Swisher Sweets are easily among the most recognizable cigarillos in the world. Whether you’re grabbing them for a quick smoke or using them to roll a blunt, they’ve cemented themselves as staples in the cigar market. But what exactly is a Swisher, and how do they compare to other popular cigarillos like Backwoods? Let’s dive into their history, discuss the difference between Swishers and luxury cigars, and take a look at the age-old debate of Backwoods vs Swishers.
What Is a Swisher?
A Swisher refers to a cigarillo or small cigar produced by Swisher International, known for its convenience and wide variety of flavors. Swisher Sweets, the company’s flagship brand introduced in 1958, are machine-made cigars that come in an assortment of sweet, fruity flavors like grape, strawberry, blueberry, and peach. These cigars are particularly popular for their low price and availability in almost every gas station or convenience store, making them a go-to for many casual smokers.
While Swisher Sweets might not provide the same level of craftsmanship or smoking experience as premium cigars, they are widely favored for their mildness and easy handling. Many smokers also use Swishers to roll blunts, which adds to their widespread appeal.
Tobacco In Swishers vs Hand Rolled Cigars
When comparing Swisher Sweets to luxury cigars, the biggest difference lies in the quality of the tobacco. Swishers are made with homogenized tobacco, a processed blend of tobacco leaves that ensures consistency and affordability. The wrapper on Swishers is often made from homogenized tobacco leaf as well, which contributes to their lower cost.
On the other hand, luxury cigars use whole, hand-selected tobacco leaves for their filler, binder, and wrapper. These cigars are usually hand-rolled and made from leaves that have been aged for several years to enhance their flavor and complexity. Smoking a luxury cigar provides a far richer and more nuanced experience compared to smoking Swishers, which are known for their mild, sweet taste and easy accessibility. If you’re looking for a premium, handcrafted experience, Swishers cigars may not satisfy that craving, but for a quick and convenient smoke, they’re hard to beat.
History of Swisher Sweets
Swisher Sweets has a long and storied history, tracing its origins back to 1861. The brand began when Daniel Swisher, a merchant from Newark, Ohio, took over a small cigar business to settle a debt. Over time, Swisher and his sons expanded the company, and by the 1920s, it had relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where it still operates today. In 1924, Swisher revolutionized the industry by introducing cigar-rolling machines, which allowed for mass production and consistent quality. This move positioned Swisher as a leader in the cigar industry, and by the 1930s, they were the largest cigar producer in the world.
The introduction of Swisher Sweets in 1958 marked the beginning of the brand’s dominance in the machine-made, flavored cigar market. With their affordable price point and appealing flavors, Swisher Sweets quickly became popular among casual smokers.
Swisher International continued to grow, and in 2014, the company acquired Drew Estate, a brand known for its premium, hand-rolled cigars. Drew Estate is particularly famous for its Acid line of infused cigars, which introduced new flavors and aromas into the premium cigar market. This acquisition allowed Swisher to expand its portfolio beyond machine-made cigars, adding a line of premium hand-rolled options for more discerning smokers. This move also helped solidify Swisher’s place in both the mass-market and premium cigar industries.
Backwoods vs Swishers: How Do They Compare?
When it comes to the battle of Backwoods vs Swishers, both brands offer something unique, but they appeal to different types of smokers. Let’s break down the differences.
Swisher Sweets are known for their mild, sweet flavors and smooth smoking experience. They’re machine-rolled, which ensures uniformity and makes them affordable. Swishers are ideal for beginners or casual smokers who want something light, easy to find, and inexpensive. Swisher Sweets come in a wide variety of flavors, which makes them a favorite for smokers who enjoy a sweet, flavored smoke.
Backwoods, on the other hand, offer a more robust and natural tobacco flavor. Backwoods are hand-rolled using whole tobacco leaves, giving them a rustic appearance and a stronger taste. They’re often favored by smokers looking for a more authentic, raw experience. Backwoods are also larger than Swishers, making them a popular choice for rolling blunts. Though they’re more expensive, typically costing around $1 per cigarillo compared to Swishers’ $0.50, Backwoods have a dedicated fan base, especially among those who prefer a natural tobacco flavor.
In terms of popularity, Swishers hold a larger market share, commanding about 28% of the machine-made cigar market. Backwoods has a smaller share, around 5%, but they enjoy a cult following, particularly for their distinctive flavors like Honey Berry and Dark Stout. If you’re deciding between Backwoods or Swishers, it really comes down to personal preference: if you’re after a sweet, mild smoke, go with Swishers cigars. But if you prefer a bold, natural tobacco flavor, Backwoods might be more your style.
Should You Choose Backwoods or Swishers?
Ultimately, the choice between Backwoods or Swishers comes down to what you’re looking for in a cigarillo. If you want something sweet, mild, and easy to find, Swisher Sweets are the clear winner. They’re perfect for a quick smoke, and with their affordable price point and variety of flavors, they’re an excellent option for casual smokers or those rolling blunts.
On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger, more natural tobacco flavor and don’t mind paying a little extra, Backwoods might be the better choice for you. Their hand-rolled, rugged nature gives them an edge for those looking for a more robust smoking experience.
Conclusion
Swisher Sweets have undoubtedly become a dominant force in the world of machine-made cigars, thanks to their sweet, mild flavors and unbeatable affordability. Their wide variety of flavors and easy availability make them a top choice for beginners and casual smokers looking for a smooth, hassle-free smoking experience. Whether you're enjoying them for their intended purpose or rolling them into blunts, Swishers offer a versatility that’s hard to match.
