Here’s why your cigars deserve a good quality humidor
"If cigars are kept in the humidor, they will last literally forever," says Laurence Davis of Sautter Cigars
Words: Jonathan Wells
Your cigars may seem sturdy; but they’re more fragile than you think. That’s why, to protect your stogies, you should invest in a humidor. Designed to maintain a consistent humidity level, often crafted from cedar and fitted with hygrometers, we asked Laurence Davis of Sautter Cigars why every discerning cigar smoker should invest in the best.
“Humidors preserve the moisture that keep cigars at their freshest’, explains Davis. “However, prior to 1967, none of the London shops had walk in humidors. In fact, my predecessor Desmond Sautter installed the first ever humidor in a shop in London in 1967. It works to keep constant temperature and humidity — therefore delivering the cigars in perfect condition.”
“Humidors preserve the moisture that keep cigars at their freshest…”
“After a couple of weeks, cigars will become hard and dry,” he adds. “Therefore, it is best to either store them in a damp dark cellar — which will help keep them in some sort of condition for smoking.
“Alternatively, some people keep them in the fridge. But, if they are kept in the humidor, they will last literally forever. I have some cigars that are over 100-years-old. They were originally kept in a damp cellar and have since been humidified.”
For desktop decoration, buy a tabletop humidor
So what sort of humidor should you be buying? The walk-in Sautter Cigars humidors, though effective, are a little too room-consuming for an ordinary house. Our first suggestion, then, would be to find a handsome tabletop humidor to set on your desk. After all, nothing motivates you through a Monday like the promise of an evening smoke.
S.T. Dupont’s large cedar humidor boasts enough room for 100 stogies; and features a hygrometer so you can keep a close eye on the condition of your smokes. From Gentili, this handmade humidor is a little smaller — with a 20-cigar capacity — but is also limited edition, and bound in ostrich leather. Or, for a real home office centrepiece, Linley’s ‘World Map’ humidor is handcrafted from Macassar ebony and finished with walnut and nickel inlays.
For any vintage enthusiasts, invest in a ‘Humitrunk’
Most of the finest cigars are steeped and rolled in history. So why shouldn’t your humidor enjoy the same heritage? Available at Sautter Cigars, the brand has collected and curated an incredible collection of so-called ‘Humitrunks’. These humidors reclaim existing vessels — from suitcases to rifle cases to Victorian wine coolers — and turn them into statement humidors.
A few of our favourites: An original Army surplus ammunition box, converted into a humidor that will comfortably store 20 cigars; A retro Mossman tuck box, reupholstered in genuine Harrris Tweed and capable of keeping 100 cigars safe; A beautiful Louis Vuitton suitcase, reclaimed and restored — before being fitted with a stogie-shielding Spanish cedar interior.
Make a statement with a larger, roomier humidor
Of course, if you’ve got the room — and the inclination — what’s stopping you investing in a bigger, feature humidor? These statement-making designs are not only big conversation-starters; they also perform a function similar to those walk-in humidors at Sautter Cigars.
Most larger humidors look almost indistinguishable from wardrobes or cabinets. Take Buben & Zōrweg’s ‘Connoisseur’ design, for example. With prices starting from £48,300, it creates an entire electronically monitored and controlled microclimate to keep your cigars smokable. Similarly, Pinel et Pinel’s Cigar Trunk can contain up to 1,400 cigars — and also has room for three decanters of your favourite whisky, brandy or rum.
But the best statement humidor we’ve ever seen? Neal Jones’ ‘Luxury Executive Chair’. Designed for comfort and convenience, it’s like a Mad Men fantasy come to nickel, walnut and leather-bound life. With embedded Bluetooth speakers and two concealed compartments, it’s the hand-stitched pinnacle of humidor technology.
Don’t neglect your cigars when travelling
Finally, a common oversight remedied. Whether jet-setting for a wedding abroad or an elaborate business trip, cigars tend to make reliable travelling companions. But should you be carrying-on your smokes in your carry on? Absolutely not. As Laurence Davis explained, any changes in humidity can do irreparable damage on cigars — so real aficionados own travel humidors.
And they don’t have to be fancy. Take this leather and fabric pouch from Davidoff, crafted for large ring gauge cigars and inlaid with a knitted jacquard tray. Or Xikar’s reassuringly practical travel humidor; lined with closed-cell foam, it’s watertight, airtight and crushproof. Or, lastly, for that luxury touch, Bamford’s sleek travel humidor. Handcrafted in Italian leather with a cedar wood interior, this portable humidor is available in either black or tan.
Want more travel essentials? Here’s the Gentleman’s Journal staycation gear guide…
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