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| WHAT ABOUT THE GRIFFIN'S? |
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Page 1 of 2  Plus: Drew Estate’s new ashtrays that salute ancient brand artwork!Los Angeles, May 2 – When you think of Davidoff of Geneva, you think of brands like Davidoff, Avo and Zino. Do you think of The Griffin’s? You should, as it’s a quality brand that’s actually older than most of its siblings. After all, the Dominican edition of Davidoff debuted in 1990. Avo started in 1986 and although the Zino brand was created in 1975, the three current blends – Platinum Crown, Platinum Scepter and Classic – debuted in 2003 or later. It was also one of the first brands made by the now-legendary Henrik Kelner at his Tabacos Dominicanos factory in the Dominican Republic. The Griffin’s originated with the desire of a Swiss nightclub owner named Bernard Grobet, whose hot spot in Geneva was called – of course – The Griffin’s Club. Grobet wanted a cigar for his club and it became an overnight success. So much so that he began distributing the cigars throughout Switzerland and by 1989, Davidoff of Geneva was selling the cigars in the U.S. Elegantly packaged in all-cedar cabinets, The Griffin’s quickly became well known as a quality cigar with considerable complexity, in a style which appealed to the connoisseur. And with its distribution by Davidoff, the brand has a certain cache which made it stand out prior to the Cigar Boom of the mid-to-late 1990s. What about The Griffin’s today? Grobet has reportedly passed away, but his club survives in Geneva. The cigars continue as well as we checked out the two current blends on the U.S. market: The Griffin’s: [Dominican Republic: available in 11 sizes] The original blend has not changed since Bernard Grobet introduced it in 1984. Made in the Dominican Republic under the direction of Hendrik Kelner, the combination of the Ecuadorian-grown, Connecticut-seed wrapper and the Dominican-grown binder and filler leaves combine for a medium-bodied presence. The Griffin’s has a spicy aroma and a unique balance of a light caramelized taste with a long, spicy finish that is the trademark of this brand. The interplay between the sweetness and the spiced elements makes this a blend better suited for experienced smokers and not for the novice. As might be expected from a Tabacos Dominicanos-produced cigar, it smokes perfectly with an easy draw and an even burn. As the cigar moved into the second half, a peppery note becomes quite present and while never overpowering, brings an additional level of complexity into the experience. The balance of the sweet, spicy and peppery elements remains well proportioned throughout. |
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Did you know?
“"A woman is only a woman, but a cigar is a smoke" ~ Rudyard Kipling
