A humidor keeps cigars at a perfect temperature and humidity. If they’re too wet or dry, their taste will suffer.
You can purchase humidors that are pre-established for this purpose, or you can upcycle furniture to convert it into a humidor. The process can be quite tricky, though, especially with older pieces of furniture that may swell and deteriorate when exposed to moisture.
Whether you are a cigar collector, a tobacconist or own a store where you will peddle fine smokes, a humidor is essential for storing and protecting your cigar collection. A basic humidor is an attractive cedar wood cabinet with movable shelves and a built-in humidifier. Most feature a hygrometer (analogue or digital) to monitor moisture and temperature levels. If you want to know more about cigar humidor go on the online site Humidor-station.com
What are Humidors?
Humidors store cigars and often come with dividers to keep different types of cigars from mixing. Mixing cigars over a long period of time can cause the flavor and aromas to blend together, making them less appealing to smokers.
A humidor also comes with a hygrometer, which is either digital or an analog device that reads the relative humidity in the box. The hygrometer should be checked regularly to ensure the proper level of moisture in the box.
There are several ways to add moisture to a humidor. The most common is to use silica beads, which absorb and release moisture to maintain the desired level of humidity in a humidor. Another option is to purchase a humidifier, which will do the work for you by adding water to the humidor and maintaining the ideal humidity level.
A humidor can be secured with a lock, and this is definitely a good idea for collectors who are concerned about prying eyes or pilfering. A lock will protect the valuable contents of a cigar humidor and prevent it from being ruined by water damage or other problems.
Rene Reyes
A handmade cigar humidor is a great way to preserve your finest cigars. These boxes will maintain a proper humidity level and will also help your cigars mature more quickly. The wood is lined with Spanish cedar to increase the hygrometer reading and adds an aromatic element that enhances cigar flavor.
Carpenter Rene Reyes, 55, is using a Soviet-era planer to smooth the panel of an old cedar door that he will transform into a humidor — an ornate, handmade box used to store Cuba’s world-famous cigars. His workshop in central Havana is a hodgepodge of old beams, doors and furniture that serve as the raw materials for the containers that can sell for thousands of dollars and are prized by rich business people, rock stars and presidents.
To build a DIY humidor, start with an empty cigar box or ice chest that has a lip and provides a good seal. Line the interior of the case with Spanish cedar and add removable cedar trays to improve cigar organization and air circulation.
HAVANA
A good cigar requires a good humidor. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank buying one. Humidors can be a true work of art and come in many styles. This carved cabinet by the Paris-based sculptor Emmanuel Fremiet is an example. It balances the monumental architectural forms of the box’s structure with sinister dragons and winged frogs, a tribute to Fremiet’s 19th-century fascination with Europe’s medieval past.
An ice chest can be a great DIY humidor if you add Spanish cedar dividers and Boveda packs. To make a better seal, use foam weather stripping around the lid. It will also help the lid retain moisture. Adding a hygrometer and a humidifier can dramatically improve the experience.
Humidors are important for preserving cigars because they control the temperature and humidity that helps keep cigars fresh and flavorful. They also help them age properly. Humidors come in all shapes and sizes – walk-in humidors (entire storage rooms), cabinets, desktops, and travel humidors. When choosing a cigar humidor, you need to consider how many cigars it can hold and the quality of the build. It should have a hygrometer and a humidifier to ensure the ideal relative humidity of 65-70%.
If you prefer a DIY humidor, consider using household items like Tupperware and ice chests that can be easily converted into humidors by adding Spanish cedar dividers. It’s important to only use distilled water to add moisture as regular tap water carries impurities that can contaminate the cigars stored in your humidor. This will compromise their flavor and texture. It’s also best to let your humidor acclimate for a day or two before adding cigars.
The Art of Creating a Cigar Humidor and civilization
A humidor is an essential piece of equipment for cigar smokers who value storing their smokes in optimal conditions. Cigars are a delicate product and can be damaged by improper storage conditions, so it’s important to keep in mind when considering building your own humidor. It’s also worth noting that DIY humidors are not necessarily a project for amateur woodworkers, as the quality and precision of your work will have a direct impact on the ability of your homemade humidor to retain humidity.
While the art of creating a cigar humidor can vary widely, many experts agree on some common principles that must be considered before starting construction. The most obvious consideration is the type of wood that will be used. While there are a variety of woods that can be used, most humidors are made out of Spanish cedar, as the wood is extremely stable and able to withstand the high levels of humidity to which it will be exposed.
Other than the material used another important factor in creating a humidor is an adequate seal. Without a tight seal, humidity will be lost and the cigars stored inside the humidor will become dry and unfit for smoking. The seal can be accomplished by a number of methods, from using weather stripping to locking hinges, but it is crucial that all components are thoroughly tested and secured before the humidor is filled with cigars.
Some hobbyists prefer to make a more elaborate humidor by upcycling a piece of furniture, such as a breakfront display case or a vintage coffee table. These humidors are often more difficult to build than simple desktop humidor boxes, but they can be quite impressive in their finished appearance.
Cigar box design can be a wildly gratifying DIY project. Whether you’re making one from scratch or converting an old wooden beam, door or piece of furniture, the options are endless and the gratification even greater.
A cigar box is more than a repository for a cigar collection. It’s a work of art in its own right. Often decorated with carved or embossed designs, they can sell for thousands of dollars and are prized by wealthy business people, rock stars and presidents alike.
The cigar boxes in this gallery are the work of designers, cabinetmakers and sculptors. The cabinet in the middle is by Emmanuel Fremiet, a 19th century French designer and professor of zoological drawing who was known for his lifelike, enigmatic animal sculptures. The piece balances monumental architectural forms with sinister and playful bronze creatures. The cabinet is lined with Spanish cedar. It also features a removable cedar tray that enhances storage flexibility and helps improve air circulation within the case.
