Dress box vs SLB

[Jimmy_jack]

I've read posts about storing in the two. My question is more of why? Why do they offer 25 count SLB and Dress Boxes as well? Is it a preference for some people?

Personally I'd rather have all SLB and a round cigar. I don't mind the box press at all...but in my mind a SLB looks better and seems nicer. Not to mention a round stick. 

If you had the choice of a dress box vs SLB for the same stick at the same price what would you choose?

Guess im curious about the history or idea behind the two. If that makes sense.

[Bohn007]

I have always understood that SLB was better for long term aging but not sure if there is any real science to back it up. 

[NSXCIGAR]

Only one cigar offers both a DB of 25 and SLB 25, and that is the BBF. 

In the old days, cigars in cabs often had slightly different blends than the versions in DB. Generally, the cabs were a trifle stronger. I don't think the BBF was ever one of those cigars, interestingly. I don't ever recall a difference between the two versions. I have no idea why the BBF is the one cigar to offer both versions other than there's a market for it, but that hasn't stopped HSA from axing many desired formats in the last 13 years.

For me, I'm a cab guy. I just like the presentation more and I also happen to prefer a round cigar as opposed to box pressed. 

Here's an interesting recent discussion on some differences and advantages of cabs/ vs DBs:

 

[Notsocleaver]

I think the only current cigar where you have a choice in the size count is the Bolivar BF. I have no idea why that particular cigar has both options. I expect one will be discontinued at some point. I'm sure most would like to see the dress box go and keep the SLB since they are beloved for aging.

The only plus to the dress box in my mind is that they are more space efficient.

For me, if could buy everything in Semi Boite boxes I would.

[Dude]

For aging I doubt it makes any difference...cigars are packed in pretty tight in both cases. I think exposure might be more of a factor long term....or so they say.... I'm no expert!

I'm conducting a little experiment: 2 dress boxes of upmann majestics...same code and date....same.humidor....one flipped open and one closed....I'll post my findings a year from now...sigh...I have to get a life.

[Jimmy_jack]

Good info here. I didn't realize only BBF was offered in both.

[Slyclient]

I like SLB's but I find that dress boxes are better for storage.  I feel like I can fit more of them in my cooler set up. 

 

[golfgar]

There are a few more just as a for instance, Punch Punch and DC's which are 50 slb and 25 dress boxes.  Also the HU Petite Corona supposedly comes in a 25 slb and dress box.

[laficion]

2 hours ago, Jimmy_jack said:

 

Guess im curious about the history or idea behind the two. If that makes sense.

Well, what is the difference between Dress Boxes and SLB version ? Today ? none at all. Let me

explain. In the old days say 1940's & 1950's , The normal box had normal cigars but the SLB boxes or the,"cabinet" box were different in the sense that the SLB or Cabinet boxes held the best cigars in that line. Only the best out of every  5.000 were put in cabinet boxes the rest of the production were put in normal dress boxes.  But today there is NO difference between both.

I hope this will help.

Guy

[Jimmy_jack]

10 minutes ago, laficion said:

Well, what is the difference between Dress Boxes and SLB version ? Today ? none at all. Let me

explain. In the old days say 1940's & 1950's , The normal box had normal cigars but the SLB boxes or the,"cabinet" box

were different in the sense that the SLB or Cabinet boxes held the best cigars in that line. Only the best out of 5.000 were

put in cabinet boxes the rest of the production were put in normal dress boxes.  But today there is NO difference between both.

I hope this will help.

Guy

It does thanks. I figured there was a marketing or production purpose originally. 

[Colt45]

2 hours ago, Jimmy_jack said:

If you had the choice of a dress box vs SLB for the same stick at the same price what would you choose?

As another fan of cigars "in the round", I'd also choose SLB. But, when considering storage, perhaps SBN might be the all 'round best bet 

[garbandz]

Cabs age cigars better.

I move my dress box stock into cabs, been doing it this way for 30 years.

cigars mature sooner and never get the musty odor that accompanies old dress boxes.

and you are not getting any paper odors from dress boxes when using a cab.

my cabs are old enough that they hardly impart any cedar essence,it is very subtle.

most of my cabs hold more than 25 of the size I prefer, so I can store more in a smaller footprint.

 

[NSXCIGAR]

2 hours ago, golfgar said:

There are a few more just as a for instance, Punch Punch and DC's which are 50 slb and 25 dress boxes.  Also the HU Petite Corona supposedly comes in a 25 slb and dress box.

There are several cigars offered in both DB and cabinet, but it appeared the OP was specifically asking about 25s. The BBF is the only one produced today both in 25s. 

Regarding HUPC, you're amazingly correct: CCW lists 25 cab, 50 cab and glass jar 25s as still in production, but I have not heard of or ever seen HUPC in any of these formats for at least 15 years. I'm tempted to ask Alex if perhaps that's an oversight and HSA officially discontinued these formats at some point in the last 15 years.  

[NSXCIGAR]

 

3 hours ago, Colt45 said:

...But, when considering storage, perhaps SBN might be the all 'round best bet 

The general consensus reached in the thread I referenced above is that the most effective packaging format for long-term aging is likely the VW BN box (898) or 3-4-3 format, for reasons gone into in the discussion.

[Notsocleaver]

13 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

There are several cigars offered in both DB and cabinet, but it appeared the OP was specifically asking about 25s. The BBF is the only one produced today both in 25s. 

Regarding HUPC, you're amazingly correct: CCW lists 25 cab, 50 cab and glass jar 25s as still in production, but I have not heard of or ever seen HUPC in any of these formats for at least 15 years. I'm tempted to ask Alex if perhaps that's an oversight and HSA officially discontinued these formats at some point in the last 15 years.  

They listed in grey font, like other discontinued formats, they just lack the date discontinued. I think its safe to say they aren't around anymore.

[NSXCIGAR]

38 minutes ago, Notsocleaver said:

They listed in grey font, like other discontinued formats, they just lack the date discontinued. I think its safe to say they aren't around anymore.

Yes, you're right--the font is gray but I was outside and it was tough to see the color.

Normally, it also states "discontinued..." after any format but it appears only when he can pinpoint a discontinuation date does it appear. So he must not know exactly when the other formats were discontinued (my guess is a long time--a really long time in the case of the glass jar), but yes, the only existing format for HUPC is the CB semi-plain 25 dress box.

[Notsocleaver]

Yeah, its a shame too. I'd be all over 50 cabs of HUPC.

I think someone has figured out that the 50 cabs are popular with collectors because they seem to have jacked up the prices on most 50 cabs in the past 6 months.

[garbandz]

"Yeah, its a shame too. I'd be all over 50 cabs of HUPC. "

so why not make your own?

get the box, fill it up, and smile...............

"glass jar 25s as still in production"

this size is a corona, close ,but no cigar..........

[Colt45]

1 hour ago, NSXCIGAR said:

The general consensus reached in the thread I referenced above is that the most effective packaging format for long-term aging is likely the VW BN box (898) or 3-4-3 format, for reasons gone into in the discussion.

I guess I feel that the ability to stand up to time is more dependent on the cigars versus the container they come in. But again with regards to storage - meaning how boxes fit in a larger container - I've found flat boxes are easier to deal with. If one would prefer cigars contact wood instead of paper, a flat SBN takes the place of a dress box.

[Notsocleaver]

35 minutes ago, garbandz said:

"Yeah, its a shame too. I'd be all over 50 cabs of HUPC. "

so why not make your own?

get the box, fill it up, and smile...............

"glass jar 25s as still in production"

this size is a corona, close ,but no cigar..........

I do when space permits, but its never quite the same once they've been pressed by a dress box, just not round enough...

[garbandz]

I prefer them round too.

after removing from a dress box, cigars will start to go round again.

You can help by rolling them gently on a towel on a desk top with your palm.

I have done this for many years.

[Bohn007]

10 hours ago, Jimmy_jack said:

Good info here. I didn't realize only BBF was offered in both.

I was so disappointed to miss out on the BBF in the SLB on the recent 24/24. Been wanting to try them but waiting patiently for a PSP box

[MahDooRow]

SLB vs dress box packaging elicits plenty of discussion, and the majority seem to prefer SLBs.  All things being equal I also lean towards SLB packaging over dress box, but SLBs are not perfect.  Quality control for the wooden boxes is pretty slack these days, and the slide lids are sometimes a very poor fit.  Also, the yellow ribbon around the bundle can sometimes strangle the cigars on the far edge, which results in a slight deformity in the center of the sticks.    

[Mattb82]

@MahDooRowthis may be a dumb question but it's so tight getting the cigars to fit back in with the ribbon on I've been removing it and just putting them back in the box without it. Wasn't sure if this somehow altered air circulation in the box 

[SloppyJ]

I might be in the minority here. I like the box press and prefer the dress box shape for storage space. But at the end of the day, SLBs are more appealing to me for breathability. I consistently take dress box sticks and store them in empty SLBs. Most times with the lids off.

I have my first 50cab of RASS on the way so I haven't experienced that before. But I'm sure I will like it. What's not to love about 50 sticks?

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