Qu’est-ce qu’un cigare au format box-pressed ?
One of the most thrilling aspects of the cigar world is its ability to amaze us. Every new cigar is a discovery, an exploration, a journey to unknown lands. This extraordinary odyssey is made possible by manufacturers’ insatiable desire to surprise us and offer unique, memorable experiences. To achieve this, they create cigars that are ever more sophisticated, distinguished not only by their aromatic variety, but also by their shape and construction.
Among these original creations, box-pressed cigars are a true exception. Yet this format has more than a few advantages and continues to win over many aficionados around the world. In this article, we invite you to discover the history and benefits of this distinctive format.
What is a box-pressed cigar?
The term “box-pressed” literally translates as “pressed in a box.” It refers to cigars with a square shape, as opposed to classic cylindrical cigars.
The degree of flatness of box-pressed cigars varies depending on the manufacturing method used. Some cigars will therefore have a rectangular body with rounded edges, while others will have right-angled ends.
The origins of the box-pressed format
There is no established consensus regarding the origins of box-pressed cigars. Most experts do agree, however, that this format was born in the early 20th century on the island of Cuba.
For some, the box-pressed format is the result of an accident, much like tarte tatin. It supposedly appeared by chance because of cigar packing conditions. At the time, cigar makers packed cigars tightly into small boxes to reduce transportation costs. Fresh from the factory, these cigars retained a high level of moisture, which made them particularly pliable. During sea transport, the weight of the cigars and the pressure exerted between them caused them to take on the shape of their container. Once they arrived in Europe, these compressed cigars were marketed as “box-pressed.”
For other aficionados, the “box-pressed” format is the result of an intentional process. According to them, manufacturers deliberately gave their cigars a boxy shape in order to limit the risk of damage caused by the movement of the vitolas during transport. Another theory is that this format was chosen to optimize space in cigar boxes, ultimately making it possible to save on shipping costs. While the theories differ, the origin of the “box-pressed” format would thus lie in the storage conditions of cigars intended for transport.
How are box-pressed cigars made?
There are two ways to make box-pressed cigars: box pressing and trunk pressing.
Box pressing
This technique is the most common. It involves placing freshly rolled cigars in a narrow box. The boxes are then stacked on top of one another and placed under a hand press. Gentle pressure is applied to allow the cigars to take the shape of the boxes without damaging the wrapper leaves. Cigars shaped using this technique have slightly rounded ends and may retain part of their original shape. This is the case with the Montecristo No. 2 and the Romeo Y Julieta Belicoso.
Trunk pressing
The trunk pressing technique consists of placing freshly rolled cigars in rectangular wooden molds. It allows each cigar to be shaped individually. The cigars are pressed for up to 12 hours on one side, then turned over for the same amount of time in order to achieve a uniform boxy shape. Unlike the box pressing technique, this method produces cigars with sharp, very well-defined corners. They are also more expensive than box-pressed cigars because of the complexity of the process.
While the term “box-pressed” is generally used to refer to all boxy cigars without distinction, some consider this designation technically incorrect when applied to trunk-pressed cigars and prefer the term “trunk pressing.”
How do you cut a box-pressed cigar?
The distinctive shape of box-pressed cigars is not compatible with most traditional cigar cutters. Single-blade and double-blade guillotine cutters generally have a circular opening that does not allow you to insert a cubed cigar. It is therefore advisable to turn to punch cutters and cigar scissors.
What is the appeal of box-pressed cigars compared with Parejos?
For some aficionados, the “box-pressed” format offers many advantages over the traditional parejo format.
A practical format
In addition to the benefits related to carrying cigars, the cubed shape is appreciated by some smokers for its convenience of use. This format prevents cigars from rolling on the table or slipping out of ashtrays. It thus saves distracted smokers from ending up with a damaged cigar, or even a burnt rug or hardwood floor.
A better draw
The pressure applied to box-pressed cigars to compact the tobacco leaves helps produce a slower burn and a looser draw. With each puff, the temperature has time to cool, which allows for more pronounced flavors. For some enthusiasts, cigars rolled in a box-pressed format also go out less often than Parejos.
An amplified aromatic range
According to some experts, the cubed shape of box-pressed cigars helps bring out the tobacco’s aromas. They are therefore said to release more intense and more consistent flavors than their cylindrical counterparts. That said, it is difficult to draw a conclusion, since there are very few cigars rolled with the same blend and available in both formats. Once again, it seems to be more a matter of taste than an absolute truth. We therefore recommend trying a box-pressed cigar for yourself so you can form your own opinion.