Box-pressed cigars are hard to miss. Their square shape stands out among rows of traditional round cigars, and for many cigar enthusiasts, they offer something distinct, a cooler burn, a looser draw, and a comfortable grip that feels right at home in the hand.
But where did the box-pressed cigar come from? And does pressing tobacco into a squared shape really change how it smokes? Let’s take a closer look at what makes box-pressed cigars unique, how they’re made, and why so many premium brands, from E.P. Carrillo to Oliva, continue to produce them.
A box-pressed cigar is one that’s been gently pressed into a square or rectangular shape rather than rolled perfectly round. While they start out like traditional cigars (if you’re new to cigar types, our Cigar 101: The Beginner’s Guide offers a helpful overview), these sticks are later compressed,either by stacking or using molds, which flattens the sides and softens the edges.
Some box-pressed cigars are “soft-pressed,” featuring slightly rounded corners, while “hard-pressed” versions form sharp, distinct edges and a firm final shape. The pressing process affects a cigar’s smoking characteristics, draw, burn, and feel in subtle but noticeable ways.
Box-pressed cigars trace their roots back to pre-embargo Cuba, when sailing vessels carried cigars packed tightly into wooden boxes to save space. The compression naturally flattened them. Smokers soon discovered these “square-pressed” cigars often drew better and burned more evenly.
Over time, cigar makers began to refine this method intentionally through trunk pressing, a technique that uses wooden molds and steady pressure to achieve consistency and the signature box-pressed shape.
The style reemerged during the 1990s cigar boom, when prominent makers like Padron, Perdomo, and Rocky Patel reintroduced the look and feel of box pressing as a mark of quality and tradition.
The process begins just like any other premium cigar, freshly rolled cigars are made by hand using select tobaccos that have been sorted, fermented, and aged for balance. Once rolled, they’re placed into square wooden molds or pressed between flat wooden slats that apply gentle, even pressure.
This pressing process slightly compacts the filler tobacco, creating tighter packing that changes how air moves through the cigar. The result is a slower burn, better draw, and smoother flavor profile. Because the filler is packed tightly, the smoke remains cool and balanced throughout.
The wrapper leaf must also be elastic enough to withstand the compression, Ecuadorian Connecticut and Nicaraguan Habano are popular choices for this reason.
The most obvious difference between box-pressed and round cigars is their shape, but the impact goes beyond appearance.
Many cigar enthusiasts describe box-pressed cigars as refined and balanced, while round cigars showcase more intensity and dynamic flavor shifts. If you’re curious how different cigar shapes influence burn, draw, and flavor, check out our Guide to Cigar Shapes and Size for a deeper breakdown of each style.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, whether you like your smoke to evolve dramatically or stay balanced from start to finish.
Pressing tobacco changes the cigar’s airflow and burn rate, which directly affects flavor development. Because box-pressed cigars are more tightly packed, they tend to burn slower and cooler, allowing flavors to blend more evenly across each draw.
This results in a smoother flavor profile with less harshness, ideal for exploring nuanced notes like cedar, cream, cocoa, or spice. Many smokers also appreciate how the square shape helps the cigar rest securely on a table or ashtray between puffs, a small but practical advantage during a relaxed session with bourbon or coffee.
If you’re ready to explore some of the best box-pressed cigars, here are a few standouts available right now at After Action Cigars, each offering a slightly different take on the style:
E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel (Box Pressed) – A full-bodied experience defined by dark chocolate, espresso, and spice. Its precise construction and long finish earned it top industry awards.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Robusto – Deeply rich and smooth, wrapped in a San Andrés Maduro leaf. A benchmark for flavor complexity and refined power.
My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo (Box Pressed Torpedo) – A square-pressed powerhouse from Nicaragua, balancing leather, spice, and dark cocoa with flawless structure.
La Aroma de Cuba Pasión Torpedo (Box Pressed) – Medium-bodied with sweet spice, cedar, and creamy smoke, handmade under the García family’s watchful eye.
Ashton VSG (Box Pressed) – Known for its bold, aged Dominican blend and seamless Ecuadorian wrapper, offering a rich, complex smoke with exceptional balance.
Box-Pressed Beauties Sampler – A curated collection of the best-pressed cigars across multiple brands for those who love exploring different variations.
Box-pressed cigars require the same attention as round cigars but can benefit from a few small adjustments:
Cut: Use a straight cutter or cigar scissors for a clean, even slice across the square cap. Avoid punch cutters, they struggle with flat tops.
Light: Toast the corners evenly. Because box-pressed cigars have more edges, rotate the flame slowly to ensure an even light.
Smoke: Draw gently and savor the rhythm. These cigars are often packed tightly, so they burn cooler and slower, producing dense, aromatic smoke that enhances the experience.
Take your time and enjoy how each draw reveals the cigar’s structure and blend, from first light to final shape.
Whether box-pressed cigars are “better” depends entirely on what you value in a cigar. Many smokers enjoy the consistent flavor, cooler draw, and refined balance of pressed cigars, while others prefer the evolving complexity of round cigars.
Box pressing is less about superiority and more about craftsmanship, it’s an expression of precision. A well-made box-pressed cigar shows confidence in the blend, construction, and flavor profile, combining control with artistry.
Today, nearly every major cigar brand produces a box-pressed version of their best-selling lines. What began as an accidental flattening during shipment has evolved into a defining hallmark of premium cigars, one that combines innovation, tradition, and artistry.
Whether it’s the E.P. Carrillo Pledge, the Oliva Master Blends 3, or the My Father Le Bijou 1922, the box-pressed shape signals attention to detail and craftsmanship. Each one delivers a cooler burn, smoother draw, and balanced flavor that keeps enthusiasts coming back for more.
Box-pressed cigars are more than just a unique appearance, they’re about refinement, control, and craftsmanship. They demonstrate how subtle changes in construction can transform flavor and feel. From the slower burn to the smooth flavor profile, these cigars are prized for balance and performance.
If you’re ready to add more cigars like these to your humidor, explore our wide selection of handmade cigars at After Action Cigars. Whether you’re seeking a box pressed torpedo, a mellow Connecticut, or a powerhouse Nicaraguan blend, these premium cigars prove that sometimes, a little pressure brings out the best.
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