Cigarillos offer a middle ground between full-sized cigars and quick smokes like cigarettes. They’re compact, often flavored, and easy to enjoy without much prep. Whether you’re relaxing on a break or adding something smooth to your evening routine, the right cigarillo can turn a few minutes into a real moment.
But with so many brands out there, each with their own lineup of flavors, sizes, and quality, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up some of the best cigarillo brands available today, looking at flavor, consistency, availability, and overall experience. Each one brings something unique to the table, and depending on what you’re looking for, there’s a brand that fits your style.
1. Al Capone
Al Capone cigarillos make a strong case for being the most well-rounded option out there. They’re compact, easy to carry, and sealed for freshness, ideal for anyone who wants a quick, flavorful smoke without sacrificing quality.
These cigarillos are wrapped in natural tobacco leaf and come pre-cut, so there’s no need for accessories or prep. Just open the pack, light up, and you’re good to go. The construction is tight and reliable, meaning you’re not fighting with uneven burns or unraveling wrappers.
In terms of flavor, Al Capone offers several well-loved options:
- Sweets – mellow with a slightly sweet tip
- Sweet Cognac – dipped for a warm, rich undertone
- Gold – natural flavor with a bolder kick
- Jamaican Blaze – rum-dipped with a tropical twist
- Blues – a milder, aromatic option
- Filtered and unfiltered versions are available depending on your preference
The balance of flavor and strength is what sets them apart. They’re mellow enough for casual smokers but flavorful enough to satisfy regulars. Plus, their size makes them perfect for a quick break, no rush, but no long commitment either.
2. Black & Mild
A longtime staple in the cigarillo world, Black & Mild is known for its pipe tobacco flavor and signature plastic or wood tip. These cigars are machine-made and have been around for decades, making them one of the most familiar names on gas station shelves.
Black & Mild offers a variety of flavor options:
- Classic
- Wine
- Cream
- Apple
- Jazz
Each one leans into the sweet, smooth profile that makes them a favorite for beginners or those looking for something easygoing. The draw is steady, the flavor is consistent, and the pipe-style tip adds a familiar, nostalgic feel. They’re slightly larger than some other cigarillos, offering a longer smoke, usually around 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Backwoods
Backwoods cigars are all about rugged charm. With their rustic appearance and loosely rolled style, they’ve become a favorite for people who like a stronger, more natural smoke. You’ll recognize them immediately by their rough-edged wrappers and distinctive packaging.
These cigars are made with 100% natural tobacco and wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf, which adds to their earthy flavor. Some of the standout varieties include:
- Honey
- Sweet Aromatic
- Dark Stout
- Black Russian
What Backwoods lacks in polish, it makes up for in flavor and character. The slightly irregular shape gives them a hand-rolled vibe, even though they’re machine-made. They take a bit longer to smoke and are a bit stronger in taste, but for those who want something bolder, they do the trick.
4. Dutch Masters
Dutch Masters brings a more classic vibe to the cigarillo category. Known for their Palma and Corona styles, they offer a traditional tobacco experience with a smoother finish. The natural leaf wrapper gives these cigars a nice touch of authenticity, and they burn slowly and evenly.
You’ll find flavors like:
- Palma (mild and earthy)
- Honey Fusion
- Berry
- Chocolate
- Green
Dutch Masters appeals to smokers who want something mild but not overly sweet. The blends are subtle, and the smoke is usually smooth and steady. These are great if you’re not in a rush and want a cigarillo that leans more toward the traditional side of tobacco rather than flavored blends
5. Swisher Sweets
Swisher Sweets is one of the most recognizable names in the cigarillo space, and for good reason. Their bold packaging and variety of flavors have made them a go-to option for casual smokers and flavor-seekers alike.
What Swisher Sweets does best is variety. Flavors include:
- Grape
- Mango
- Peach
- Strawberry
- Original
- Tropical Fusion
- Green Sweet
The sweetness of the wrapper is noticeable right from the first draw. While the tobacco inside is mild, the infused flavors do most of the talking. This makes them an appealing choice for smokers who want something fruity, fun, and easy to enjoy without much strength behind it.
Swisher Sweets are widely available and often sold in singles or twin-packs, making them accessible and affordable. Whether you’re looking for a mellow flavored smoke after a long day or just something quick while you’re out and about, they offer a simple, flavorful solution.
6. Game by Garcia y Vega
Game cigarillos are a slightly more refined step up from some of the more flavor-forward brands, offering a balance between smooth flavor and natural tobacco feel. Produced by Garcia y Vega, Game cigarillos come in a wider size range than most, and their leaf wrappers give them a more traditional feel.
Popular Game flavors include:
- White Grape
- Mango
- Green
- Black Cherry
- Vanilla
The use of natural leaf wrappers adds to the appeal for smokers who want a slow, steady burn and a bit more structure to their smoke. The flavors are strong, but they don’t completely overpower the tobacco, which is why Game has earned a loyal fan base among those who appreciate flavored cigarillos but still want a classic experience underneath.
7. Show Cigarillos
Show is a relative newcomer compared to legacy brands, but it’s gained popularity in recent years for its bold packaging, wide flavor selection, and competitive pricing. Show cigarillos are designed to be fresh, colorful, and accessible. You’ll often see them in foil pouches that help preserve their moisture.
Flavors range from:
- Watermelon
- Honey Berry
- White Grape
- Pineapple
- Blueberry
While Show cigarillos may not have the same brand legacy as some others on this list, they’re widely available and offer great value for the price. They’re perfect for people looking to explore different flavors without spending much, and for those who want to try something new without committing to a whole pack.
8. White Owl
White Owl has been a staple in the cigarillo market for years and continues to maintain its presence through consistency and innovation. These machine-made cigars offer one of the widest ranges of flavors and limited-edition releases, making them a favorite among collectors and flavor-chasers.
Some of their staples include:
- White Grape
- Vanilla
- Black Cherry
- Blue Raspberry
- Peach
- Honey Bourbon
The brand often rotates seasonal flavors, which keeps things interesting. While the tobacco blend inside is fairly mild, the strength of White Owl lies in its reliability and price. The foil packaging keeps each cigarillo fresh, and the burn tends to be even and easygoing.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cigarillo Brand for You
When it comes to picking the best cigarillo, it all comes down to personal preference, how much flavor you like, how strong you want the tobacco to be, and whether you lean toward something classic or infused with a twist.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- For a refined, mellow experience with rich options like cognac or sweets: Al Capone stands out. Their compact size, natural wrappers, and flavorful blends make them ideal for quick, quality smokes.
- For something affordable, nostalgic, and widely available: Black & Mild and Swisher Sweets continue to be mainstays. If you enjoy sweeter profiles or flavored plastic-tip cigarillos, these are great starting points.
- For natural leaf fans who still want flavor: Dutch Masters and Game by Garcia y Vega deliver. Their smoother burn and leaf-wrapped construction offer a balance of old-school craftsmanship and modern taste.
- For flavor adventurers who want options: White Owl and Show bring variety and freshness to the table. From limited-edition drops to bright tropical flavors, they’re a solid bet if you like to mix it up.
Where to Buy
Cigarillos are sold at most gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online retailers. If you’re looking for a specific brand or want to explore options nearby, check out:
