There is something elegant about a small cigar. Maybe it is simply that a flawlessly-constructed smoke is all the more remarkable when it comes in a small package like a petite corona or a demi-tasse. Never having rolled a cigar myself, I can only imagine the dexterity required to wind that smooth, beautifully-fermented leaf around the tiny bundle to form one of my beloved Romeo y Julieta No. 3s or my new standby, the C.A.O. small panatelas.
But it is not just a matter of aesthetics – small cigars have some nice smoking qualities all their own. It’s easier to light a small surface and so it’s easier to get a good, straight burn. I’ve also found smaller cigars to be better at self-correcting those burn problems which do crop up. While there are the occasional draw issues with smaller ring-gage cheroots, on the whole, the positives outweigh the negatives.
The best thing about the wide array of small cigar sizes is the chance to enjoy a favorite blend in a small package. I have become a confirmed morning smoker. I prefer sitting for a half hour over coffee and a small cigar in the morning rather than passing a late-night hour or two with a Churchill. But just because I’m looking for a quickie doesn’t mean I don’t want a quality smoke. I have particularly enjoyed both the Mx2 and Brazilia small panatelas (from C.A.O.), and I often satisfy my desire for a Fuente Maduro with the Exquisito, a demi-tasse. All of these cigars go well with a cup of coffee, being medium- to full-bodied and complex enough to keep interesting. What is more, they are faithful reproductions of the flavor profiles of the larger cigars in their respective lines. While every vitola has its own unique characteristics (this is the case with all sizes, not just the small ones), the best of the small stogies remain true to their roots where flavor is concerned.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a big cigar. They last a long time, do a great job of showing off the different tobacco blends, and are a good way to celebrate special occasions. For an everyday smoke, though, I prefer the smaller offerings from my favorite brands. Quick and delicious, for me, there is no better way to start the day than with a small cigar.
