From simple receptacles for some, to veritable collector's items for others, cigar boxes are an integral part of cigar culture. Unlike humidors, their purpose is not to preserve cigars over time, but to facilitate transport and protect them from external aggression. They are also used by manufacturers to display their identity and attract customer interest. In this article, we look at the design, role and influence of cigar boxes.
The first cigar boxes
According to historians, the first cigar boxes appeared in the 1840s, on the initiative ofH. Upmann. Even before he became the famous cigar manufacturer we know today, this German-born banker had the idea of packaging Cuban cigars in cedar boxes to send to his most prestigious customers. Stamped with the name of the bank H. Upmann & Cie, these boxes protected the cigars during transport while promoting the bank. They also had the added advantage of keeping the cigars moist throughout the journey.
The use of this conditioning method then spread in 1864 under the influence of theUnited States Revenue Act law. Under this law, all cigars destined for the American market had to be packed in boxes to facilitate taxation. The following year, a new law was passed requiring manufacturers to respect box sizes of 25, 50, 100 or 250 cigars. It was not until 1910 that boxes containing 5 and 10 cigars were authorized.
What are cigar boxes for?
While the primary purpose of cigar boxes is to transport and preserve cigars, they also have other functions. Today, they are often used to promote cigars. As well as displaying the logos of the various brands, they are adorned with sumptuous motifs to attract the consumer's eye and reinforce the high-end character of each edition. Some boxes are sculpted in relief, while others feature marquetry or lacquered finishes. The care taken with the aesthetics of certain tins makes them veritable collector's items that can fetch considerable sums.
In addition to enhancing the value of the cigars they contain, cigar boxes convey information such as the composition and size of the cigars, and guarantee their authenticity. They feature various labels, such as the Cuban guarantee seal, the importer's official label, quality control, factory code and production date. It is also becoming increasingly common for these packages to include different visuals that reflect the cigar's strength level and tasting notes.
The beauty of certain boxes, as well as their manufacturing process, has led some enthusiasts to divert them from their original purpose and transform them into everyday objects. It's not uncommon for aficionados to use these boxes to store cigar accessories, jewelry or correspondence. As early as the second half of the 19th century, some boxes were also transformed into musical instruments. Famous artists such as Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones), Ed King and Paul McCartney played with cigar-box guitars.
How are cigar boxes made?
The vast majority of cigar boxes are made of wood, more specifically Spanish cedar. This material offers many advantages for cigar preservation. First and foremost, it is highly absorbent, which helps combat humidity and prevent the formation of mold on cigars. Its porous texture also enables it to release some of the moisture absorbed, maintaining a stable humidity level inside the boxes. Last but not least, its natural scent helps to repel certain parasites that feed on tobacco, such as tobacco beetles. This scent is frequently found in the notes of a cigar, enriching its aromatic bouquet.
Other materials such as American red cedar, l'Honduras mahoganyeucalyptus, white oakIn some cases, cherry and yellow poplar are used as substitutes for Spanish cedar, but tradition dictates that the latter is used for the inside of the box. More recently, composite materials such as acetate, carbon fiber and polymers have also been used to make cigar boxes. The choice of these materials is therefore particularly wide-ranging, and depends on factors such as the desired finish and manufacturing costs.
The manufacture of cigar boxes is of such importance that some manufacturers integrate their own box manufacturing plant into their organization. This is the case, for example, of Perdomo, Plasencia and Eiroa. This vertical integration enables manufacturers to work closely with design and marketing teams to produce boxes that truly reflect the product's qualities. It also lowers production costs and guarantees continuous supply. During the Covid crisis, box production was one of the limiting factors in the supply chain, leading some manufacturers to ship their cigars in bundles.
The different types of cigar boxes
There are as many styles of cigar box as there are varieties of cigar. We will therefore limit ourselves to the most common presentations:
- Cigar box with sliding lid :
Known as "Slide Lid Boxes" (SLB), these boxes are generally made of unfinished or varnished wood. They are designed to accommodate large-calibre, prestigious cigars, and can hold between 25 and 50 cigars.
- 8-9-8 :
As their name suggests, these boxes hold 3 rows of cigars: 8 cigars on top, 9 in the middle and 8 on the bottom row. They often have rounded corners and are made of varnished wood.
- Flat Top/13-Topper box :
These boxes have 2 inner layers, with an upper row of 13 cigars and a lower row of 12 cigars. This is one of the most common types of box. They are rectangular in shape and adopt the size of the cigars they contain.
Alongside these classic presentations, we can also find quite atypical designs. These new presentations can be used by manufacturers to highlight special editions, or simply to catch the eye of enthusiasts. This is the case, for example, with the Oliva Serie V 135 th Aniversario Edicion Real and theADVentura The Conqueror Comandante.
How long can cigars be kept in a cigar box?
Bear in mind that traditional cigar boxes are not humidors. As such, they are not suitable for the long-term preservation of your cigars. Generally speaking, a quality box with a Spanish cedar interior, stored in good conditions, can preserve your cigars for about a month. This applies only to unopened boxes. After this time, the oils in the tobacco will begin to dry out, and your cigar will lose aroma and flavor.
