Of the many descriptive words and phrases used for cigars, “box-pressed” is a fairly common one. The term refers to a unique step that is sometimes added to the rolling process, resulting in a cigar that is slightly more square than rounded. But what is the technique of box pressing and, more importantly, why do it at all?

How Box Pressing Works

As the name suggests, box-pressed cigars are placed into a box right after rolling. This ensures that the cigars are still fresh and pliant, allowing them to take the shape of the mold (or box). After several boxes are stacked, a large press is used to apply just the right amount of pressure to give the cigars their distinct shape.

An alternate method for creating box-pressed cigars is called trunk pressing. This method involves intricately placing wooden slats between each cigar. The gentle pressure will flatten the sides, and then the cigars are turned a quarter turn to repeat the process on the other sides. Trunk pressing is less common than standard box pressing, but it does create straighter edges.

Why Box Press Cigars

Originally, cigars were box pressed in Cuba to simply package and store cigars more efficiently. Others outside of Cuba began doing so not only for these practical reasons, but for smokability as well. The square shape creates some extra space at the corners of your mouth while smoking. This often results in a smoother, cooler draw, making box-pressed cigars a desirable option among aficionados.

As if that wasn’t reason enough, box-pressed cigars technically fit more tobacco in them than their traditional counterparts. So, if you’re the type of person who likes big-ring cigars, but think they feel a little awkward in your hand and mouth, try a box-pressed smoke. You’ll get all the punch of a big ring in a more compact, convenient package.

Looking to add some box-pressed smokes to your humidor? Consider trying Montecristo’s 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 or the Acid Twenty.