Griffin's — Heritage & History

Griffin's is a brand with deep roots in the Dominican Republic, specifically in Santiago, where it has been crafted for decades. While the precise founding date and original ownership remain undocumented in publicly available sources, Griffin's established itself as a pillar of mild-to-medium-bodied cigar making. The brand gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly through distribution by Davidoff, which elevated its profile among discerning aficionados. Griffin's legacy is tied to its consistent use of Dominican tobacco and carefully selected wrappers, including Connecticut Shade and Olor Dominicano varieties. The brand’s significance lies in its refined, approachable blends that avoid overwhelming strength, making it a bridge for new enthusiasts and a trusted choice for veterans who prefer nuance over power. Over time, Griffin’s expanded its portfolio with lines like Don Candido, Griffinos, HdM Club, Prestige, and numbered vitolas, each maintaining the brand's signature mild-medium core while exploring nuanced wrapper variations. Today, Griffin's remains a respected name in premium cigars, though specific historical details of its founding partners remain unconfirmed in authoritative records.

Blending Philosophy

Griffin's blending philosophy centers on harmony, balance, and accessibility without sacrificing complexity. The brand prioritizes mild-to-medium strength profiles, using Dominican fillers and binders as a consistent foundation. Wrapper selection is a key distinctive: Griffin's experiments with Connecticut Shade, Olor Dominicano, Ecuadorian Connecticut, and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, often blending these to achieve a smooth yet flavorful smoke. The emphasis is on supporting the tobacco's natural character rather than overpowering it with strength. Unlike many premium brands that chase intensity, Griffin's seeks to create cigars that can be enjoyed any time of day, pairing well with coffee or spirits. Their numbered series (No. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and lines like Don Candido and Prestige demonstrate a commitment to offering vitola-specific experiences while maintaining a unified house style—elegant, creamy, and refined.

Flavor Profile

Across the Griffin's range, the signature flavor character is defined by creaminess, subtle sweetness, and gentle spice. Smoking a Griffin's typically reveals notes of toasted nuts, mild cedar, and a faint floral or hay-like sweetness from the Dominican binder and filler. Connecticut Shade wrappers contribute a silky texture with hints of white pepper and cream, while Olor Dominicano wrappers add a slightly richer, earthier undertow. The occasional Maduro expression (No. 300 Maduro) introduces deeper notes of cocoa and espresso, but still within a medium-bodied framework. Even the most robust vitolas, like the Churchill or Torpedo, remain controlled and non-aggressive. Retrohales yield gentle black pepper and baking spice, but never harsh ammonia or overwhelming tannins. Griffin's is praised for its consistency: each cigar in a box tastes remarkably similar, delivering a predictable, relaxing smoke that rewards without demanding attention.

Best for Beginners

For someone new to premium cigars, we recommend the **Griffinos Corona**. At $8–$12, it offers an accessible entry point without compromising quality. Its Corona size burns cool and evenly, the mild-medium strength is non-intimidating, and the creamy Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers gentle nut and toast notes. Perfect for a short 30–45 minute session.

Griffin's Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Griffin's cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Griffin's cigars made?

Griffin's cigars are handmade in Santiago, Dominican Republic, using Dominican fillers and binders sourced from the same region.

What is Griffin's known for?

Griffin's is known for consistently mild-to-medium bodied cigars that emphasize balance, creaminess, and approachable complexity. The brand is especially recognized for its elegant Connecticut Shade and Olor Dominicano wrappers.

Are Griffin's cigars strong?

No. The vast majority of Griffin's cigars are rated Mild-to-Medium in strength. The only exception is the No. 300 Maduro, which is Medium. Griffin's specializes in smooth, gentle smokes, not full-bodied or powerful blends.

What is the best Griffin's cigar for beginners?

The Griffinos Corona is the ideal beginner cigar. It is affordable ($8–$12), mild-medium in strength, and wrapped in Connecticut Shade for a smooth, creamy smoke with nutty and toasty flavors.

How much do Griffin's cigars cost?

Griffin's cigars range from $8 to $18 per cigar depending on the line and vitola. Griffinos and HdM Club Coronas are on the lower end ($8–$13), while the numbered series and Prestige lines typically run $12–$18.

What wrapper does Griffin's use?

Griffin's uses a variety of wrappers, including Connecticut Shade (USA/Ecuadorian), Olor Dominicano, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, and blends of these. The specific wrapper varies by line and vitola.

Are Griffin's cigars Cuban?

No. Griffin's cigars are not Cuban. They are produced in the Dominican Republic using Dominican and other non-Cuban tobaccos. They have no connection to Cuban cigar manufacturing.

Where can I buy Griffin's cigars?

Griffin's cigars are available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists, select online cigar retailers, and occasionally through Davidoff-affiliated stores. Stock can vary by region, so checking with local specialists is recommended.