What’s the difference in taste between Parodi, Avanti and De Nobili cigars?

Q: While I really enjoy/relax with my Arturo Fuentes, Excaliburs and Partagas, sometimes I just want a short smoke. I used to occasionally smoke Parodi’s, and I’m considering trying them again. Can you tell me if there is much difference in taste among Parodi, Avanti and De Nobili cigars?
– Bob Spintzyk in Moss,TN

(For this answer, I turned to John Pullo, our Managing Editor of Cigar Advisor. – G.K.)
A: I grew up just outside of Scranton, PA, home the Parodi factory on Main Ave. near the Plot section of town. It was my first cigar – simply because it was made in my hometown! So it’s great to find someone else that also appreciates a solid (figuratively and literally), Toscano-style (dry-cured), cigar.

Avanti is flavored with just a bit of anisette. As for the difference between Parodi and De Nobili, I have a message into their customer service department to find out for you – and for me, as well. Speaking from personal experience, however, the Parodi’s to me seemed just a bit more flavorful, though still medium-bodied smoke. I think it might have something to do with the curing process, and how many tobaccos are used in the blend for each, but I’ll know more when they call me back.

Several hours later…

I just heard back from Dominic Suraci at Avanti Cigar, whose family owns the business. Very nice guy, and very helpful – he told me to share this with you:

“All of our cigars are made with the same tobaccos. We use only the finest Kentucky and Tennessee Dark Fired tobaccos in all of our blends.

Prior to 1945 the Parodi and De Nobili brands were slightly different. They still used the same tobacco but were made in different factories. The Parodi’s were made in Jersey City, NJ up until 1929, and the De Nobili’s were made in Long Island City, New York until 1945. After 1945 they were both made in the same factory in Scranton, Pa.

To more directly answer the question, The Parodi’s and the De Nobili’s are the exact same cigar. The brand names were retained because, back then De Nobili was New York’s Italian cigar and Parodi was New England’s Italian cigar.”

So there you go – the difference between Parodi and De Nobili – nothing. Same cigar!
– J.P.