The Dutch Masters brand is readily recognized by cigar smokers, as it makes a wide range of products and has been in business for generations. A cigarillo is similar to a cigar, but smaller in size so that it smokes more quickly. Cigarillos are popular around the world for their convenience. Whether you are a casual smoker and looking for a new product or are in search of something for a special occasion, the Dutch Masters brand has a unique combination of flavors from which to choose.
History of Dutch Masters Cigarillos
The Dutch Masters brand began making cigars in 1911, using a classic Rembrandt painting in the packaging that is still featured today. It was originally produced by the G.H. Johnson Cigar Company, but through several mergers and acquisitions, became part of the Altadis family in 1999. Altadis is a French and Spanish-owned corporation that includes several smaller international names. The Dutch Masters brand became a pop cultural icon in the 1950s and 1960s when smoking was trendy, partly due to its celebrity spokesman, comedian Ernie Kovacs. Kovacs made a series of silent commercials that is modernly considered an excellent example of period art.
Varieties of Dutch Masters Cigarillos Available
Dutch Masters uses Caribbean Basin Cuban seed tobacco, which is primarily grown in Honduras. Both cigars and cigarillos are machine-rolled and use wrappers from Cameroon leaves. They are largely marketed at a natural cigarillo, due to the final addition of an unprocessed leaf. These cigarillos are considered to have a smooth and mature flavor that may appeal more to the budget-savvy smoker than the connoisseur. The following varieties are commonly available:
- Chocolate
- Cognac
- Grape
- White Grape
- Honey
- Strawberry
- Vanilla
- Wine
Dutch Masters cigarillos are wrapped in foil, giving them a longer shelf life than typical single cigars. However, once opened, if they are not smoked shortly, storage in a humidor will extend the life of the product.
A Little About Cigarillos
The word cigarillo can be somewhat confusing. In the Philippines and other Spanish-speaking countries, a cigarillo is the term for a cigar; so many people refer to the smaller three-to-four inch product as a “little cigar”. In the United States and elsewhere, the term cigarillo is used to refer to the shorter, smaller product. This means you may find the same product labeled as either or both. Most contain one gram of tobacco, about a third of that which a typical cigar contains.
Shopping for Dutch Masters Cigarillos
