich brown butter sauce, which could echo the creamy and earthy dimensions of the cigar.

Closing Thoughts

Having now smoked through the entire Toscano Master Aged cigars line, I’m eager to share some reflections on the experience. The Italian wrappers on the Master Aged 1 and 4 really stood out, offering a rich flavor profile that was both intriguing and enjoyable. The Master Aged 3 offered a deep dive into the nuances of Kentucky Fire Cured tobacco, serving as a robust showcase of what KFC can do when it’s front and center.

Toscano Master Aged 4 Italian Wrapper Cigar

Among these, the Master Aged 1 emerged as my personal favorite. Its refined character and balanced flavor profile make it a standout representation of what Toscano can achieve. I’m even considering adding a box to my collection for deep aging in a low-humidity cedar box to mellow them out even more.

For anyone feeling stuck in their usual cigar choices and looking for something distinctively different, I would highly recommend the Toscano Master Aged series. It’s a refreshing departure from the norm, offering unique flavors that can reinvigorate your palate and expand your appreciation of what cigars can offer.

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"The Toscano Master Aged 4 cigar dazzles with its 100% Kentucky Fire Cured tobacco, offering a refined yet robust flavor profile that elevates it as a standout in the Master Aged series."
Bespoke Unit Rating: ★★★★

Further Reading

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

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