My first box pressed cigar - question???

[itsme_timd]

I'm trying a RyJ Viejo E tonight and the flavor is delicious. The smoke on this one seems very 'cool' on the draw. Just getting into it but I hope it finishes well.

My question. The draw on this is TIGHT! Is that normal for a box-pressed cigar? It doesn't seem plugged - but a very heavy draw.

Part 2 of the question... What is the purpose of the box press?

Thanks!

[chippewastud79]

Originally Posted by itsme_timd

Part 2 of the question... What is the purpose of the box press?

Thanks!

Looks

[itsme_timd]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Looks

OK, OK, I'll give it that - it does look cool.

[PhillyPhan]

"If you have friends smoking cigars, don't be surprised if you see one or two of them holding a rather squarish shaped one instead of the regular round cigars. These are called "box-pressed" or "square-pressed" cigars. Cigars acquire the square-shaped characteristics from being packed tightly inside of a box, hence also the name box-pressed cigars.

Packing the cigars tightly on a box was originally a shipment issue. To save on shipping space, manufacturers will pack boxes with as many cigars as possible. The first ever box-pressed cigars came from Cuba sometime in the onset of the 20th century.

For a long time Cubans were the only one's making and exporting "cuadrados" or box-pressed cigars. This remained the status quo up until Padron came out with their Padron Anniversary 1964 series. Today box-pressed cigars are part of the cigar varieties that smokers can choose from. It has moved from being an exception into something conventional and commercial. So today, there are cigars makers that intentionally shape the round bodies into square.

Manufacturers do this by pressing the cigars into square molds before they are packed into boxes and be readied for shipping. Like what was mentioned at earlier, box-pressing a cigar involves packing it tightly along with the others into boxes. In time, the cigar shape will begin to conform to that of the box. There's also a trunk-pressing technique that has and still in use today. Although, this process is more delicate and involves the use of a trunk press made of wood. The press clamps together the cigars for about 30 minutes to as long as 12 hours.

Among the best known quality box-pressed cigars are Padron Anniversary, Aspira, Don Tomas Dominican Selection, Perdomo La Tradición, and Sancho Panza. It is said that box-pressed cigars burn longer and give a richer and flavorful smoke.

Depending on the molds or how makers do it, the extent of squareness of box-pressed cigars vary. Some have very sharp edges like the CAO Cameroon, CAO eXtreme, and Padron Anniversary 1964 cigar varieties. The Rocky Patel Vintage, on the other hand, has a more rounded body that the other box-pressed cigars.

When cigars have been shaped square from tight packing, more often than not, when left in a humidor with enough space long enough, they will return to their original rounder shape. However, some cigars retain their squarish appearance even after years of being left in a humidor.

Even, there are claims that box-pressed cigars are unusually strong and rich flavor and smell some still prefer the rounded cigars. It's not that they don't like the richer square ones but people who don't like box-pressed cigars simply don't like the feel of the cigars in their hands or in their mouths. Some like the shape, the feel and the taste.

However, a word of caution. Some cigar suppliers will try and sell you fake cigars and pose them as box-pressed ones. They will pack fake branded cigars into tight boxes and try passing them off as original box-pressed cigars of that brand. It would be best, therefore, that you buy your cigars from legitimate sources."


Found that after a quick google.

[wcktalvrg]

"What is box-pressed?
A cigar, while fresh and moist, is actually pressed in a wood box and the pressure creates a perfectly square shaped cigar. The box-pressed cigars usually burn long and give a more flavorful taste."

Not sure how would changing the shape of a cigar give if more "flavor"... hope that helped lol

[PhillyPhan]

Ive also read that the box pressed cigar was orginally created because it wouldnt roll off of the table to the floor.

[itsme_timd]

Good info, thanks everyone. I'm sure the tighter tobacco affects the longer burn and of course the draw as well. At least that would make sense to me.

[PhillyPhan]

Always happy to help

[Vinnie]

Great timing on your question, as I was filling my new order into my Humi I was wondering it my self. I ended up with a box of RP 1990 Vintage and didn't know why they pressed them.
Vinnie

[itsme_timd]

FYI... the RyJ is seriously pressed! I think I like it the flavor has been wonderful but I've earned every puff on this thing. I'll need to try another to see if they all draw this hard.

[Cigary]

Originally Posted by itsme_timd

FYI... the RyJ is seriously pressed! I think I like it the flavor has been wonderful but I've earned every puff on this thing. I'll need to try another to see if they all draw this hard.

Good cigar and I like the box pressed because they fit in my ashtray very nicely without rolling around. If they are too tight might I suggest some sort of poker to let them draw more naturally without sucking on them like a triple thick shake from McDonalds? The more you suck on these things the more nicotine you will draw,,,,,

[cowboy kilroy]

My first box pressed was this past Sunday afternoon.It was a Torano 'The Brick". It was a great cigar!! The draw was easy ,the taste was very mild,Iam sill a nube and I could snork it with no discomfort at all. This may be my new favorite smoke. I am going back to the B&M and pick up a few more ,if I have the same results I WILL be having a heart to heart with Santa.

[s15driftking]

[quote=PhillyPhan;2002998

When cigars have been shaped square from tight packing, more often than not, when left in a humidor with enough space long enough, they will return to their original rounder shape. However, some cigars retain their squarish appearance even after years of being left in a humidor..[/quote]

that is interesting... anyone want to test that??? or can anyone attest to that?

[ucla695]

I think there are two types of box pressed cigars. Some, that are placed into trays to create the shape (Padron Annys for instance) and are almost perfectly square. Others, like some CCs that come in dress boxes, that have somewhat squared edges, if you will, but still have some roundness to them. The former ones have always maintained the boxy shape, while the latter, depending on how they are stored (loose), may spring back to a rounder shape.

If you're experiencing tight draws, I suggest lowering your RH a little or dry-box the cigar before you smoke it. I always like to test the draw before I light a cigar. If it doesn't draw well, then I dry-box it some more or throw it back into the humi for a later time.

[taltos]

Most of the box pressed cigars that I have had for long periods of time have retained their shape. However, I have had some that will start to assume the rounded shape just behind the cherry. Perhaps the heat and moisture cause them to lose the press.