There is none. Cigars in a 'cabinet' come from the same bench at the same time from the same mix made by the same rollers with the same tobacco as the cigars that are put into a 'dress box.' That being said, the difference is in the packaging.
In the dress box, the cigars are put in when they're still 'wet' so they are maleable and pliable. In actuality, they're sort of 'squished' in (as are other cigars in dress boxes...not just the BBF), which accounts for what people call the "square" or "box press" effect. When they dry out they'll feel harder to the touch.
In the cabinets, they are not packed so tightly, so the thought is that there is more air circulation (or capacity for air circulation, more likely). Instead, they are kept in a bundle and wrapped with a satin ribbon. Until very recently, that was about it. However, now even the cigars packaged in cabinets will have bands. Whereas before, the cigars went from the bench to the bundle to the box, now they ALL go through the additional step of having bands put on, so there are additional eyes monitoring what's happening, and yet another person or persons who might catch a flaw.
Other than that...it's personal preference. Same cigar; different packaging. Personally...I prefer cabinets.
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER! VIVE CPD!
Posts: 10301 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
packaging. A lot of people regard the cabinet as better for ageing purposes. Same cigar though. Let me know if you want try one i have a few sigles left.
As a rule I will always buy cabinets if possable. Sometimes this may cost a little more. The reason is that the country I go to twice yearly has shops with good inventory bar the cabinets. I am forced to hold out until the airport where an excellent inventory of cabinets are held. As an EU member I pay a little more tax than someone heading out of the continent. I am happy to pay a little more as on the whole I rate cabinets over semi boite boxes. It is said that they age better than the paper lined regular boxes. Also I prefer the cigars bandless as sometimes the removal of the band while smoking can rip the wrapper leaf. I read here that bands are being put on to all cigars even cabinets though so to avoid cigar fraud etc. The cigar tables where the sorting and tables banding in ribbon in Cuba that I have seen seem to pick the premier sticks being rolled. This might be wrong but 9/10 times when I compare cabs & non cabs the cigars have a sheen and darker hew. And smoke like a dream with more flavour. My opinion for what it worth.
Posts: 98 | Location: London | Registered: November 27, 2003
The only problem i have seen with cabs even though i choose them is the cigars can get some damage in shipping. Due to the loose packging they can get bounced around leaving a damaged tip or foot with pointy cigars.
Posts: 531 | Location: N.J. usa | Registered: December 27, 2003
Muskrat, you are right. Next time ask your vendor to open your cab and add some additional packing material inside so they don't get tossed around in shipping.
Posts: 127 | Location: at a Habanos Anonymous meeting | Registered: May 04, 2004
Nimrod, that is so true about the sheen and color. the cabinets are red'er and have an oily sheen to them. i have a box of each and they are aging so differently. the taste is fuller and more refined on the cabinets than the regulars; it will take the regulars about 4-6 months to catch up. since i've seen for myself, i will alaways go for the BBF'c when given a choice.
Posts: 65 | Location: Outdoors, USA | Registered: April 01, 2004
