Big cigars take a while to smoke. We’re talking hours for some of the largest stogies out there unless you’re puffing too often — which you shouldn’t do. But the cigar world is vast, and not only does that mean a ton of different cigar blends, from Maduro and Corojo to Nicaraguan and Cuban-made, but there are also a plethora of sizes from small to big. You don’t have to buy, smoke, or even try a massive stogie, and I would argue against doing so for something like the Asylum 13 Ogre . There are cigars much bigger than that. I can’t imagine that would be a relaxing smoke, if at all enjoyable. Shrinking things down is possible, and I’m not referring to a Robusto or petite size either. I mean closer to a cigarillo. If you’re looking for something short and sweet but packed with loads of great flavor, here are the best small cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024.
The best small cigars tried and tested in 2024
Most of the time, if I want a quick cigar or something smaller, I’ll reach for a nub or Robusto size. I prefer a full-bodied cigar and small cigars typically don’t provide that. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a smaller cigar or cigarillo occasionally. My top recommend is the Surrogates Cracker Crumbs . They are fantastic. Here is a little more detail about all the small cigars I’ve tried and loved in 2024.
Acid Blondie Blue
- Count: 40 per box
- Size: 4 x 38 (Petite Corona)
- Strength: Mild to Medium
Acid is well known for its infused cigars containing sweet and botanical flavors. That’s not my usual cup of tea. But this medium-bodied smoke with a Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and fillers offers a mellow but seriously pleasurable experience. If you only have under an hour to spare, it’s a good choice.
Arturo Fuente Cubanitos
- Count: 10 tins with 10 cigars each
- Size: 4-1/2 x 32 (Small Panatela)
- Strength: Medium
Arturo Fuente is known for its quality, so, unsurprisingly, they make the Cubanitos using the same tobacco as their full-sized cigars. The Cameroon wrapper, Dominican binder, and fillers blend nicely to create a smooth, satisfying smoke while still offering a super portable format.
Ashton Esquire Maduro
- Count: 10 tins with 10 cigars each
- Size: 4-1/4 x 32
- Strength: Mild to Medium
While the Ashton Esquire Maduro is a mild to medium-strength smoke, it packs rich flavor between these aged leaves. Nuttiness, cocoa, cream, coffee, chocolate, and sweetness await your taste buds. They’re super aromatic, too. Plus, the small size means you can burn through them relatively quickly if you’re in a hurry.
Davidoff Mini Cigarillos Gold
- Count: 5 packs with 20 cigars each
- Size: 3-1/2 x 20
- Strength: Mild to Medium
Davidoff’s Mini Cigarillos come in a few tiers, like the Silver or Gold featured here, and they’re all great smokes. I chose Gold because of its unique construction. They have a Connecticut wrapper, a Java binder, and fillers from Indonesia and Brazil. The result is a ridiculously creamy, one-of-a-kind blend of flavors perfect for a quick smoke anywhere, anytime. Be careful; you risk burning through these quickly.
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Minis
- Count: 5 tins with 20 cigars each
- Size: 3 x 22
- Strength: Mild to Medium
Thanks to a diverse blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan fillers, a Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and a Connecticut wrapper, this zesty and robust cigar is excellent when you want a medium to full-flavored but short and sweet smoke. Because of the blend, there’s not much else like it.
L’Atelier Travailleurs
- Count: 50 per box
- Size: 4-1/2 x 38 (Corona)
- Strength: Full-bodied
As I said, most small cigars, cigarillos included, don’t offer a full-bodied smoke, but every once in a while, even an enthusiast like me has to eat their own words. I have included a couple of punchy options on this list, and the L’Atelier Travailleurs is one of them. These cigars are rolled at the My Father factory in Nicaragua, so it’s no wonder they’re delicious. The Ecuadorian wrapper and Sancti Spitirus leaf deliver some remarkably complex flavors with hints of pepper, cream, saffron, sweetness, and added spice.
Liga Privada H99 Papas Fritas
- Count: 25 per box
- Size: 4-1/2 x 44 (Petite Corona)
- Strength: Full-bodied
If you’re looking for a luxurious cigar, you can light up on the golf course, at a party, or while getting some fresh air, the Liga Privada H99 Papas Fritas is always a fantastic choice. You’ll get a concoction of spice, earth, coffee, leather, and sweetness in nearly every puff. It’s nothing if not consistent as long as it’s been stored appropriately. The Connecticut Corojo wrapper and Mexican San Andres binder really make this smoke what it is.
Montecristo White Minis
- Count: 5 tins with 20 cigars each
- Size: 2-7/8 x 20
- Strength: Mild
For the perfect little smoke, an incredible little nightcap, or an everyday puff when you have a few minutes, the Montecristo White Minis are a go-to. You might have noticed from the other cigars on the list, but I tend to favor unique and complex blends, and this one is no exception. A delicious Ecuadorian leaf wrapper sits atop a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican and Mexican fillers. Lots of sweetness, nuttiness, a bit of cocoa, and just a dab of spice will tickle your senses.
Nub Connecticut 358
- Count: 24 per box
- Size: 3.75 x 58 (Rothschild)
- Strength: Medium
The Nub by Oliva brand has a bevy of smaller cigars for quick smokes, but the Connecticut 358 is one of my top choices. Interestingly, they contain as much tobacco as regular-sized cigars because of their thickness — at a 58-ring gauge. This cigar features a Connecticut Shade wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, fillers, and an impressive list of flavors you might pick up. Some earthy tones, wood, leather, chocolate, and spice are what you can expect from this little guy.
Oliva Serie G Cigarillo
- Count: 50-pack
- Size: 4 x 38
- Strength: Medium
Slightly bigger than a cigarillo, with a ring gauge closer to a traditional cigar, the Oliva Serie G Cigarillo series is still a quick yet notable smoke for lighting up anywhere. Try these out if you want something with the same flavor profile as a regular cigar, just in a compact size. An African Cameroon wrapper covers a Nicaraguan binder and fillers.
Romeo y Julieta Mini White
- Count: 5 tins with 20 cigars each
- Size: 3 x 20
- Strength: Medium to Full
The Romeo y Julieta Mini Whites are nothing if not a short, sweet jaunt into the world of lighter cigars. An Indonesian wrapper, Dominican binder, and blend of Dominican and Brazilian fillers round out this sleek little stick.
Surrogates Cracker Crumbs
- Count: 50 per box
- Size: 4 1/2 x 38 (Corona)
- Strength: Full-bodied
If you only try one cigar on this list, the Surrogates Cracker Crumbs should be it. Sure, they’re smaller, but they are one hell of a flavor bomb. It looks like I’m eating my words again about no full-bodied small cigars, but that’s okay I’ll take it. I have seen these recommended by some other cigar enthusiasts from time to time, but they’re definitely underrated. As the name suggests, they have a similar flavor profile as animal crackers but with a spicy kick.
Get to know our expert
I smoke cigars all the time, and I have many recommendations and plenty of advice to share with others. But none of those things qualify me as an expert. Really, it’s the years of experience, the time I’ve invested in the world of cigars, the excellent connections I’ve made with cigar makers and sellers, and the vast wealth of knowledge I’ve gained during that time. I know what goes into a good cigar, and I’ve certainly earned the right to recommend some to others, whether you’re a beginner and this is your first time smoking or have your own cabinet humidor stocked and maintained. Instead of waxing poetic, I’d rather let my recommendations and advice columns speak for me.
