If you have ever walked into a smoke shop and noticed a rustic, slightly crooked cigar in a resealable foil pouch, you have seen a Backwood. But what are Backwoods, exactly, and why do so many smokers swear by them? This guide covers everything you need to know about Backwoods cigars — how they are made, the most popular Backwoods flavors, the different pack sizes, and how to buy them fresh.
What Are Backwoods Cigars?
Backwoods are all-natural, machine-assisted cigarillos known for their unrefined, handmade look. Each cigar is wrapped in a whole tobacco leaf and finished with a loose, feathered tip instead of a neatly cut cap. That rough, rustic appearance is deliberate — it is the brand’s signature, and it is why no two Backwoods look exactly alike.
Compared with typical cigarillos, Backwoods are slightly thicker in the middle and taper toward each end. They are mild to medium in strength, slow-burning and noticeably aromatic. In the United States the brand is marketed by ITG Brands, and Backwoods are sold only to adults aged 21 and over.
What makes a Backwood different?
- Natural leaf wrapper: a broad, whole tobacco leaf rather than a homogenized sheet.
- Feathered tip: an untrimmed end that gives each Backwood its rustic look.
- No mouthpiece: Backwoods are smoked like a traditional cigar, with no plastic or wood tip.
- Resealable foil packs: the pouch keeps the leaf moist and flexible between smokes.
Popular Backwoods Flavors
One of the biggest reasons for the brand’s popularity is the range of flavors of Backwoods. While the line-up changes over time, these are the flavored Backwoods smokers ask for most:
- Russian Cream — smooth vanilla-cream sweetness; the cult favorite.
- Honey Berry — bright berry and golden honey, often searched as Backwoods berry honey.
- Honey — the classic sweet Backwood.
- Sweet Aromatic — the original Backwoods flavor.
- Grape and Banana — fruity limited favorites.
- Dark Stout and Black — richer, fuller-bodied options.
Want the full list? Browse every Backwoods flavor we carry.
Backwoods Pack Sizes and Price
The Backwoods price you pay depends mostly on the format. Here are the main options:
- Backwoods 5 pack — the iconic foil pouch of five, usually sold in cartons of 8 packs.
- 3 packs — a smaller pouch, great for trying new flavors.
- Singles — individually wrapped cigars in boxes of 24.
- 40-count boxes — the best price per cigar.
Buying larger formats almost always lowers the cost per cigar, and buying online lets you compare every flavor and size side by side.
What Are Backwoods True Wraps?
Backwoods True Wraps are whole-leaf, all-natural tobacco wrappers made by Backwoods. They give you the same rustic leaf as a Backwood cigar without having to unroll one first. True Wraps Backwoods come in Original, Vanilla and Aromatic, five wraps per pack.
How to Keep Backwoods Fresh
Because the wrapper is a natural leaf, Backwoods can dry out and crack if they are left open. Always reseal the foil pouch after taking a cigar, store packs away from heat and direct sunlight, and if you buy in bulk keep unopened packs in a cool, stable environment. A dried-out Backwood can sometimes be revived by sealing it in a bag with a slightly damp paper towel (not touching the cigar) for a few hours.
Where to Buy Backwoods: Online vs. “Backwoods Near Me”
Searching for Backwoods near me often leads to gas stations and corner stores that stock only one or two flavors, and limited releases like Russian Cream sell out quickly. Ordering online gives you the full range, fresh sealed stock and delivery straight to your door. At our store every order ships free — see our shipping policy for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Backwoods cigars or cigarillos?
Backwoods are classed as cigars, but their size and shape put them in the cigarillo category. Most smokers simply call them Backwoods or “woods”.
How strong are Backwoods?
Most Backwoods are mild to medium in strength. Flavored options like Honey and Russian Cream are smoother, while Dark Stout and Bold are fuller-bodied.
How old do you have to be to buy Backwoods?
In the United States you must be at least 21 years old to buy any tobacco product, including Backwoods. We verify age on every order.
Shop Backwoods Cigars Online
Now that you know what Backwoods are, it is time to find your favorite. Shop Backwoods cigars in every flavor and pack size, or start with our best-selling Russian Cream Backwoods. Curious about rolling? Read our guide on how to roll a Backwood.
WARNING: Cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale. Sold only to adults 21+.