Cigar Review: Three Cigarillos

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It is impossible to deny the growing popularity of premium cigarillos in the United States. Long popular in Europe and well-established in Latin America, these small cigars have recently cropped up as the newest additions to many premium lines in North America. Often marketed as a quick smoke for the time-constrained cigar aficionado, cigarillos can also be a pleasant change of pace, enjoyed for their own sake.

I for one really enjoy smoking a cigarillo or two over a cup of coffee in the morning. Their small size brings me two distinct advantages: first, I am not tied down for very long in whatever small corner of the world I have found in which I am permitted to smoke; second, I can bring a couple different kinds with me wherever I go, allowing me to pick just the right blend for the moment, or even to smoke a couple different brands in one sitting.

Three of my favorite cigarillo brands are listed below. Just a note: to pare down the sheer number of small cigar options, I have confined myself to only true cigarillos (~3.5″ x 20 ring - i.e.: the size of a cigarette), though I enjoy the slightly larger demi-tasse / purito sizes as well. Without further ado, on to the reviews!

The Griffin’s Griffiños

These are the sweetest of the three cigarillos listed here. Made in the Dominican Republic, these are a good morning smoke, giving off a creamy smoke full of caramelized sugars. Like some other cigars (of all sizes) which sport lighter wrappers, these have a tendency to get a harsh chemical taste if smoked too fast. On the whole, though, the Griffiños are a nice quick smoke.

Davidoff Mini Cigarillos

With a woody taste, these tiny Davidoffs are more medium-bodied than the Griffiños. Relatively complex for a cigarillo, these stogies have notes of cream, sugar, cedar and spice. Topped off with a rather handsome wrapper, these live up to their brand name.

CAO Brazilia Minis

The darkest of the bunch, the Brazilia Minis are not nearly as full-bodied as their larger counterparts. Nonetheless, these small cigars have beautiful, toothy wrappers and produce abundant smoke with each puff. While not as strong as the others in the line, the flavor maintains some similar notes to the other Brazilia cigars: earth, leather and spice are particularly notable. These have become one of my absolute favorite cigarillos: they hold their own when paired with a cup of dark roast - what more could I ask for?

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