Ah, summer. That magical time of year when you bargain with your higher power and we promise never to complain about smoking a cigar in cold weather ever again (Spoiler alert: We will)

Your oven is a 4-Star sauna, your lighter is hot before you ever ignite it, and I don’t even want to talk about those beads of sweat running down the inside of your shirt.

If that wasn’t enough, you decided to light up that Churchill.

This is not the time to break out that 8×80 monster you got as a birthday gift from your cigar friends. This is the time to visit (or re-visit) some smaller sizes — some summer cigars.

Summer Cigars to Smoke

Warped Quarto – A compact powerhouse with plenty of flavor to satisfy your shorter time frame, a perfect summer cigar.
Joya De Nicaragua Antano 1970 Gran Consol – Seriously, you are done smoking faster than it takes to read the name. This is a full-strength beauty that is bold, spicy, and over before you overheat.
Quesada Petites – These little 4” wonders work great for a quick break. (PS Please bring back the “Winter Pack” – works for summer as well).
Tatuaje Petit Cazadores Reserva 4” – My god, does every short summer cigar have a long name? Medium strength with some great broadleaf maduro.
Fuente Short Story – For me, this was the first short cigar I fell in love with. A Perfect example of a full cigar experience in a small package

If those aren’t in your wheelhouse, you have probably been walking by your favorite brand that is also offering some smaller sizes. Davidoff, Padron, Illusione, Oliva, and more all have quicker smoke options.

Lastly, Two Quick Summer Cigar Smoking Tips

Hydrate or Die-drate (I’m not even sure that is a word) – Cigars naturally dry out. Add 90-degree heat and you have a dehydration cocktail.

Protect your cigars – Yes, the smaller sizes are easier to take with you, but that doesn’t mean you can leave a couple in the glovebox of your 1975 Datsun Honey Bee and expect them to fire up and smoke correctly. Boveda packs will buy you some time…but nothing beats the heat (unless you have a Tesla and throw it in ‘dog mode’ when you hit the stores).

Got any go-to summer smoking tips (other than “smoke inside”) or favorite summer cigar? Leave them in the Comments!