Experts in the cigar industry agree that the vitola, or size and shape, of a cigar plays a crucial role in shaping the smoker's experience.
For example, smoking a Cohiba Red Dot Robusto and a Cohiba Red Dot Churchill, while being the same tobacco blend, will yield different experiences.
One of the best ways to experience the true flavor of a particular tobacco blend is to smoke it in the cigarillo size.
They are also incredibly convenient due to their small size and shorter smoking time.
Cigarillos have stood the test of time as a staple in the cigar industry. As a result, hundreds of different cigarillos have been created to give the consumer many options to sort through.
The question stands: which cigarillos are the best?
In this article, we recommend some of the tastiest, most popular cigarillos you can find in the cigar marketplace.
Here are our picks so you have them right away:
- Oliva Serie O Cigarillo Tins
- Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Cigarillos
- CAO Flavours Moontrance Cigarillos
- Davidoff Cigarillos Mini Cigarillos Gold
- Cohiba Red Dot Miniature Cigarillos
Key Takeaways
- A cigarillo is a smaller, thin cigar typically sized at 3-4 inches long with anywhere between 30 and 40 ring gauge (ring gauge describes the diameter of a cigar.)
- Cigarillos are an excellent way to taste the flavor of a cigar because they have a lower ratio of wrapper to filler tobacco, meaning it is easier to taste the wrapper while smoking the cigar.
- Cigarillo usage dates back to the late 18th century
What is a Cigarillo?
A cigarillo is a small, thin, and skinny cigar, typically coming in a tin of six to ten cigars with a size of 3-4 inches by 30-40 ring gauge.
A cigar of this size comprises a better ratio of tobacco used for the wrapper versus tobacco used for the filler, which translates to more intensity in the wrapper taste.
Since a large amount of the cigar's flavor comes from the type of wrapper used, a cigarillo is an excellent choice when you're looking to have a short smoke that's full of flavor.
Brief History of Cigarillos
Cigarillos are a unique part of cigar and tobacco history, dating back to the late eighteenth century.
The first use of cigarillos is unknown. However, the word 'cigarillo' is of Spanish origin, and was first used in 1832 to refer to small cigars. 'Cigarillo' translates to "little cigars" in Spanish.
At that time, Spain was a major player in the cigar market. The allure of cigarillos surged as they later gained popularity in European markets.
Our Recommendations for the Best Cigarillos to Try in 2024
These cigarillos stand out as top choices for both beginners and aficionados.
Let's explore what sets them apart and discover the unique qualities that make each exceptionally delicious.
1. Oliva Serie O Cigarillo Tins
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Cigarillo
Size: 4 x 38
Strength: Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Nicaraguan Sungrown Habano
First up, the strongest cigarillo on our list, the Oliva Serie O.
Dressed in a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper with Nicaraguan fillers, the best way to describe this cigar would be spicy.
This cigarillo is a rare example of a Nicaraguan puro, meaning all of the parts of the cigar (wrapper, binder, and filler) are sourced within Nicaragua.
Nicaraguan tobacco is some of the tastiest, punchiest tobacco out there, so this cigarillo is one you’ll want to savor when you’re ready for all of the flavor it boasts.
If you’re an experienced smoker looking for a lively smoke break, grab the Oliva Serie O Cigarillo Tins. They pack a punch and have tasty notes of earthiness and molasses.
2. Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Cigarillos
Country of Origin: Honduras
Shape: Cigarillo
Size: 4 x 24
Strength: Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Connecticut Broadleaf / Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade
Hoyo de Monterrey is a legendary name in the cigar world.
It started as a Cuban cigar brand in 1865 and has since been adapted for sale in the United States thanks to the use of a three-country tobacco blend from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
The unique part of Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Cigarillos is that they come in various wrappers, including Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf.
These wrappers smoke very differently. The Shade presents a lot of creamy, buttery tasting notes, while the Broadleaf features sweet, chocolatey, and leathery notes.
The versatility of this line, combined with the smooth flavor of the tobacco blend, make it one of our best choices to pair with a creamy coffee or to smoke after lunch. Especially if you enjoy a cigar with a pleasant, natural sweetness to it.
3. CAO Flavours Moontrance Cigarillos
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Cigarillo
Size: 4 x 30
Strength: Mild
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Cameroon
CAO is a name that most people interested in premium cigars have come across when shopping for cigars.
CAO boasts one of the most diverse and vast portfolios of different cigars in the entire world.
There is something for everyone in their selection, with Moontrance standing out from the rest.
You'll find plenty of nutty qualities and a medium-strength body from the Cameroon wrapper that graces this cigar.
Moontrance is flavored with notes of bourbon, vanilla, and fruit, which combine to create a creamy, sweet, and fragrant experience with a tiny bourbon kick on the finish.
Flavored cigars are always excellent choices for beginners, and the CAO Moontrance fits the bill.
Many cigar enthusiasts consider it one of the best-flavored cigarillos out there, and we agree.
4. Davidoff Cigarillos Mini Cigarillos Gold
Country of Origin: Denmark
Shape: Cigarillo
Size: 3.5 x 23
Strength: Mild
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Indonesian Sumatra
The Davidoff brand excels consistently in superior craftsmanship and quality, and is one of the most revered names in the cigar industry.
Draped in a mild and creamy Indonesian Sumatra wrapper with filler from the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Indonesia, and Germany, this four-country blended cigarillo is a superb way to enjoy a premium, flavorful smoke in a short time frame.
Notes of white pepper, earthiness, and wood shine without much of the peppery punch you’d find in other cigarillos.
The Davidoff Gold is a rare cigar that is approachable for a beginner and complex enough for an advanced smoker, which is why it is one of the best cigarillos you can find. If we don't have them in stock, be sure to enter your email address in the space provided to be notified as soon as we get them in.
5. Cohiba Red Dot Miniature Cigarillos
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Cigarillo
Size: 3 7/8 x 24
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Mexico / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Cameroon
It would be tough to make a list of our top 5 favorite cigarillos without mentioning Cohiba.
Noted as one of the most famous brand names in the cigar industry, Cohiba also started as a Cuban brand in 1966 before moving into the US market in the 1980s.
Since then, it has become one of the most popular brands in the marketplace, none of which are more popular than the Red Dot.
In the Red Dot, we have another beautiful Cameroon wrapper.
Pepper, nuts, and sweet cream fill out this cigarillo, and with a medium level of strength, this is again a cigarillo that can be smoked at any time of the day for maximum enjoyment.
Discover Your Favorite Among the Best Cigarillos
Now that you have a good idea of some of the best cigarillos on the market, it's up to you to savor all they offer.
It’s easy to see why cigarillos have such a popular following based on the experience of smoking one and the remarkable selection out there.
We’ve done the hard part for you; now all you have to do is try them all!