Cigarillos, often described as the “little brother” of cigars, have carved out their own space in the world of tobacco. These small, slender cigars offer a quick and flavorful smoking experience that appeals to a wide range of smokers, from casual enthusiasts to more seasoned aficionados. In this article, we’ll explore what cigarillos are, their history, how they differ from cigars, and some popular brands to try.
What are Cigarillos?
Cigarillos are small cigars, usually about three to four inches long and less than half an inch in diameter. They’re larger than cigarettes but significantly smaller than traditional cigars. Typically, cigarillos contain tobacco that is either wrapped in a tobacco leaf or a homogenized tobacco wrapper, though some may also come in flavored wraps.
Due to their smaller size, cigarillos offer a quicker smoke—generally lasting about 5 to 20 minutes, making them a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a cigar experience.
The History of Cigarillos
Cigarillos have been around for centuries, tracing their origins to Europe, particularly in countries like Spain and Portugal. Their popularity spread globally, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, as smoking became more widespread. Today, cigarillos are popular in Europe, the United States, and many parts of Latin America, enjoyed by smokers who want the rich flavors of a cigar in a more accessible format.
How Do Cigarillos Differ from Cigars?
While cigarillos and cigars share some similarities, they also have several key differences:
- Size: Cigarillos are significantly smaller than traditional cigars, which can range from six inches to over nine inches in length.
- Smoking Time: A typical cigarillo takes between 5 to 20 minutes to smoke, whereas a traditional cigar can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
- Tobacco Content: Cigarillos have less tobacco than cigars, but they still provide a robust smoking experience.
- Nicotine Strength: Cigarillos tend to deliver a quicker nicotine hit due to their smaller size and quicker burn, but they still offer a rich tobacco flavor.
- Flavors and Additives: Many cigarillos come in flavored varieties, such as vanilla, cherry, or chocolate. This is more common in cigarillos than traditional cigars, which tend to focus on pure tobacco blends.
Types of Cigarillos
Cigarillos are available in a variety of flavors, strengths, and tobacco blends. Some are flavored, some are natural, and others are pre-tipped (with a plastic or wood tip), making them more like a hybrid between cigars and cigarettes.
Natural Cigarillos: These cigarillos focus on pure tobacco blends and are wrapped in a natural tobacco leaf. They deliver a more traditional cigar flavor without the added flavors of flavored cigarillos.
- Flavored Cigarillos: These have gained massive popularity for their sweet, aromatic flavors. They are infused with flavors like vanilla, honey, chocolate, cherry, and more, providing a unique smoking experience. Many casual smokers prefer these for their easygoing taste.
- Tipped Cigarillos: These come with a plastic or wood tip to make the cigarillo more comfortable to hold and smoke. The tip also cools the smoke slightly, offering a smoother draw. These are often machine-made.
- Filtered Cigarillos: Filtered cigarillos include a filter at the end, much like a cigarette, for a milder smoke. They are often more accessible to cigarette smokers transitioning to cigars.
Popular Cigarillo Brands
Several brands have built their reputation on producing high-quality cigarillos that appeal to both casual and experienced smokers.
- Swisher Sweets
Known for their affordability and variety of flavors, Swisher Sweets offer options like grape, cherry, peach, and chocolate, making them a favorite for those who enjoy flavored cigarillos.
- Backwoods
Backwoods cigarillos are famous for their rustic appearance and natural tobacco flavor. They are wrapped in a natural tobacco leaf, which gives them an earthy, rich flavor. Backwoods are particularly popular with those who enjoy a stronger, more robust smoking experience.
- Djarum
Djarum produces a unique blend of clove cigarillos that offer a distinctive flavor and aroma. Known for their “kretek” cigars, which contain a mixture of tobacco and cloves, Djarum cigarillos deliver a spicy, sweet smoking experience unlike any other.
- Black & Mild
Black & Mild cigarillos are a favorite for those who enjoy smooth, aromatic smokes. These cigarillos often come in wood or plastic-tipped varieties, adding an extra layer of convenience and comfort. Popular flavors include wine, cream, and apple.
- Dutch Masters
Their cigarillos come in both natural and flavored varieties, offering a smooth, classic smoking experience.
- White Owl
They are wrapped in a homogenized tobacco leaf and are popular for their affordability and consistent burn.
Tips for Smoking Cigarillos
- Don’t Inhale: Like cigars, cigarillos are meant to be enjoyed by drawing the smoke into your mouth to appreciate the flavors, not by inhaling into your lungs.
- Pace Yourself: Because they burn quickly, cigarillos are best enjoyed in a relaxed, slow manner to fully savor the tobacco or flavors.
- Try Different Flavors: One of the great things about cigarillos is the variety of flavors available. Don’t hesitate to try different brands and flavors to find your preferred smoke.
- Proper Storage: Like cigars, cigarillos should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some smokers use small humidors to keep their cigarillos fresh, while others simply use resealable pouches.
Final Thoughts
Cigarillos provide an accessible and convenient way to enjoy the rich flavors of obacco without the time commitment of smoking a full-sized cigar. Whether you prefer the natural taste of tobacco or the sweet allure of flavored varieties, there’s a cigarillo out there for every type of smoker. With brands like Swisher Sweets, Backwoods, and Djarum leading the market, cigarillos continue to be a popular choice for a quick, satisfying smoke. Whether you’re on the go or just looking for a shorter, flavorful smoke break, cigarillos offer a compact yet fulfilling experience.