Habano styles
There are seven forms of presentation for individual Habanos, and many options of packs you can buy.
With band
The classic Habano: dressed with a band to identify its brand.
With double band
In some cases, a second band identifies the vitola, or where appropriate, a second band features a special production.
Without band
It is still possible to find Habanos without bands in slide-lid boxes or bundles in specialist cigar shops. However, these were discontinued in the early 21st century and now all Habanos leave the factories with bands on them.
Cedar-wrapped (cedros)
Some brands wrap each cigar with cedar – the subtle aroma of the wood imparts a delicacy to the flavour. Cedar is porous, so the cigars can be kept like this in a humidor.
Aluminium tube
Created for railway companies in the 1930s, cedar-lined aluminium tubes help preserve cigars from damage and drying out. Ideal for outdoor pursuits like mountaineering, hiking or yachting. Decant the cigars from the tubes when placing them in a humidor.
Tissue-wrapped
Currently used by only one Habano brand – Fonseca. The tissue offers a modicum of protection for the wrapper.
Silver or gold paper-wrapped
Some Habanos are wrapped in metallic silver or gold paper according to the traditions of certain high-quality sizes.
Cellophane-wrapped
Previously, most Habano brands were occasionally wrapped in cellophane sleeves for some countries. Today, cellophane is used only for machine-made cigars.
Round versus box-pressed Habanos
All Habanos are round when they leave the Torcedor’s bench. However, when they are placed in labelled boxes, the cigars are pressed into a square shape because the box is deliberately made too small. Why? At first, perhaps it was to prevent damage during shipping but, as with many aspects of the Habano world, the original thinking is lost in time. Perhaps it was simply a fashion in days gone by.
In some brands, most of the vitolas are box-pressed, in others none are. The present trend is for round Habanos, but the choice of shape is entirely yours.
Source: Habanos
Earlier articles:
Habanos shapes and sizes that matter
Habanos hallmarks of distinction
Other methods of cigar manufacture
Processing sun-grown leaf for Habano fillers and binders
Shade-grown leaf for Habano wrappers
Nothing lesser than the best leaf for a Habano
Too wet, too dry, infestation issues
The ritual of cutting, lighting and smoking a Habano
The leaves that clothe the body
Cohiba: Fidel Castro’s all-time favourite cigar