Cigar World’s Definitive List of the Best Cigarillos

Cigarillos are a popular choice for fans of premium cigars. After all, many established brands like Drew Estate, Hoyo de Monterrey, and Joya De Nicaragua (among many others) offer products in the cigarillo size. The appeal is easy to see: cigarillos are flavorful and satisfying, but they’re also super convenient, quick to smoke, and typically cost less than a traditional premium cigar. But just what are cigarillos? Which brands make the best cigarillos? And what’s the difference between cigarillos and short cigars? We’ll answer all that — PLUS, we’ll provide a few recommendations too. Check it out!

What are Cigarillos?

Before we go any further, let’s define some terms. What are cigarillos? The most straightforward answer is that cigarillos are *really* short and thin cigars. But that’s not a complete answer, so we’ll break it down further. Cigarillos range in size from about 3 to 4 inches in length. They are usually very thin, and unlike cigarettes, they’re wrapped in a tobacco leaf and don’t contain a filter at the head. 
 
However, unlike a small cigar, cigarillos are usually machine-made. (Usually, but not always.) This can get confusing because some brands offer very small, very short cigars that look like cigarillos but are, in actuality, just short, handmade cigars. 

Best Cigarillos for Flavor and Quality

Some of the most respected brands in the industry make excellent cigarillos. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Drew Estate Factory Smokes Cigarillos — available in flavored and non-flavored varieties.

• Montecristo Memories Cigarillos — refined, smooth, and a great representation of Montecristo quality. 

• Macanudo Café Court Tins — classic and creamy. Perfect for the golf course and beyond.

• Davidoff Cigarillos — excellent tobacco in a convenient size. 

We think these are some of the best cigarillos available, and they all have smoking times of about 10-20 minutes.

Short Cigars & Thin Cigars

Short cigars and thin cigars are not the same as cigarillos. The smallest “traditional” cigar size is the Petit Corona (4.5 X 42). (Not to be confused with a Corona cigar size, which is bigger.) And the thinnest common cigar size is the Lancero (7 X 38). For reference, cigarillos are both shorter than a Petite Corona and thinner than a Lancero. What’s more, premium cigars that come in Petit Corona and Lancero sizes are handmade products, whereas cigarillos are often machine-made. Even a short cigar like a Petit Corona will take at least half an hour to smoke, and Lanceros can take over an hour.

Cigar Sizes Explained

To give a quick overview of cigar sizes: cigars normally range from 4 inches to a little more than 7 inches in length. In terms of width, cigars are measured by “ring gauge” or 1/64ths of an inch. For instance, a cigar with a ring gauge of 64 is exactly an inch across. Most premium cigars range between a 35 and 65 ring gauge. 

There is no “ideal” cigar size. Some cigar fans prefer a big, hefty cigar because it takes longer to smoke and contains a wider range of flavors from the filler and binder tobaccos. 

Others prefer smaller, thinner, more refined sizes that showcase the wrapper’s quality and performance.

Choosing the Right Small Cigar For You

The “right” small cigar for you depends on what you want from your smoking experience! 

Cigarillos are a fantastic option for smoking on your break or after lunch. Sometimes you only have 10 or so minutes for a smoke, and if that’s the case, cigarillos are a superb choice. They are also popular at group outings because they’re easy to share with friends; most cigarillos don’t even need to be cut to be enjoyed. 

On the other hand, smaller cigars provide a more premium smoking experience. Petite Coronas, for instance, showcase handmade quality along with nuanced flavors you may not find with machine-made cigarillos. 

Many smokers enjoy a wide variety of cigar sizes! Rather than sticking to one specific size, we recommend new fans try out various styles, sizes, and flavor profiles to find their favorites. 

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