Not every evening has room for a 90-minute cigar. Cuban cigarillos give you real Habanos flavour in 15 to 20 minutes - the length of a coffee or a walk around the block. The catch is that the tins look almost the same on the shelf. This guide compares the Cohiba Club, Cohiba Mini, Montecristo Mini, Partagás Mini and Partagás Serie Mini so you know which one fits your taste before you buy.
What counts as a Cuban cigarillo?
A cigarillo is a small, thin cigar - usually under 10 cm long and about the width of a pencil. The Cuban ones are made from 100% Cuban tobacco and sold by the big Habanos houses in packs of 20. You don't need a cutter, they light fast and they're easy to carry. Think of them as a quick taste of each brand's house style rather than a smaller copy of its flagship cigar.
New to cigar terms like ring gauge and strength? Our cigar basics guide covers them in plain language.
Cohiba Club vs Cohiba Mini
This is the question we hear most. Both are Cohiba, both come 20 to a pack, and both share the brand's smooth, creamy character with cedar and light spice.
- Cohiba Club: a little longer and thicker, so it smokes a few minutes longer and a touch cooler. It's the one to pick if you want something closer to a short cigar.
- Cohiba Mini: the shorter, slimmer of the two. Same Cohiba profile in a quicker smoke, good for a work break or when it's cold out.
If you're torn, start with the Club. If you find yourself only getting halfway through, the Mini is your size.
Montecristo Mini - the balanced middle
The Montecristo Mini is a medium-bodied, easygoing smoke with cedar, cocoa and a creamy finish. It sits between Cohiba's smooth style and Partagás's bolder one, which makes it a safe first Cuban cigarillo and an easy one to share with friends who are new to cigars.
Partagás Mini and Serie Mini - for bolder taste
Partagás is one of the oldest Havana brands, founded in 1845, and it's known for an earthy, peppery style. The Partagás Mini brings that character into a quick smoke: earth, wood, leather and a hint of pepper, medium to full in strength. The Partagás Serie Mini leans fuller still, with the same earthy and woody core. If you already enjoy stronger cigars, these are the cigarillos that won't feel too light.
Quick comparison
- Smoothest and creamiest: Cohiba Mini and Cohiba Club.
- Easygoing and balanced: Montecristo Mini.
- Boldest: Partagás Mini, then Partagás Serie Mini.
- Longest smoke: Cohiba Club.
Want something a bit bigger?
If a cigarillo feels too short but you're not ready for a full robusto, try a slim Cuban cigar. The Guantanamera Décimos is a light, woody short panetela sold as a single, and the Guantanamera Cristales is a mild 5 7/8 x 41 cigar - both are easy, budget-friendly introductions to Cuban tobacco. For a classic hand-rolled petit corona, the Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs is medium-bodied with cedar and gentle spice in around 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips for enjoying cigarillos
- Toast the foot with a lighter for a few seconds before you draw - it gives a more even burn.
- Puff slowly, about once a minute. Drawing too fast makes small cigars hot and bitter.
- Cigarillos are puffed for flavour, not inhaled, just like full-size cigars.
- Pair the Cohiba or Montecristo with an espresso, and the Partagás with something darker like a stout or a dark roast.
- Keep the pack closed and away from heat and sunlight so the tobacco doesn't dry out.
Buying genuine Cuban cigarillos in Vancouver
Tobacconist & Vape is an authorized Habanos retailer, so every Cuban tin on our shelf comes through the official channel. Want to know what to look for on the pack? Our guide on spotting authentic Habanos walks you through the seals and labels.
Browse the full range in our cigar collection, or visit us at 140 - 2741 E Hastings St, Vancouver - a franchised Express News store. Order before 5 PM for same-day delivery between 6 PM and 7 PM to Vancouver, Burnaby and parts of North Vancouver. You must be 19+, and ID is checked at pickup and delivery.