What Is a Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) Cigar?

The Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) is a study in controlled intensity. At 6.5 x 58, it sits at the upper end of ring gauges, but the box-press and tapered cap fundamentally alter how that girth behaves. The press compresses the filler bundle, increasing density and slowing the burn line, which lowers combustion temperature and softens the delivery of harsh notes—allowing the blend’s deeper, darker layers (earth, cocoa, leather) to surface without the raw heat you’d get from a round 58. The torpedo tip funnels the smoke through a narrower aperture, concentrating the draw and focusing flavor at the cap, especially in the final third, where the taper forces a more intense, syrupy finish. Length-wise, 6.5 inches gives you a long, gradual arc: the first third is airy and floral, the middle builds in body, and the last third becomes dense and peppery. Compared to a Robusto (5 x 50), the Napoleon offers roughly 30% more smoking time and a broader flavor spectrum, but with a cooler, more controlled burn—so it’s less about raw power and more about nuance over a longer session. The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Napoleon exemplifies this: its high-priming Nicaraguan fillers need that extra length and compression to unfold their full complexity without turning harsh.

Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) Cigars in AshMap (1)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) cigar?

A Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) is a figurado vitola with a tapered cap and a box-pressed body. In the AshMap encyclopedia, it is represented by a single size: 6.5 inches in length with a 58 ring gauge. The taper at the head concentrates smoke delivery, while the box press increases filler density for a slower, cooler burn.

How long does a Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) cigar take to smoke?

At a normal cadence of about one puff per minute, a 6.5 x 58 Napoleon will last roughly 75 to 90 minutes. The box press slows the burn slightly compared to a round parejo of the same ring gauge, so expect a leisurely, deliberate session rather than a quick smoke.

What ring gauge is a Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo)?

The Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) has a ring gauge of 58, with a length of 6.5 inches. That’s a large ring gauge, but the box press and taper modify the draw and combustion dynamics compared to a standard round 58.

What are the best Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) cigars?

The standout example in this format is the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Napoleon. It’s the only cigar currently listed in the AshMap encyclopedia under this vitola, and it showcases the format’s ability to deliver layered complexity—earthy, dark cocoa, and spice—without overwhelming heat.

Is a Napoleon (Box-Pressed Torpedo) good for beginners?

Not ideal for beginners. The 58 ring gauge delivers a high volume of smoke, and the tapered cap concentrates flavor, which can be intense for a novice palate. Additionally, the 75–90 minute smoke time demands patience and a steady cadence. Beginners would do better with a smaller ring gauge parejo, like a Robusto or Corona, to build tolerance and technique.