When you hear the term little cigars, you might picture something between a cigarette and a full-sized cigar, and you’d be right. These compact smokes, more commonly known as cigarillos, have carved out their own space in smoking culture. They’re faster than cigars, easier than cigarettes, and available in a range of flavors and formats that fit real life.
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just curious, cigarillos are a go-to for those who want bold flavor without the ceremony of a full cigar. They’re made to be accessible, easy to enjoy, and just long enough to give you a break, but not so long you have to block out your evening.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cigarillos: what they are, how to smoke them, what types exist, and why Al Capone has become a trusted name for smokers who value quality, consistency, and control. If you’re looking to buy cigarillos, find your perfect match, or just understand the hype, you’re in the right place.
What Are Little Cigars or Cigarillos?
Cigarillos, also referred to as little cigars, are small, narrow cigars typically wrapped in tobacco leaf or a natural wrapper and filled with short-leaf or chopped tobacco. They’re pre-cut, don’t require special tools, and burn quicker than full-sized cigars, making them a popular choice for everyday smokers who want a quick, satisfying experience.
Unlike cigarettes, which use paper and often have chemical additives, cigarillos are crafted more like cigars, with real tobacco leaf and a richer, fuller draw. But they differ from large cigars in size, time commitment, and accessibility. You can enjoy a cigarillo in five to ten minutes without the full ritual of cutting, storing, or aging.
Cigarillos have been popular across cultures for decades. They’re the smoke of choice for those who want something real without overthinking it.
Whether you’re reaching for one during a break, at the end of a long day, or just looking to enjoy a moment of peace, cigarillos offer the balance of flavor, speed, and ease that few other formats can match.
Types of Cigarillos
Cigarillos may be compact, but they offer a wide range of choices when it comes to flavor, feel, and function. Whether you’re all about bold, unfiltered draws or want something sweeter, there’s a cigarillo for you. Here’s how to break them down.
Filtered vs. Unfiltered
One of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for cigarillos is that they come in filtered and unfiltered options. Both offer distinct experiences, and your choice usually comes down to personal preference.
Filtered cigarillos contain a charcoal-activated filter, which filters the draw. They’re often favored by smokers who are used to filtered products.
Unfiltered cigarillos, on the other hand, offer a more traditional experience, closer to a full-sized cigar. There’s no buffer between you and the tobacco, so you get all the flavor and body the leaf has to offer. If you’re the type to savor every layer of taste, unfiltered is where it’s at.
Some brands, like Al Capone, offer both versions of their top products so you can smoke your way.
Flavored vs. Unflavored
Another key distinction lies in flavor. While some cigarillos are unflavored and let the natural tobacco speak for itself, others are dipped in flavor to enhance the experience.
Flavored cigarillos often feature hints of cognac, rum, fruit, or sweet spices. For example, Al Capone’s Sweets are cognac-dipped, while Jamaican Blaze are rum-dipped, offering bold, sweet, and aromatic profiles without overpowering the tobacco itself.
Unflavored cigarillos, like Al Capone Gold and Blues, are all about the tobacco. You get a natural, aromatic experience, ideal for those who appreciate the subtle differences in leaf quality and construction. (Note: while Blues are aromatic, they’re still considered unflavored.)
The best part? You can switch it up depending on your mood. Some days call for mellow and sweet, others for something bold and natural.
How to Smoke a Cigarillo (or little cigar)
Cigarillos are built for simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you should rush the experience. Like any good ritual, there’s a right way to do it, and when you do, the reward is a more satisfying smoke.
- Don’t Breathe It In
Unlike cigarettes, cigarillos are meant to be drawn into your mouth. You let the flavor rest on your palate, then gently exhale. Take your time, taste the tobacco, and let the flavor do the work.
- Light It Evenly
Use a lighter or wooden match and rotate the cigarillo slowly while lighting to get an even burn across the tip. Avoid direct flame contact for too long, let the ember build with a few steady puffs. A proper light means even smoke from start to finish.
- Take Your Time
Cigarillos are fast compared to cigars, but they’re still not meant to be rushed. A few relaxed draws every 30–60 seconds is ideal. This pace prevents overheating and keeps the flavor balanced. Think of it as a quick break, not a race.
- Enjoy the Finish
Once you’re done, let it go out naturally or tap it out safely. Cigarillos don’t need to be smoked all the way down like cigarettes. When the taste starts to turn or the draw gets warm, it’s time to wrap it up.
Smoking a cigarillo is about presence, not performance. It’s about enjoying the moment, feeling the draw, and stepping back from the rush of everything else. Whether it’s your first or your hundredth, the right approach makes all the difference.
Al Capone Cigarillos Lineup
When it comes to cigarillos, Al Capone stands out for one reason: consistency. Each product is crafted with care, wrapped in natural tobacco leaf, pre-cut for convenience, and sealed for freshness. Whether you’re new to smoking or know exactly what you want, Al Capone makes it easy to choose quality every time.
Here’s a breakdown of the lineup and what each product brings to the table:
Sweets
Cognac-dipped Sweets offer a mellow, subtly sweet profile. They’re perfect for moments when you want to wind down without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re pairing with a drink or just enjoying the quiet, Sweets deliver a laid-back, refined smoke.
- Flavor: Cognac-dipped
- Style: Filtered or unfiltered
- Vibe: Sweet, mellow, relaxed
- Best for: Evenings, solo smokes, first-time cigarillo users
Jamaican Blaze
Bold and slightly fruity, Jamaican Blaze is dipped in rum for a richer, deeper flavor. The profile has warmth and character, great for smokers who want something with edge but still refined. It’s a full-flavored cigarillo without the burn.
- Flavor: Rum-dipped
- Style: Filtered or unfiltered
- Vibe: Bold, aromatic, social
- Best for: Weekends, sharing with friends, flavorful sessions
Gold
If you’re looking for something strong and straightforward, Gold is the move. It’s unflavored, bold, and aromatic, designed for smokers who want the full tobacco experience. No frills. No sweetness. Just the real deal.
- Flavor: None (unflavored)
- Style: Filtered or unfiltered
- Vibe: Strong, serious, focused
- Best for: Experienced smokers, post-dinner rituals
Blues
Blues are the mellow, aromatic choice for smokers who like their cigarillos lighter. While they aren’t flavored, they still carry a subtle, natural aroma. These are ideal for everyday moments when you just want to light up and chill.
- Flavor: None (unflavored, aromatic)
- Style: Filtered or unfiltered
- Vibe: Easygoing, casual, light
- Best for: Everyday smokes, midday breaks
- Note: Blues are machine-rolled, not hand-rolled
Natural Leaf Wraps
Prefer to roll your own? Al Capone also offers premium natural tobacco leaf wraps. They’re soft, sealed for freshness, and come with a built-in adhesive strip for easy rolling. Available in Original, Cognac, and Rum, these wraps give you full control over what and how you smoke.
- Construction: 100% tobacco leaf
- Adhesive: Self-sealing strip
- Flavors: Original, Cognac, Rum
- Best for: Custom rolls, DIY smokers, slow-burning satisfaction
Where to Buy Cigarillos
You know what you want, now the only question is where to get it.
Al Capone cigarillos are available both in-store and online, giving you the flexibility to shop however you prefer. Whether you’re grabbing a quick 2-pack on your way out or stocking up for the week, there’s no need to hunt. The process is simple, fast, and consistent, just how a real smoke should be.
In-Store: Find Cigarillos Near You
Al Capone cigarillos are carried at convenience stores, gas stations, smoke shops, and major retailers across the country. With wide distribution and recognizable packaging, they’re easy to spot and even easier to grab on the go.
To find a nearby retailer, use the store locator on the Al Capone website. Just type in your zip code and you’ll see a list of locations that carry your favorite products, cigarillos, cigars, or wraps. Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, there’s likely a pack waiting not far from you.
Online: Shop for Cigarillos and Wraps
Prefer to order from home? You can also buy cigarillos online through trusted retail partners. This option gives you access to the full lineup of products, including filtered and unfiltered options, natural leaf wraps, and the tubed Al Capone Sweets cigar.
Shopping online means:
- Fresh stock with long shelf life
- Easy access to all varieties
- No need to guess if your favorite is in stock
- Delivered discreetly and quickly to your door
When ordering online, always choose a verified retailer linked through the official Al Capone website to ensure product authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Cigarillos aren’t about being flashy. They’re about showing up with confidence, lighting up without effort, and enjoying something real in the middle of your day. Whether you’re rolling your own or grabbing a pack on the go, Al Capone makes it easy to enjoy that moment your way.
From mellow to bold, filtered to hand-rolled, every Al Capone cigarillo is designed with one purpose in mind: to deliver quality without the noise. It’s not about chasing perfection, it’s about choosing real, every single time.
So when it’s time to light up, reach for something that reflects you, no fuss, no filler, just the good stuff.
Real. Not perfect. Just how you like it.
