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Brands

Castello

Tier:

Affordable	Mid-grade	Elevated	High-grade	Top
			X

Country: Italy

Price: € 160 - 1000+

Production method:

Factory	Machine-assisted	Freehand
	X

Notes: Italy's answer to Dunhill - in customer perception and market niche. More liable to use contrast stain than most Italian brands. Despite the high-grade reputation, stems are acrylic (something Castello made fashionable as early as 1950).

Grading is highly complicated, being based on a concept of overall value. Both grain/perfection and size play a part, but in varying degrees (depending on the series and finish).

Comments: Much as I like Castellos, I find them overrated in comparison with some other Italian makes, notably Le Nuvole, Spanu and Cavicchi.

Though Castellos are indisputably 'stylish' and recognisable, the brands named above seem more 'soulful' to me. (While Dunhill can pull it off, Castello lacks the final pinch of grandeur to turn uniformity into an asset!)

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