Why box press?

[SergeantStogie]

One of the guys on my team whom I have begun sharing what I know about cigars with, asked me today; Why do they box press? Does it change the flavor? And I had no answer. I know it looks cool. But does it do anything to improve/change the cigar? I know I hate cutting them. But other than that, I had no answer.

 

[Soundwave13]

I can only speculate, but here's my theory:

(a) it DOES change the flavor a bit - as anyone who's smoked a box-pressed vs cabinet cigar of the same brand & vitola can attest - I don't think it's drastic, but it IS noticable.

(b) I believe that when a stick is pressed, it squeezes out the excess moisture/oils within the leaves, compressing them and allowing the oils to sit on top of the leaves as apposed to within them. I believe this acts to improve the ignition of the leaf and promotes a more consistant burn throughout.

The effect can be dramatic, depending upon the quality & the oil-content of the leaf not to mention the length of time & how dramatic the press is...

Just my .02. :crosseyed

 

[vivalanation734]

Why? because boxes are square and cigars are round. Put enough round stuff close enough together in a square box and they adapt to fit.

 

[Dread]

To keep cigars from rolling off the table

Also heard that they were made for sailors and other blue collar workers because the shape is easier to hold. There is certainly a flavor difference as well which is probably why the box press became so popular. I notice box press cigars to be smoother.

 

[Thegreekone]

While my time here is limited, it seems to me that Padron has really mastered the box-press. Maybe we should post it to their website or FB page?

 

[tmoney2007]

From what I've heard, the extra contact with the box changes the flavor a bit.

I think they do it to be different. IIRC for a while, Padron was the only company doing a box press.

 

[tobii3]

To keep cigars from rolling off the table

And the golf cart. I miss the old Alec Bradley Tri-Press.

Seriously, though, exactly what Soundwave pointed out -

(b) I believe that when a stick is pressed, it squeezes out the excess moisture/oils within the leaves, compressing them and allowing the oils to sit on top of the leaves as apposed to within them. I believe this acts to improve the ignition of the leaf and promotes a more consistant burn throughout.

 

[Treinenwj]

Hmm, I thought it was just for appearance.

 

[Davidhudson]

Hmm, I thought it was just for appearance.

Same here. Looks damn nice having them all lined up in a box, perfectly spaced and whatnot. Can't say I've tried a box pressed cigar yet. Better get back to smoking. :cjump:

 

[mbell]

I never realized it changed the flavor either but that does make sense. I agree the boxed press sticks look cool.

 

[Alwayslit]

Good example of how a cigar tastes different would be a VSG round and a box pressed VSG.

 

[theshoreways]

I don't know if it's purely psychological but I generally prefer a boxed pressed if I can get it. I do consistently notice a difference between the NUB torp Cameroon and the BPT. I guess it just comes down to preference.

 

[tmoney2007]

Also, if I have to smoke a larger rg cigar, I prefer it to be box pressed.

 

[DeeDubya]

Cuban "cuadrados" are the original box pressed, but I believe Padron 1964 Anniversary series were the first here. Maybe a good reason that "box pressed" has become a desirable characteristic.

 

[Le Buzz]

I read somewhere that box-pressed cigars originated in Cuba, but not by design, but by accident. At some point someone made the boxes too small or cigars too big and the cigars could barely fit. When they sealed the overstuffed boxes they created the boxed pressed shape.

Not sure if it's true but it does make sense. I personally am a huge fan of boxed pressed smokes. They feel more elegant in my hand and just look so nice in the humi.

 

[RyanCuad]

authentic cuban press

 

[Dr. Bunkenstein]

Google is your friend

http://www.guideto.com/cigars/what-are-box-pressed-cigars/

 

[mthhurley]

I heard via gibbleguts that, as an example, the new Illusione 4/2g box press actually had to use one less leaf of tobacco in order for it to fit in the molds. So there must be a flavor difference, thought I've not smoked them side by side to see.

 

[gibbleguts]

I heard via gibbleguts that, as an example, the new Illusione 4/2g box press actually had to use one less leaf of tobacco in order for it to fit in the molds. So there must be a flavor difference, thought I've not smoked them side by side to see.

Yes that was from Dion at IPCPR. I think what it comes down to is in order to press it ans not affect the wrapper or the draw they need to roll it a little looser before the press. Which leaf they choose to omit will affect the blend. It could make the blend milder or spicier depending what way the decide to go. Another thing that interests me about this thread is a n experience I had last week. I went out of town and visited a b&m a few hours away. I stopped in for a smoke and asked the owner what was really good at the moment. He recommmended a Bolivar CE with a caveat if I was ok with the box pressing as this box seemed a bit extra pressed. Personally I don't care it was a fantastic cigar and smoked beautifully. Talking with him as I smoked he informed me that he is a big smoker of cigars from 50ct cabinet and as stuch found the box pressing to be a little off putting for him. He truly believes that the cabinets are of better quality so the box pressing is a sign of inferiority. He says this even though he had just recomended a dress box cigar that was heavily pressed and excellent. Now personally other then how it affects the blend I personally thing is just an aesthetics thing and not picky other wise.
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[Cyrann]

I have heard because the wrapper is not pretty enough... not in all cases, but is the reason that some do it.