Box-pressed v. Round Cigar Selection

Box-pressed cigars are square shaped rather than the traditional round format.

Reasons vary:
Saving money by squeezing fresh, relatively soft cigars into a smaller box to save on shipping?
Preventing damage that might be caused by cigars rolling around in the box?
An attempt to stop a cigar from rolling off the table?

Conceptions of advantages vary:
The square format in the mouth allows air to be drawn in with the smoke which makes for a cooler, slower burning smoke; the pressure forming the square format condenses the leaves giving a richer smoke with a more intense aroma.
The round cigar is more comfortable in the mouth and delivers the flavour the blender intended.

Here are two same size Montecristo cigars (129mmxRing42) the classic No.4, box-pressed, and the Petit Tubos - the same cigar in a tube maintaining its round shape. What do you think?

Plus a Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs to make up the three. Another box-pressed handmade petit corona cigar. Probably the best value Cuban cigar in this size.
What do you think of the feel, taste, aroma compared with the two Montecristo cigars?

Gillian Wesley

Montecristo No. 4 Cigar Aficionado Rating 91 in 2021

In boxes, lightly pressed, Cuba’s largest production cigar, the Montecristo No. 4.
Cigar Aficionado: “We have found more often than not in recent years that the bread and butter smoke of Cuba is of very good to outstanding quality, even if it is made in dozens of factories on the island”. Despite being mass produced, the quality of the No. 4 is very high.

Montecristo Petit Tubos  Cigar Aficionado Rating 90, No.25 in 2006; Rating 90 in 2014

Cigar Aficionado: “So what if this is the same thing as Cuba’s largest production cigar, the ubiquitous Montecristo No. 4? We have found more often than not in recent years that the bread and- butter smoke of Cuba is of very good to outstanding quality, even if it is made in dozens of factories on the island. Throw it in a tube and you are ready for a night out on the town, without having to take your cigar case. The smoke delivers a mild yet flavorful tobacco character and it’s quick and easy thanks to its petit corona size.”

Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs (129mm x Ring 42)

This is probably the best known Havana brand. The balanced and aromatic blend make it the classic medium-bodied Cuban cigar. Named after William Shakespeare’s tragic lovers, the origins of Romeo y Julieta as a Habano date back to 1875.
The French name translates into “Thousand Flowers” and it is a cigar with a generous floral bouquet. Until 2002 these cigars were machine made, but now they are fully handmade with long filler tobacco. A well constructed, easy burning, smooth smoking cigar.