AshMap
Overview
There is a certain breed of cigar that does not announce itself. It slips into the room like a well-tailored suit, quiet in its confidence, and only reveals its depth to those who lean in. The Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo is precisely such a smoke. Born from a Swiss heritage that prioritized the European luxury traveler over the American hobbyist, this torpedo feels less like a product and more like a private club handshake. It is the cigar you light when the conversation matters more than the smoke, yet it rewards you with a quiet complexity that demands your attention all the same.
The pre-light ritual sets the tone. The Connecticut Shade wrapper is a pale golden hay, silky to the touch, with a faint aroma of sweet grass and fresh almonds. The torpedo cap clips cleanly, and the cold draw offers a whisper of cream and toasted bread, a promise of the restraint to come. From the first ignition, the narrative is one of balance. The opening third is a study in refined creaminess — not the heavy, cloying kind, but the fresh, airy texture of whipped cream over a warm croissant. Light toasted bread and a subtle white pepper dance on the edges, while a gentle grassiness from the wrapper keeps the profile bright and approachable. It is an opening that feels like a deep breath of morning air, clean and invigorating.
As the burn line crosses into the second third, the cigar begins to speak in softer tones. The cream remains the steadfast backbone, but now it is joined by a mild cedar note, reminiscent of a freshly lined humidor, and a delicate floral whisper of dried chamomile. A soft nuttiness — think blanched almond or raw cashew — begins to emerge, adding a savory counterpoint to the sweet cream. The body remains consistent, never challenging, yet the flavor profile gains a quiet sophistication. This is not a cigar that builds to a crescendo; it is one that layers its textures like a fine pastry chef, each element supporting the next without ever overwhelming the palate.
The final third brings a gentle shift toward the earth. A mild, dry earthiness and a touch of oak introduce a firmer presence, yet the transition is seamless, never harsh. The nuttiness intensifies slightly, and a faint honey sweetness lingers on the retrohale, leaving a clean, satisfying finish with minimal bitterness. The construction throughout is flawless — the draw is effortless, the burn line is razor-sharp, and the ash holds firm in half-inch segments. This is a cigar that respects your time, offering a 60–75 minute journey that feels neither rushed nor prolonged. It is a masterclass in subtlety, a reminder that power is not the only measure of a great smoke. For the aficionado who values composure over bravado, the No. 500 is a quiet triumph.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Shade, USA — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-leaf filler, lightly aged |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 50 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Minimal declared aging; tobaccos are blended for smoothness over complexity |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The torpedo point opens with a refined creaminess — fresh cream, light toasted bread, and subtle white pepper. There is a gentle grassiness from the Connecticut shade wrapper that keeps things bright and approachable. Draw is immediate and smooth from the first light.
Second Third
The mid-section introduces mild cedar and a light floral note reminiscent of dried chamomile. The cream remains the backbone while a soft nuttiness — think blanched almond or cashew — begins to develop. Body stays consistent, never challenging.
Final Third
The final third brings a mild earthiness and a touch of dry oak, slightly firmer on the palate but never harsh. The nuttiness intensifies slightly and a faint honey sweetness lingers on the retrohale. Finishes clean with minimal bitterness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliable and consistent — Griffin's maintains tight quality control for their European clientele. The torpedo head responds well to a straight or V-cut, draw is effortless, burn line is even, and ash holds firmly in half-inch segments.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cognac (Hennessy VSOP or Remy Martin 1738) or a light Highland Scotch such as Glenmorangie 10 — the cremoso profile harmonizes beautifully with stone fruit esters
Wine
White Burgundy (Mâcon-Villages or a gentle Meursault) or a dry fino Sherry — avoid tannic reds which will overwhelm this mild blend
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee — its floral and citrus notes echo the wrapper's brightness without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a senior partner at a Geneva-based private bank, stepping out onto a marble balcony overlooking Lake Léman. He is not a novice, but he has long since abandoned the hunt for strength. He has a cellar of vintage Port and a humidor stocked with Cubans, yet on a Tuesday afternoon, after a long lunch with a difficult client, he reaches for the Griffin's No. 500. He wants a smoke that will not interrupt his thoughts, but will accompany them. He appreciates the subtle dance of cream and almond, the whisper of chamomile, the clean, unhurried finish. This cigar is for the man who has nothing to prove and everything to savor — a quiet moment of composure in a world that demands constant noise.
Bottom Line
The Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo is a masterclass in restraint, offering a creamy, nutty, and subtly floral profile that never raises its voice. It is an essential addition for the connoisseur who values finesse over force, a cigar that proves elegance is its own form of power.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Griffin's cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and unobtrusive, allowing you to smoke it on an empty stomach without discomfort. It provides a relaxed, contemplative experience rather than a heady rush, making it suitable for daytime enjoyment.
What does Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile evolves in three distinct acts. The first third offers fresh cream, light toasted bread, and subtle white pepper. The second third introduces mild cedar, dried chamomile, and a soft nuttiness of blanched almond or cashew. The final third brings a mild earthiness, dry oak, and a faint honey sweetness on the retrohale.
How long does Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo take to smoke?
Given its Torpedo vitola and 6.0 x 50 dimensions, you should allocate 60 to 75 minutes for a leisurely smoke. The tapered head focuses the draw, while the 50-ring gauge provides a steady burn that encourages a slow, contemplative pace.
What is the best pairing for Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo?
An aged Cognac like Hennessy VSOP or Rémy Martin 1738 is the ideal companion. The creamy, nutty profile of the cigar harmonizes beautifully with the stone fruit esters of the Cognac, creating a round, luxurious mouthfeel. Alternatively, a light Highland Scotch such as Glenmorangie 10 will echo the cigar's gentle sweetness without overpowering its delicate nature.
Is Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo good for beginners?
Yes, for a beginner with a discerning palate and a willingness to invest. The Mild-Medium strength is forgiving, and the flavor profile is approachable and smooth. However, the $12–$18 price point is a premium entry fee. If you are new to cigars and want to understand what 'refined' means, this is an excellent tutorial, but it is not a budget-friendly daily smoke.
Where can I buy Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo?
This cigar is primarily distributed through premium cigar retailers and high-end tobacconists, often those that cater to an international clientele. While it is more common in European duty-free shops and luxury hotels, you can find it in select North American brick-and-mortar stores that specialize in hard-to-find Dominican blends. Check with your local premium shop or a trusted online retailer that stocks General Cigar products.
What is the price of Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo?
The Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo typically retails between $12 and $18 per cigar. This price reflects its premium tier status, the use of a Connecticut Shade wrapper, and the meticulous construction standards required for the European luxury market.
Is Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo worth aging?
Not particularly. The tobaccos are blended for immediate smoothness rather than long-term complexity, and the declared aging is minimal. While a year or two in a stable humidor might soften the white pepper slightly, this cigar is designed to be enjoyed in its current state. Aging it for extended periods will likely mute its delicate floral and cream notes without adding the depth found in fuller-bodied blends.
What wrapper does Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo use?
It uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper grown in the USA. This wrapper is prized for its silky texture, pale golden color, and mild flavor profile. In this blend, it contributes a gentle grassiness and a bright, approachable character that serves as the perfect counterpoint to the creamy Dominican fillers.
Where is Griffin's No. 500 Torpedo made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at the General Cigar / La Romana Cigars facility. This production facility is known for its rigorous quality control, which ensures the consistent burn, even draw, and flawless construction that the Griffin's brand demands for its European clientele.