C.Gars Cuban Cigars

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Box-Pressed Cigars

Cigars are made in a variety of shapes, sizes and strengths - each offering an exceptional smoke (we have an article dedicated to cigar shapes which you can read here). Box-Pressed cigars are very noticeable due to their square shape. Some aficionados will call them a variety of names including square cigars, vice-pressed or trunk-pressed. Whatever you want to call them, they can deliver an incredible smoking experience and we are here to explain exactly what a box-pressed cigar is and how they are made.

A box-pressed cigar is essentially a cigar that has been pressed into a square shape. No one knows exactly how they started, but there are a few theories that exist as to why and how. One theory is actually very simple and in fact quite logical, the reason they were first created was to stop cigars rolling off the table, (genius if you ask us). 

A more widely accepted idea is that box-pressed cigars were created by mistake. The manufacturers made cigars with too much moisture, packaged them in a box slightly too small and as a result of the weight and pressure the cigars changed shape, this mistake was then marketed as box-pressed.

Whatever the origin, box-pressed cigars are now enjoyed around the world for their incredible smoking experience.

To make box-pressed cigars, the rolled cigars are set to rest in a designated room known as the aging room. During this process, the moisture slowly evaporates from the cigar and the flavours marry together. When box-pressed cigars were first made they would be pressed into the square shape naturally by being boxed early in the aging process. These days most manufacturers use a more controlled method called trunk-pressing - the cigars are placed in wooden vessels with slats that separate them, they are compressed for a period of time, then turned and pressed again to get the square shape.

Due to the shape, loose tobacco can sift from the cigar into the mouth and the square shape can have a different mouth feel than a traditional cigar. However what makes box-pressed cigars enjoyable is the draw - the shape enhances the smoking experience, making the draw slightly looser and the burn even.

One of the best box-pressed cigars include the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro. This was Cigar Aficionado’s cigar of the year for 2019. A box pressed torpedo, the flavour is complex and develops throughout the smoke, turning from rich and heavy with notes of wood and dark chocolate, to subtle and sweet hints of caramel and almonds. This complex blend of Nicaraguan tobacco has created a wonderful full-bodied cigar, with an excellent draw and burn as a delicious taste and aroma.

Another great box-pressed cigar is the Oliva Serie G - Maduro Belicoso. This cigar is a medium body blend made with Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The unique flavour notes of this wrapper are complemented by the natural richness of Nicaraguan fillers. The Serie G Maduro is a cigar with notes of spice and rich cedar. It is a complex cigar crafted for the more developed palate.

Written by Oliver Partington

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