When Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1492, he wrote with great revere: «This island» (which he later named «La Hispaniola»), «is a wonder of nature. The mountain ranges and the hills, the valleys and rivers, the meadows and fields, all hold a unique beauty and charm. The grounds are unusually fertile. Anyone who sees it once, will never want to leave». Later, Spain gave this land the name Santo Domingo; today it is called «Republica Dominicana».

The tobacco plants for the Griffin’s cigars are harvested in the Cibao valley, the most fertile area on the island. For over 500 years the tradition of tobacco cultivation has been carried on and thanks to the excellent climatic conditions, guarantees impeccable quality.

The name «The Griffin’s» is a guarantee of fine premium cigars from the Dominican Republic. The superior quality is ensured through careful checking and selection processes covering everything from the tobacco seeds to the finished cigars. The cigars from the Cibao valley sporting the characteristic griffin logo, with their filler consisting of three different Santo Domingo tobaccos from different harvests, are hand-rolled by torcedores. Cigar compositions from The Griffin’s exert a fascinating attraction – just like the mythical heraldic beast on their band. A warranty seal on the boxes vouches for quality and authenticity.”

Cigar: The Griffin’s
Size: 5.16 x 42 (#500 / Corona)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Mild

Appearance and Construction (18/20): The Ecuadorian Connecticut seed wrapper on this cigar has changed over the years in my eyes. When the wrapper was originally grown in the USA I remember the color being a bit more tan. Now is has a rich golden brown color with some visible oils. There are very few veins present here and not one of them stand out as an eye sore. The roll is excellent and the cap is well placed. The foot of the cigar is slightly spongy and there are no soft spots on the rest of the stick. The band reminds you of Davidoff which isn’t surprising since these are made at the same factory. Its colors of white, gray and gold with the Griffin logo give it a luxury feel.

Flavor & Notes (26/30): The pre light draw has some buttery notes with a touch of earth. The foot of the cigar is earthy to the nose. Once the cigar is lit you quickly realize that even though this is a mild cigar it is very flavorful. The first third reveals to the smoker some earth, but that serves as a canvas in which cedar and nuts are dominant. As we smoke through the second third the cigar has a creaminess to it and earth takes hold as the dominant note with some nut notes as well. The final third of the cigar continues to be smooth and a couple of times I picked up a note that reminded me of popped corn (that is a new one for me!). The finish was a nice combination of cedar and nuts.

Smoking Characteristics (23/25): The Griffin’s No. 500 offers a wonderful burn never once wavering. It burned nice and slow with its medium colored ash holding strong despite a little bit of flake. The draw was flawless and it produced a nice amount of smoke even when resting.

Overall (22/25): These cigars are a bit pricey but that is because you are paying for the fact they are made by Davidoff. There are some other mild cigars out there for cheaper but when it comes down to it they really don’t compare. A very enjoyable smoke that should sell for less but then again we do not live in a perfect world.

Rating: 89
Price: $9.00

Griffin's XXIII 2007

On Wednesday’s Davidoff on Madison in NYC has an event from 4pm to 7pm called Spiff Wednesday and I picked up today’s review at one of those events. If you purchase $25.00 or more you are entitled to a free manicure and a shoe shine. I was a bit hesitant to get a manicure because to me it doesn’t seem to manly but I relented and decided to go for it. It made me realize that it is important to treat yourself well, and only then can you enjoy the good life. To find out about events at Davidoff be sure to check out General Manager Michael Herklot’s website.

The Griffin’s was created in 1984 by Swiss nightclub impresario Bernard H. Grobet, who owned and operated the Griffin’s Club. Word spread throughout Switzerland about the quality of his house cigar and it was introduced in the U.S. in 1989. The filler includes three different Cibao Valley tobaccos combined with a Dominican binder and Connecticut-seed wrapper to give it a mildly spicy, flavorful taste.

Cigar: The Griffin’s XXIII 2007
Size: 5.38 x 52 (Tubo)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian sun-grown Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano, San Vicente Ligero & Seco
Strength: Full

Appearance and Construction (18/20): The Griffin’s XXIII comes in a a tube and the cigar inside features a gorgeous looking golden brown Connecticut seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. Upon close inspection there are a few thin veins that are scatted about and the cap is slightly sloppy. The cigar has a great weight to it and there are no soft spots. A dual band system is used with the top one denoting The Griffins and the one beneath states special edition XXIII.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): Prior to sparking this cigar up the foot reveals some wood notes intertwined with some hay. The prelight draw is very typical of a cigar blended by Henke Kelnar. Once lit the cigar continues with that Kelnar profile. There are some notes of wood, and earth that are joined by some spice as well making this an intriguing cigar for those used to the mild nature of a Griffin. As we breach the 2nd third of the cigar the wood and earth are joined by some coffee. The final third of the cigar has notes of earth, coffee with wood on the enjoyable finish.

Burn/Ash/Draw (23/25): The cigars light colored gray ash held on well despite the uneven burn. I sadly had to touch up the cigar during the first half. The draw appeared to be a little loose before lighting, but once lit the burn was ideal.

Overall (23/25): When I first started smoking, Griffin was one of my favorites. Since then I have grown out of mild cigars so I was happy when this cigar turned out to be a medium bodied cigar. This cigar was incredibly smooth and is the perfect smoke to pair with a cup of coffee.

Rating: 91
Price: $15.00