What is the Difference Between a Cigar and a Cigarillo?
Category: Cigar
Cigarillos: A Quick Overview
Cigarillos are a type of small cigar, typically wrapped in natural tobacco leaves or brown, tobacco-based paper. They offer a compact, convenient smoking experience and are commonly sold individually or in packs. Unlike cigarettes, cigarillos are not meant to be inhaled deeply into the lungs; rather, they are smoked like a cigar, where the smoke is drawn into the mouth to savor its flavor.
A standard cigarillo contains approximately 3 grams of tobacco, with lengths ranging from 3 to 4 inches and diameters between 5 to 8 mm. They are often machine-made, which keeps the price lower than that of handmade cigars. Due to this, cigar aficionados sometimes regard cigarillos as a lower-quality product compared to full-sized, hand-rolled cigars. However, their affordability and convenience make them a popular option for smokers looking for a quicker alternative to larger cigars.
Unlike cigars, which can be stored in humidors to preserve freshness for long periods, cigarillos generally do not require such storage. They are typically consumed more quickly, often within the same day or week of purchase, as many cigarillo smokers enjoy between 5 and 10 a day—comparable to cigarette consumption.
In Europe, cigarillos are sometimes referred to as a "Seven Minute Cigar" because they can be smoked in about seven minutes. This makes them an ideal choice for smokers who enjoy cigars but don't have the time for a full-sized cigar session, which can last up to an hour or more.
Differences Between Cigars and Cigarillos
While both cigars and cigarillos offer a tobacco-based smoking experience, there are some key differences between the two:
Size and Shape
- Cigars: Full-sized cigars are generally much larger than cigarillos, with lengths ranging from 4 to over 7 inches and diameters much thicker than cigarillos. Cigars can come in a variety of shapes, including torpedoes, perfectos, and figurados, which contribute to different smoking experiences.
- Cigarillos: Cigarillos are smaller, usually about 3 to 4 inches in length and thinner in diameter (5 to 8 mm). They are more uniform in shape, typically resembling miniature cigars without the varied shapes of their larger counterparts.
Smoking Time
- Cigars: Smoking a full-sized cigar can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size and ring gauge.
- Cigarillos: In contrast, a cigarillo can be smoked in around 5 to 15 minutes, with the "Seven Minute Cigar" moniker emphasizing their quick consumption time. This makes cigarillos a more convenient option for those seeking a brief smoking break.
Tobacco Content and Quality
- Cigars: Full-sized cigars typically contain a higher quantity of tobacco, often using long filler leaves that are hand-rolled. High-end cigars may use aged, premium tobacco that enhances their flavor complexity, contributing to a more refined experience. The wrappers of premium cigars are often made from whole tobacco leaves, which are meticulously selected and aged.
- Cigarillos: Cigarillos, on the other hand, usually contain a shorter filler or a mix of chopped tobacco and may use a reconstituted tobacco paper for the wrapper, especially in machine-made varieties. While some cigarillos are made with high-quality tobacco, the majority are designed to be more affordable and accessible, which can impact the overall flavor and aroma.
Inhalation and Smoke
- Cigars: Like cigarillos, cigars are not intended to be inhaled into the lungs. Instead, cigar smokers savor the flavor of the tobacco by drawing the smoke into the mouth. Cigar smoking is often more about the flavor and experience than about nicotine intake.
- Cigarillos: Though the smoking method is similar, cigarillos often produce a harsher smoke, and some smokers may be tempted to inhale cigarillos more like cigarettes, especially since they are smaller. However, this is not the recommended practice.
Manufacturing Process
- Cigars: Many premium cigars are handmade, with each one rolled by skilled artisans. This craftsmanship adds to the higher price point and often results in a superior product.
- Cigarillos: Most cigarillos are machine-made, which lowers production costs. Some high-end cigarillos are still hand-rolled, but they are generally less common and more expensive than the mass-produced varieties.
Storage and Humidity
- Cigars: Humidors are often used to store full-sized cigars to maintain their freshness, as cigars can dry out and lose flavor if exposed to open air for extended periods. Proper humidity levels (typically between 65% and 72%) ensure that cigars remain in optimal smoking condition.
- Cigarillos: Since cigarillos are usually consumed in a short period, they don't typically require humidors. Their shorter lifespan and smaller size mean they are often bought and smoked within a few days, reducing the need for long-term storage.
Price and Accessibility
- Cigars: Due to their size, craftsmanship, and quality of tobacco, cigars can be significantly more expensive than cigarillos, with premium cigars reaching into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars for rare or vintage varieties.
- Cigarillos: Cigarillos are more affordable, ranging from a few cents to a few dollars each, making them an economical option for smokers who want a cigar-like experience without the higher price tag of full-sized cigars.
Cigarillos provide a quick, convenient alternative to full-sized cigars, making them popular with smokers who appreciate tobacco but have limited time for a lengthy smoke. While some may view them as lower in quality due to their machine-made production and smaller size, cigarillos still offer a satisfying tobacco experience. Whether you're a cigar enthusiast looking for something more casual or a cigarette smoker seeking a different experience, cigarillos offer a middle ground with their shorter smoke time and cost-effective appeal.
However, the choice between cigars and cigarillos ultimately depends on the smoker's preference for flavor, time, and the overall experience. For those who enjoy the ritual and complexity of premium cigars, full-sized cigars may be the ideal choice. For those seeking convenience and affordability, cigarillos offer an accessible alternative.
If you are interested in learning more about rolling your own cigars or cigarillos using premium whole leaf tobacco, Leaf Only is the best place to start. Leaf Only offers the widest selection of high-quality, whole leaf tobacco for cigar rolling, including popular varieties like Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro. Additionally, they offer a variety of accessories needed for rolling your own cigars or cigarillos, such as rolling tools, cutters, and humidification products.