Cigarillos are significantly smaller than tobacco cigars some of which can be almost the size of a cigarette. They are hailed as being more convenient than cigars and less harmful than cigarettes.

Cigarillos versus Cigarettes

Cigarillos consist of tobacco filler wrapped in whole tobacco leaves rather than paper as is the case with cigarettes. They are intended to be 'puffed' rather than inhaled. This is not as detrimental as cigarette smoke and you can enjoy the body and flavour without inhaling the smoke. Intended inhalation combined with the fact that cigarillo and cigar smokers tend to smoke less frequently mean that cigarillos are the long term better alternative for your health. On a less serious note cigarettes are also noted to affect your pallet more adversely so your food will taste better with after a cigarillo.

More Convenient than Cigars

Cigarillo translates from the Spanish for 'little cigar' and they live up to their name by both being more portable and faster to smoke than cigars. Most cigarillos are machine-made with the smoking tip clipped during manufacture. On top of saving time on clipping, the cigarillo also makes for a shorter smoking time than cigars. Some cigars can last as long as an hour and a half. Not surprisingly the cigarillo has been known in some European circles as the "seven minute cigar".

Machine manufacturing also means that the average price of cigarillos is lower than cigars. Both cigars and cigarillos come in a variety of flavours and price ranges. Clippers, humidors and similar are not required which means it is easier for the occasional smoker to enjoy a cigar.

Smoking the 'Little Cigar'

Cigarillos are manufactured in packs of six, twelve, or fifteen and it is best to reseal the pack one you have removed your cigarillo. Some cigarillos are manufactured with a small plastic tip, wooden tip or a tapered end. If neither end is distinguished from the other then you may light either end.

Light it with a match and breathe in lightly without inhaling. People that are used to smoking cigarettes and are not sure how to smoke without inhaling sometimes find it is easier if they imagine sipping liquid into a straw and holding it there. The heated air brings the flavour of the cigarillo into your mouth. Exhale slowly through your mouth to expel the smoke. The cigarillo is finished when you can feel the heat from the tip and it is extinguished in the same way as a cigarette rather than letting it burn out like a cigar.

Because of their small stature (some cigarillos may be about the size of a cigarette, or even smaller) these tobacco products are held and enjoyed in a slightly different manner than their larger brethren.