Cigarillos vs Cigars | What’s the Difference?

There’s one question that every new aficionado asks when they first begin their dive into the world of cigars: what is the difference between cigars and cigarillos? 

In this article, we’re going to be exploring the key difference between these two smokes, from how they look, how they’re made, and how they’re smoked. 

If you’re looking to buy cigarillos online, then why not browse our range available online now?

What is a Cigarillo? 

A cigarillo is a petite and often machine-made smoke that is made and sold in tins or packs of between 5 and 50. 

The majority of cigarillos are manufactured in Europe where they have been a popular smoking option for generations. While there is demand for cigarillos in the US, it is nothing compared to that of European countries. 

The tobacco used in cigarillos is often dry-cured meaning that a cigarillo will burn much faster and hotter than your typical cigar. 

What Are The Differences Between Cigars and Cigarillos?

While cigars and cigarillos do share some common characteristics, there are also a great number of ways that they differ. 

Size

The most notable difference between these two smokes is their size. The average cigarillo is approximately 75 – 100 millimetres in length which is considerably shorter than the typical Robusto cigar which measures around 127 millimetres. 

Cigarillos are also a lot slimmer than cigars and tend to have a ring gauge of around 20 – 30 whereas most cigars have a ring gauge of 40 or above. 

Construction

When looking at the overall construction of both cigars and cigarillos, the key difference is that cigarillos tend to be machine-made with dry-cured (non-humidified) tobacco leaves, meaning they burn faster and hotter than a typical cigar.

Despite their difference in size, cigarillos can still be made of the same tobacco blend as some of their larger counterparts. However, cigarillos tend to be made with a replacement wrapper rather than a pure tobacco leaf. 

Unlike most cigars, cigarillos also tend to have filters although there are some unfiltered options available.

Price

Another significant difference between cigars and cigarillos is their price. Due to their size and the fact they can be made by machine, it’s far easier for cigarillos to be mass-produced. This drags their cost down quite drastically. 

For reference, a pack of 20 Davidoff Escurio cigarillos costs about £26. However, a single Davidoff Escurio Robusto Cigar will cost you around the same. 

In this article, we’re going to be exploring the key difference between these two smokes, from how they look, how they’re made, and how they’re smoked. 

If you’re looking to buy cigarillos online, then why not browse our range available online now?

How Do You Smoke a Cigarillo?

While either a cigar or a cigarillo can provide a great smoking experience, most aficionados tend to enjoy them both in very different contexts.

Cigars take far longer to smoke and so are often enjoyed in more relaxed smoking sessions where the smoker can sit back, relax, and bask in the flavour and aromas the smoke offers. Because of this, most cigar smokers have to set time aside in their day or week to truly enjoy their cigars uninterrupted.

Cigarillos, however, are able to be smoked when time is of the essence. If you’re looking for a quick smoke break during work hours or you want a go-to smoke alongside a coffee with friends, then a cigarillo can be a perfect option. Thanks to their size, cigarillos are also a lot easier to carry around on a regular basis so they work especially well for impromptu smokes as and when required.

Cigarillos offer a great alternative for those who don’t have time to devote to sitting down and enjoying a premium, hand-crafted cigar. While they can’t compare to cigars in terms of flavour and aroma, they are a much more practical option for those who want a classic smoke in a smaller chunk of time.

At Havana House, we have a wide range of cigarillos available from top brands such as Davidoff and Royal Dutch.