Griffin's — Heritage & History

Griffin's began in the late 1980s as a boutique offshoot of the Dominican Republic's storied tobacco tradition, born from a collaboration between a Swiss luxury house and a family-owned Santiago factory. The brand's early claim to fame was its meticulous double-fermentation of wrapper leaves—a process that softened the harsh edges of Connecticut Shade tobacco and gave the cigars a signature silkiness. The No. 100 Lonsdale, introduced in the early 1990s, became a benchmark for mild, aromatic smoking, while the Prestige Robusto later showcased how the house could balance Olor Dominicano fillers with a delicate Connecticut Shade wrapper. Griffin's never chased volume; instead, it cultivated a niche following among diplomats and executives who prized subtlety over power. Its factory, nestled in the Cibao Valley, remains one of the few that still ages finished cigars for six months before release—a practice that sets it apart from faster-moving competitors. Today, the brand's Don Candido Churchill and No. 300 Toro continue to honor that legacy of restraint and refinement.

Blending Philosophy

Griffin's blending approach is defined by a 'less is more' ethos, favoring aged Dominican fillers and binders that are naturally sweet and low in nicotine. The brand avoids heavy-handed ligero, instead layering seco and viso tobaccos from the Cibao Valley to create a creamy, aromatic smoke. Wrapper selection is paramount: the No. 200 Robusto uses a Connecticut Shade leaf grown in Ecuador, which imparts a buttery texture, while the No. 300 Maduro employs a Connecticut Broadleaf that adds a touch of dark cocoa without overwhelming the blend. Construction is unhurried—each cigar is rolled with a loose draw in mind, and the caps are triple-sewn to ensure an even burn. Griffin's also practices a unique 'rest period' of 90 days post-rolling, allowing ammonia to dissipate fully. This results in a range that is consistent in its mild-to-medium body, yet each vitola expresses a distinct nuance, from the floral notes of the Griffinos Corona to the leathery depth of the No. 400 Churchill.

Flavor Profile

Across the Griffin's lineup, smokers can expect a core profile of cedar, toasted nuts, and a faint white pepper on the retrohale, underpinned by a creamy mouthfeel. The Connecticut Shade-wrapped vitolas, like the No. 100 Lonsdale and Prestige Churchill, lead with notes of fresh bread, almond, and a subtle citrus zest, finishing with a hint of dried fruit. The No. 300 Maduro, the sole medium-strength offering, introduces dark cocoa, espresso, and a touch of earth, yet retains the brand's signature smoothness. The Don Candido Churchill, with its Olor Dominicano wrapper, offers a slightly spicier character—think leather and black tea—while the No. 500 Torpedo amplifies the pepper and adds a toasted oak dimension. Overall, the range is mild to medium, with no harshness, and the flavors evolve gently from a soft, floral start to a dry, cedar-laced finish.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Griffinos Corona is the ideal entry point. At $8–$12, it's the most accessible price in the lineup, and its mild-medium strength won't overwhelm. Expect a smooth, creamy smoke with notes of cedar, light toast, and a touch of honey. The 5.5-inch corona format burns cool and lasts about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a first-time cigar smoker who wants to explore without commitment.

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 handcrafted in Santiago, Dominican Republic, in a factory that has been producing premium cigars since the 1980s. The brand is known for its meticulous aging and rolling processes, all carried out in the Cibao Valley region.

What is Griffin's known for?

Griffin's is known for pioneering a mild, aromatic style that uses double-fermented Connecticut Shade wrappers and aged Dominican fillers. The No. 100 Lonsdale and Prestige Robusto are considered benchmarks for subtle, refined smoking, and the brand's six-month post-rolling aging is a signature practice.

Are Griffin's cigars strong?

No, the vast majority of Griffin's cigars are mild to medium in strength. Only the No. 300 Maduro is rated as medium, while all other vitolas, including the No. 200 Robusto and Don Candido Churchill, fall in the mild-medium range. They are designed for those who prefer nuance over nicotine punch.

What is the best Griffin's cigar for beginners?

The Griffinos Corona is the best choice for beginners. It's the most affordable at $8–$12, has a mild-medium strength, and offers approachable flavors of cedar, toast, and honey. Its shorter smoke time (around 45 minutes) also makes it less intimidating for those new to cigars.

How much do Griffin's cigars cost?

Griffin's cigars range from $8 to $18 per cigar. The Griffinos Corona is the most budget-friendly at $8–$12, while most other vitolas like the No. 100 Lonsdale, No. 200 Robusto, and Prestige Churchill fall in the $12–$18 bracket. The No. 300 Maduro is slightly lower at $12–$16.

What wrapper does Griffin's use?

Griffin's uses a variety of wrappers, including Connecticut Shade from the USA and Ecuador, Olor Dominicano from the Dominican Republic, and a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. Some blends, like the No. 300 Toro, use a combination of Olor Dominicano and Connecticut Shade, while others, such as the No. 200 Robusto, feature an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper.

Are Griffin's cigars Cuban?

No, Griffin's cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic, specifically in Santiago, using Dominican and other non-Cuban tobaccos. While they may evoke some classic Cuban flavor profiles, they are entirely a product of the Dominican Republic.

Where can I buy Griffin's cigars?

Griffin's cigars are available at select premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Given their boutique status, they may not be in every shop, so it's best to check with specialist tobacconists or trusted online retailers that carry high-end Dominican cigars. Always ensure you're buying from an authorized dealer to guarantee authenticity.