Im not a huge fan of box-press cigars. Im not sure why, but it makes them seem candy bar like. To me, it almost looks fake. There are some cigars that I havent even tried yet, because theyre box-pressed. Like the Melanio. It really is stupid that I havent yet, just because of its shape. Does anyone else have this issue? I guess it would be like steering away from a certain vitola. There are some now that I think about it, that ignore the box-press, like the TAA 12. Its not so square. Just kinda subtle. If I were to try some more with the box shape, what are your favorites?
Box-press drives me nuts
- Thread starter JLB
- Start date
I agree that the larger box pressed can be a little much/ candy bar shaped (LFD Facotry press 1-4) I like the Oliva V Melanio, TAA 12, Padron 64/26 are some of my favorites. I also like the "trunk-press" on the Headley Grange; cant wait to see the other sizes with that press.
I actually disagree, I find the TAA 12 box press to be pretty extreme. That being said, I only have had a handful of other box pressed to compare it next to.
I enjoy a box pressed cigar, but only on a super premium or a cigar I won't reach for every day. I find it interesting and different. I can definitely see why people don't care for them though. I loved the analogy of a hard candy bar, having that run through my head the entire time would definitely change my opinion.
I enjoy a box pressed cigar, but only on a super premium or a cigar I won't reach for every day. I find it interesting and different. I can definitely see why people don't care for them though. I loved the analogy of a hard candy bar, having that run through my head the entire time would definitely change my opinion.
Well, you know our aesthetics are all so subjective. I kind of prefer box-press, and I think it's 97% psychological. The Padron 1926's that really gave me my first "cigar ephiphany" were box-pressed and now there's just a certain... cachet... in my mind when I grab any oblong beauty. Like, "this is classy!" Interesting you mentioned the Melanio, because I had my first one of those two weeks ago and was immediately sold. An awesome smoke. And, darn, it, I guess I just like that non-cylindrical "mouth feel!" And they won't roll away onto the floor if you happen to need to set one on the edge of a tabletop. It's hip to be square-ish!
I forgot to mention, that I find it almost a pain in the ass to cut! I probably over analyze it, but I never seem to get it right on a box-press. I also find some of them to be packed looser. Like I had one of those San Lotano Ovals awhile back, and it seemed real loose. And I never got the appeal of the oval shape being "perfect" for the mouth. I dunno.
When I first tried a box press cigar, I hated it. Just didn't feel right. Then I had a couple of real good cigars that were box pressed, like the Torano Exudus. Now they still aren't my first choice but I am a lot less resistant to smoking them. I guess they kind of grew on me.
See I'm actually the opposite. If you gave me a dog rocket that was pressed I'd probably really enjoy it. But I totally get where it seems almost gimmicky. I guess I just love it.
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javajunkie
BoM July '12
padron thousands
fuente magnumR
flor de las antillas
la aroma mi amore
a LOT of regular production CCs
not downing your opinion, just there is a LOT to be said for some box pressed cigars. even at the lower ends. o)
fuente magnumR
flor de las antillas
la aroma mi amore
a LOT of regular production CCs
not downing your opinion, just there is a LOT to be said for some box pressed cigars. even at the lower ends. o)
I'm one who didn't originally care for box pressed cigars because I too thought they were gimmicky. The Oliva turned me on to them, and now I really like them for certain cigars.
The CAO Brazilia was already one of my go to cigars, and I tried the box pressed version, and it made an already good cigar even better. I find that the box pressed cigars seem to have a more consistent flavor (and richer in some cases). Of course, YMMV.
The CAO Brazilia was already one of my go to cigars, and I tried the box pressed version, and it made an already good cigar even better. I find that the box pressed cigars seem to have a more consistent flavor (and richer in some cases). Of course, YMMV.
I'm indifferent as long as the cigar is tasty.
I love me some candy bar cigars! I remember reading that the box press shape can slow the burn and enhance the flavors of a cigar...could be bull, but from my experience I've really enjoyed almost every box shape I've smoked now that I think of it!
danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
I've found box pressed cigars to be a little looser in the draw so I have to remind myself to cut the cap a little thinner to compensate. Even then they're usually a little on the loose side. Not sure that it really affects much since there are plenty of cigars that are box pressed that I've liked. I do like that I can set them down for a moment and not worry about them rolling off and I have found them to be slightly more comfortable to hold in the mouth in the larger ring gauges as well. My $0.02.
Dan
Dan
Fwiw, all the cigars mentioned are not actually "box pressed" but rather the are cuadrado aka trunk press.
Box pressed are cigar that are aged round, but are then packed slightly too moist in a slightly to small a box intentionally aka like a dress box of Habana Punch Punch. The press is typically far gentler
Trunk Pressed cigars are instead typically slightly under filled during the bunching and are then pressed in a tray immediately after they are rolled to achieve their shape and are then wicked and aged prior to being boxed pre-pressed. The degree of their press can very drastically depending on the cigar's girth to the pressing trays depth or their side walls (if they have any). They range from a gentle press to a true square to almost like a thick tongue depressor.
There is wide variety of methods of tray/trunk pressing that gives you different results.
BR,
STS
CEO, DE
ps: JLB - you are not alone, I would guestimate that about 30% of the cigar consuming public is adverse to pressed cigars for a variety of reasons.
Box pressed are cigar that are aged round, but are then packed slightly too moist in a slightly to small a box intentionally aka like a dress box of Habana Punch Punch. The press is typically far gentler
Trunk Pressed cigars are instead typically slightly under filled during the bunching and are then pressed in a tray immediately after they are rolled to achieve their shape and are then wicked and aged prior to being boxed pre-pressed. The degree of their press can very drastically depending on the cigar's girth to the pressing trays depth or their side walls (if they have any). They range from a gentle press to a true square to almost like a thick tongue depressor.
There is wide variety of methods of tray/trunk pressing that gives you different results.
BR,
STS
CEO, DE
ps: JLB - you are not alone, I would guestimate that about 30% of the cigar consuming public is adverse to pressed cigars for a variety of reasons.