AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of quiet confidence that arrives with a pale Connecticut Shade wrapper. It is the visual equivalent of a well-tailored suit in a room of flashy sport coats—understated, deliberate, and utterly assured of its own worth. The Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale is that cigar, a study in restraint that has been hiding in plain sight since 1981. In an era where blenders chase the next crescendo of pepper and power, this Lonsdale from the La Aurora factory in Santiago whispers instead of shouts, and in doing so, it demands a level of attention that aggressive smokes rarely earn. It is not a cigar for the impatient; it is a reward for those who have learned that nuance is the most elusive luxury of all.
The pre-light ritual sets the stage with a scent of sweet hay and faint almond paste, the wrapper silky and cool against the lips. The cold draw is open and clean, hinting at the creaminess to come without giving away the plot. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a gentle, almost ethereal creaminess that coats the palate like a fine beurre blanc. The cedar note is present but polished, never raw, while toasted almonds and a whisper of dried hay provide a pastoral counterpoint. On the retrohale, a delicate floral note—think honeysuckle, not perfume—lifts the profile, adding a dimension of elegance that sets the tone for the entire session. This is not a cigar that announces itself; it introduces itself, and the handshake is soft but firm.
As the ash holds its dense, light-grey column, the second third reveals a subtle shift in gravity. The creaminess persists but gains an earthy undertone, like damp soil after a light rain. White pepper emerges, not as a sharp sting but as a warm, tingling sensation on the tongue, while the wood profile dries out slightly, moving from cedar to a more austere oak. The nuttiness evolves from almond to cashew, richer and more buttery, and a faint dusting of cocoa powder appears on the finish, adding a bittersweet complexity that never threatens to overwhelm. This is the section where lesser blends would falter, resorting to volume to hold interest; the No. 100 instead tightens its focus, drawing you closer with each successive puff.
The final third is a masterclass in composure. Where many cigars in this format begin to unravel, turning harsh or bitter, the Griffin's remains remarkably cool and clean. The spice builds incrementally, a gentle warmth rather than a blaze, while the cedar note reasserts itself with renewed clarity. A light honey sweetness emerges, not cloying but resonant, rounding out the finish with a satisfying, lingering sweetness that invites a final, contemplative draw. The cigar ends as it began—composed, elegant, and quietly profound. It is a reminder that complexity does not require aggression, and that true craftsmanship is often measured by what is left out, not what is piled on. This is the Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale: a cigar that rewards the slow, deliberate smoker with a narrative that unfolds like a well-kept secret.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Shade, USA — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-leaf filler, aged tobaccos from the Cibao Valley |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-rolling aging program publicly documented |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is gentle and refined — creamy cedar, toasted almonds, and a whisper of hay. The Connecticut wrapper delivers an immediate creaminess that coats the palate, with a light floral note on the retrohale.
Second Third
The mid-section develops slightly more complexity with mild white pepper, dry wood, and a subtle nuttiness reminiscent of cashew. The creaminess persists but takes on a slightly earthier dimension, with a hint of dried grass and mild cocoa powder.
Final Third
The final third remains composed and never harsh — mild spice builds incrementally, cedar becomes more pronounced, and a gentle sweetness reminiscent of light honey rounds out the finish. The cigar finishes cooler and cleaner than many competitors in this format.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent, a hallmark of the La Aurora factory — the draw is effortless with just the right resistance, burn line is razor-straight, and the ash holds firm in dense, light grey columns past the inch mark.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged single malt Scotch such as Glenlivet 12 or a fino Sherry; the cigar's delicacy demands spirits that won't overwhelm it
Wine
White Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet) or a light-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy — red Bordeaux would dominate this profile
Non-Alcoholic
A well-pulled flat white or a light, floral oolong tea — nothing roasted or bold
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of full-throttle Nicaraguan bombs and finds himself reaching for them less and less. He is the smoker who has been at this for over a decade, who has chased the pepper and the power, and who now finds himself on a Tuesday morning, sitting on a quiet patio with a cup of flat white, craving something that doesn't demand his attention but rather earns it. He already appreciates the finesse of a Davidoff or an older Fuente, but he wants something that feels a little more under-the-radar, a little more European in its sensibility. He is not showing off; he is savoring. The No. 100 will give him a 70-minute window of unhurried reflection, a smoke that asks him to slow down and notice the subtle shift from almond to cashew, the gentle arrival of white pepper, the honeyed finish that lingers without overstaying its welcome. It is the cigar for the man who has nothing left to prove.
Bottom Line
The Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale is a quiet masterpiece of Dominican restraint, a cigar that proves elegance is a form of strength. It is a must-smoke for any aficionado who believes complexity can exist without a heavy hand. This is not a cigar you smoke; it is one you listen to.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Griffin's cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale a strong cigar?
No, it is rated at Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and forgiving, with no risk of lightheadedness or palate fatigue. It provides a soothing, contemplative experience rather than a physical jolt, making it suitable for morning or early afternoon sessions.
What does Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale taste like?
The flavor progression is a study in subtlety. The first third offers creamy cedar, toasted almonds, and a whisper of hay with a floral retrohale. The second third introduces white pepper, dry oak, and cashew nuttiness, with a hint of cocoa powder. The final third brings a more pronounced cedar, a gentle building spice, and a light honey sweetness on the finish.
How long does Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale take to smoke?
Given its Lonsdale vitola and specific dimensions of 6.5 inches by a 44 ring gauge, you should budget for a 60 to 75-minute smoking session. The slower burn rate of the Connecticut Shade wrapper and the dense filler allow for a leisurely pace without the cigar overheating.
What is the best pairing for Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale?
A lightly aged single malt Scotch such as Glenlivet 12 is an ideal companion. The Scotch's soft, fruity notes and gentle oak will complement the cigar's creamy cedar and honeyed finish without overpowering its delicate profile. Alternatively, a fino Sherry's dry, saline edge provides a fascinating counterpoint to the cigar's natural sweetness.
Is Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale good for beginners?
Yes, in terms of strength, it is an excellent choice due to its Mild-Medium (2/5) profile, which will not overwhelm a novice's palate. However, the $12–$18 per cigar price point is a significant investment for someone still exploring. It is a better fit for a beginner who has already tried a few milder blends and is ready to understand what refined craftsmanship tastes like.
Where can I buy Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale?
As a premium, internationally distributed brand, you will find it at high-end brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry a curated selection of Dominican and European-focused lines. It is also available through reputable online cigar retailers that specialize in premium stock, though you should always verify the vendor's storage conditions to ensure the Connecticut wrapper has been kept at proper humidity.
What is the price of Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale?
The retail price typically falls between $12 and $18 per cigar. This price point reflects the cost of premium Connecticut Shade wrapper, aged Dominican long-filler from the Cibao Valley, and the hand-rolling expertise of the La Aurora factory in Santiago.
Is Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and there is no publicly documented extended post-rolling aging program for this line. The Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate and can lose its subtle nuances if aged for too long. We recommend smoking it within 1-2 years of purchase to enjoy its intended creamy, floral profile at its peak.
What wrapper does Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale use?
It uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper grown in the USA. This wrapper is prized for its silky texture, pale golden color, and its contribution of a signature creaminess and mild, floral character that forms the foundation of the cigar's elegant profile. Its minimal veining also ensures a clean, even burn.
Where is Griffin's No. 100 Lonsdale made?
It is hand-rolled at the renowned La Aurora factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This is the same factory that has been producing cigars since 1903, and its expertise is evident in the cigar's flawless construction, effortless draw, and razor-straight burn line.