What to Know Before Buying a Box of Cigars
By Ron’s Cigar Store | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Product Reviews
Deciding between a box of cigars and singles? This guide covers the key factors—cost, storage, variety, and aging—so you know what fits your smoking style.
Quick answer
Buying a box of cigars saves you money per stick and lets you age your smokes, but it requires proper storage and a commitment to one vitola. Choose a box when you already love that cigar and have a humidor ready.
Cost per stick vs. upfront investment
The biggest reason to buy a box is the per-cigar savings. Box prices almost always work out cheaper than buying the same number of singles. For example, the Montecristo No. 4 HR Box 10 has a catalog comparison price of USD 420.00 but sells for USD 306.60—that is a real discount. The catch is the upfront cost. If you are not sure you enjoy that specific cigar, a box is a gamble. Start with a single or a five-pack first.
Storage and aging requirements
A box of cigars needs a stable environment. You will need a humidor that can hold the whole box plus a little room for airflow. If you are new to cigars or only smoke occasionally, a box might dry out before you finish it. On the other hand, if you have a good humidor, a box lets you age cigars for months or years, mellowing the smoke and deepening flavors. The Partagas Serie D No. 6 Box 20, with its medium-to-full strength, is a great candidate for aging.
Variety vs. consistency
Singles let you explore different brands, wrappers, and strengths. Boxes lock you into one blend and one size. If you are still discovering your palate, buying singles is smarter. But once you find a cigar you consistently reach for—like the Montecristo No. 4 with its medium body and notes of coffee, cocoa, and vanilla—a box ensures you always have your favorite on hand.
Your box-buying decision rules
- Do you already love this cigar?: If you have smoked at least two singles of the same vitola and enjoyed them, a box is a safe bet. If not, buy a single or a five-pack first.
- Do you have a humidor?: You need a working humidor that can hold the box size. Without proper storage, cigars will dry out or become too humid. If you do not have one, buy a humidor first or stick to singles.
- How often do you smoke?: If you smoke one cigar per week, a box of 10 lasts over two months—fine if stored properly. A box of 20 might take five months. If you smoke less than once a week, a box is risky unless you age cigars. For occasional smokers, consider a box of 10 instead of 20 to reduce the aging window.
- Do you want to age cigars?: Aging mellows strength and can add complexity. Medium-to-full cigars like the Partagas Serie D No. 6 benefit from 6–12 months in a stable humidor. If you are not interested in aging, buy singles or smaller packs.
Cigars in this guide
- Montecristo No. 4 HR Box 10: The Montecristo No. 4 has an easy to enjoy character with a medium body, notes of coffee, cocoa, and vanilla, and great consistency and construction. This is a reliable everyday smoke that rewards box buying because the flavor profile is consistent and pairs well with many drinks.
Montecristo No. 4 HR Box 10 - Partagas Serie D No. 6 Box 20: The Partagas Serie D No. 6 is a classic Cuban cigar with medium-to-full strength, traditional craftsmanship, and a consistent profile. Its robusto size and strength make it a good choice for aging in a box, as the flavors can develop further over time.
Partagas Serie D No. 6 Box 20
Is a box right for you?
Best for
- Smokers who have a favorite cigar and smoke at least once a week
- Enthusiasts with a proper humidor who want to save per-stick cost or age cigars
Not for
- New smokers still exploring different blends and sizes
- Casual smokers who light up less than once a month
