I think that the only way these come, outside of the normal cardboard box is "varnished". The box looks like a Romeo y Julieta Vintage box - Cedar, rounded sides, varnished outside w/the numbers 8-9-8 on the lower right-hand corner. This is my second box of these and they are very good - spicy. I just am loaded with cameroon sticks and already have one box of these, 2 boxes of Partagas #1's and a box of Limited Reserve Regals (the Regals are about 3 years old and have aged dark and oily like a maduro - gosh they are great!!)