The Origin Story of the Iconic Tuscan Cigar
The history of the Tuscan cigar (sigaro toscano) is deeply intertwined with the city of Florence, specifically the site where the offices of the Revenue Agency now stand on Via Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. In the 19th century, this area was home to the Manifattura Tabacchi (Tobacco Factory), where one of Italy’s most famous cigars was born.
How a Rainstorm Gave Birth to the Tuscan Cigar
In 1815, an unexpected summer rainstorm changed the course of cigar history in Tuscany. A batch of Kentucky tobacco, left out to dry in the former Convent of Santa Caterina, was ruined by rainwater. Instead of wasting the wet tobacco, the director of the Manifattura Tabacchi took a bold step. He decided to salvage the fermented leaves by rolling them into rustic, two-way cigars and selling them at a low cost.
The Unique Flavor of the Tuscan Cigar
The taste of the Tuscan cigar became an instant hit. Whether due to the fermentation process or the use of oak wood for drying—similar to the wood used in aging the famed Tuscan wine Vinsanto—these cigars had a strong, earthy flavor that set them apart. The bold and rough taste, a result of the second fermentation, gained popularity among the working-class neighborhoods of Florence, particularly in the Oltrarno district.
From Accidental Creation to Market Success
By 1818, just a few years after their accidental creation, the sigaro toscano, affectionately called storiaccolo by the locals, was already available for purchase and widely appreciated. Its success wasn’t limited to Florence; it soon spread throughout Tuscany and became an enduring symbol of Tuscan craftsmanship and tradition.
