Any notable cigar selection deserves proper treatment, otherwise those hundreds of dollars you just spent on a fine collection of sticks will be spent in vain, wasted due to poor storage. It serves you well then to invest in a humidor if you’re planning on keeping a collection of cigars on hand in the home. Why? Because like a fine wine, cigars are a product of temperature control and moisture, matured into the fine enjoyable sticks we know and love to toast. A humidor works to create the ideal atmospheric environment – in terms of humidity and temperature – to keep your cigars at their best, preventing harsher environments from drying them out.
Ideally, cigars are best kept in an environment where the humidity (a measure of atmospheric moisture) ranges between 70 and 75 percent, and at a temperature between 68 and 70 degrees. They’re a picky lot no doubt, but if you understand the regions in which most tobacco was grown, fermented, and rolled, then this begins to make a bit more sense. A quality humidor then works to create this ideal environment in order to maintain the integrity of your cigar collection. And just like the cigar world, the variety of humidors out there is vast and overwhelming, with quality directly correlating with the price. However, we were able to find five great options within each price tier that would treat you and your cigars just fine. Whether you’re willing to spend under $200 or several thousand, we got you covered in this list of the five best humidors. Just remember, take care of your cigars, and they’ll take care of you.
Prestige Import Group 120 Ct
If this is your first time buying and are looking for a reliable starter humidor, it doesn’t get much better than this offering from Prestige Import Group that can safely fit and preserve up to 120 of your favorite cigars in its controlled environment. It’s also worth knowing that in terms of construction, it’s highly advised that the humidor features Spanish Cedar in its design. It’s not only for looks but rather due to the fact that Spanish Cedar is highly resistant to moisture, meaning that it won’t warp over time.
Needless to say, this piece features a Spanish Cedar internal makeup, and a golden framed external hydrometer (a unit used to control and display humidity within the humidor). The Prestige also hosts a beveled glass top and facade and is finished in high gloss. A handsome introductory piece for any cigar aficionado in training.
Diamond Crown Delaware
Known for their rich and flavorful cigars, the 122-year-old company that was started by a man named Julius Caesar Newman (no joke) also offers a high-quality humidor that’s available for discerning cigar enthusiasts across the industry. Their cigars are rare, originally only available on America’s West Coast and now through specialized tobacconists, however, the Delaware is quite the treat since it’s crafted with the same care and precision all while making itself readily available for consumers.
Each Diamond Crown Delaware boasts a traditional cherry finish that pairs well with the humidor’s 100 percent Cherry hardwood construction. It hosts enough room to accommodate up to 80 cigars and also features eye-catching beveled edges and a quality you must simply see to believe. The perfect addition to any home, office, or smoking lounge.
Daniel Marshall Ambiente
The Daniel Marshall name is spoken highly of throughout the cigar industry. They’re known for a quality product in both their cigars and humidors, both of which have graced the presence of high-ranking government officials, celebrities, and even US presidents. Cigar Aficionado Magazine also ranked one of their offerings, the DM Treasure Chest humidor, as the best in the world at one point. They’re the cigar and humidor supplier for England’s Royal Family and a collection of fine humidors bearing the Daniel Marshall name can be seen on display at the Smithsonian Museum.
It’s no secret then why we chose the Ambiente as our ideal mid-range cigar humidor. It’s simply quality and elegance without overdoing everything. This piece features an elegant black finish, two dividers to help keep things organized, handsome gold covered hinges, and enough room to safely fit up to 125 cigars. It also comes equipped with a lock and key that will prevent any unauthorized entry into your private stash.
Elie Bleu Macassar Ebony
Looking as beautiful as ever, this Elie Bleu humidor is next level in terms of aesthetic and quality. They are a fine French builder of elegant humidors along with several other timeless and heirloom-quality pieces. From jewelry boxes to leather goods to cuff links, each item is individually crafted with care and precision, including this Macassar Ebony humidor that will look its part in just about any room in the house.
What’s striking about this humidor is the fine wood grain pattern, a well-known attribute of Macassar Ebony wood. Two size options can fit 75 and 110 cigars, the interior boasts a cedar wood design, and a brass clasp keeps everything neatly closed off and protected. Alluding more toward a treasure chest than a humidor thanks to its careful craftsmanship, the Macassar Ebony humidor by Elie Blue won’t soon be a forgotten item in the personal smoking lounge.
Ghurka Partido No. 214
If money simply is no object or you feel like your prized cigars deserve a proper pampering in one of the finest humidors around, then Ghurka offers their Partido No. 214 humidor for your enjoyment. As a brand Ghurka crafts elegant pieces surrounding the cigar smoking experience that are a testament to their personal enjoyment and respect for ritual the surrounding each and every toast.
The Partido, in particular, is handcrafted in Italy with natural hardwood for a fine piece that’s then wrapped in handsome full grain leather that’s both a tribute to the classic design but uniquely Ghurka in execution. It also features genuine Spanish cedar interior panels, the ability to store up to 35 of your favorite sticks and of course a key lock. Because you won’t be storing any cut-rate cigars in this beautiful heirloom piece.
Purchase: $3,500
