Overview

In the Diesel catalog, the Little Devil occupies a deceptively humble place. While the brand is known for bold, in-your-face blends that often lean toward larger ring gauges and extended smoking sessions, this Petit Corona arrives as a quiet revelation. It is not a diminutive novelty or a mere concession to the modern demand for shorter smokes; it is a concentrated expression of what Diesel does best, compressed into a format that demands serious attention from the very first draw. The construction is typical of the AJ Fernandez factories in Danlí, Honduras — consistent, no-nonsense, and built to perform. The Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a medium-dark Colorado shade with a light tooth and a natural sheen, hints at the complexity within. It conceals a binder and long-filler core that blend Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos, a marriage that gives the cigar its signature tension between raw power and layered refinement. From the opening notes of black pepper and roasted coffee, the Little Devil makes no apologies. It is immediate, aggressive, and unflinching. But as the smoke progresses, a quieter intelligence emerges. The pepper softens into a more measured spice, allowing dark chocolate, dried cherry, and raisin to assert themselves. The retrohale becomes a study in contrast — charred oak, cocoa nib, and a hint of minerality that keeps the palate engaged. The final third tightens its grip with espresso and toasted nuts, finishing on a pleasantly bitter dark chocolate note that lingers. This is not a cigar that fades or loses focus. It builds, it challenges, and it completes its arc in roughly 30 to 40 minutes — a remarkable achievement for a vitola that some might dismiss as a quick filler. The Diesel Little Devil is, in fact, a masterclass in short-format design. It offers no filler, no wasted motion. Every millimeter of the 4.5 x 46 ring delivers a coherent, full-flavored experience that rivals blends costing twice as much. In a market saturated with oversized, overpriced cigars that often fail to justify their own length, the Little Devil stands as a quiet rebuke — proof that quality is not a function of size, and that the best things often come in compact, powerful packages.

Cigar Specifications

WrapperNicaraguan Habano — Colorado
BinderNicaraguan
FillerNicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers
Country of OriginDanlí, Honduras
Vitola / ShapePetit Corona
Size4.5 x 46
StrengthMedium-Full
Price$7–$10 per cigar
TierEveryday
AgingMinimal declared aging; tobacco selections are blended and rested prior to rolling

Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression

First Third

Opens with a sharp hit of black pepper and roasted coffee bean that commands attention immediately. Cedar and leather provide structural backbone, while a subtle earthiness anchors the blend from the first draw.

Second Third

The pepper integrates and mellows into a more nuanced spice as dark chocolate and dried fruit — think raisin and dark cherry — emerge. The retrohale carries significant complexity with charred oak and cocoa nib notes coming forward.

Final Third

The final third intensifies with espresso, toasted nuts, and lingering wood spice. Some tasters note a mineral quality alongside a pleasantly bitter dark chocolate finish. Strength climbs noticeably in the closing inches.

Construction, Burn & Draw

Construction is consistent and reliable for the price point — the draw tends to be slightly on the open side but rarely problematic, and the burn line is mostly even with a firm, gray-white ash that holds an inch or more before dropping.

Pairing Recommendations

Spirit

A wheated bourbon such as W.L. Weller 12 Year or Maker's Mark 46 — the vanilla and caramel notes counterbalance the pepper-forward profile beautifully

Wine

A bold Zinfandel or Petite Sirah from Lodi or Paso Robles — their dark fruit and peppery character echo the cigar's own DNA

Non-Alcoholic

A double-shot Americano or cold brew concentrate — the roasted coffee notes in the cigar and the beverage create a harmonious loop

Who Should Smoke This?

The Diesel Little Devil is best suited for the experienced smoker who values concentration over duration. It is a cigar for the aficionado who knows that the best smoke of the day sometimes has to fit between meetings, errands, or a lunch break. It is unapologetically bold — medium-full in strength and full in flavor — so novices may find it a bit challenging, though its short length makes it a manageable trial for those curious about stepping up from milder profiles. Anyone who appreciates the Diesel house style — aggressive, complex, and unpretentious — will find this mini robusto to be a faithful, time-efficient companion. It is not a contemplative evening smoke; it is a focused, rewarding interlude that demands and rewards your attention for its duration.

Bottom Line

The Diesel Little Devil is the sleeper value of the Diesel lineup — an intense, well-constructed Petit Corona that delivers the brand's signature punch in a compact, 30-to-40-minute format. It is the best price-to-performance ratio in the short-filler segment and a must-try for any smoker who values efficiency without compromise.

Similar Cigars

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Diesel Little Devil a strong cigar?

Yes, the Diesel Little Devil is rated at medium-full strength, a 4 out of 5. It delivers a noticeable nicotine kick, especially in the final third, making it a robust smoke for its compact size.

What does the Diesel Little Devil taste like?

It opens with sharp black pepper and roasted coffee, then evolves into cedar, leather, dark chocolate, and dried fruit such as raisin and cherry. The retrohale offers charred oak and cocoa nib, and the final third brings espresso, toasted nuts, and a pleasantly bitter dark chocolate finish.

How long does the Diesel Little Devil take to smoke?

This Petit Corona offers a 30 to 40 minute smoking experience, making it ideal for a short break or a compressed window between obligations.

What is the best pairing for the Diesel Little Devil?

A wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12 Year or Maker's Mark 46 complements its pepper-forward profile with vanilla and caramel. For wine, a bold Zinfandel or Petite Sirah from Lodi or Paso Robles echoes its dark fruit and spice. For a non-alcoholic option, a double-shot Americano or cold brew harmonizes with its roasted coffee notes.

Is the Diesel Little Devil good for beginners?

It is not recommended for beginners due to its medium-full strength and aggressive flavor profile. However, its short format makes it a possible stepping stone for new smokers who have already tried milder cigars and want to explore bolder blends without a lengthy time commitment.

Where can I buy the Diesel Little Devil?

The Diesel Little Devil is widely available at major online cigar retailers, brick-and-mortar tobacconists, and through the official Diesel Cigars website. As a core line offering, it is typically in steady production and easy to find.

What is the price of the Diesel Little Devil?

The Diesel Little Devil is priced between $7 and $10 per cigar, placing it in the everyday, value-oriented tier of premium cigars.

Is the Diesel Little Devil worth aging?

The Diesel Little Devil has minimal declared aging and is meant to be smoked fresh. While some cigars benefit from extended rest, this blend is designed for immediate enjoyment and does not have a track record of improving significantly with long-term aging.

What wrapper does the Diesel Little Devil use?

It uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade — a medium-dark, reddish-brown leaf that is lightly toothy with a subtle natural sheen.

Where is the Diesel Little Devil made?

It is hand-rolled at a factory affiliated with AJ Fernandez in Danlí, Honduras.