Choosing the Perfect Cigar Humidor

Choosing the best cigar humidor to meet your needs is of vital importance. If you're a cigar lover, you're already aware that you'll be storing some of your most prized possession (a.k.a. your cigars) inside it. While you're shopping for a quality humidor, consider storing your cigars in a dry cooler or Tupperware container in the meantime. If you do plan to temporarily store your cigars, you will find it beneficial to purchase a cigar humidor humidifier. However, most of your efforts should be concentrated on finding a high quality humidor to store your cigars.

Before you shop, you should know a few humidor facts. First of all, the cigar humidor does not need to be 100 percent airtight, and they come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, materials, and functions. No matter which kind of humidor you decide to purchase, the best are lined with wood. If you're searching for the highest quality humidor, consider purchasing one that is lined with Spanish cedar. (Another name for Spanish cedar is mahogany.) The reason most humidors are lined with mahogany is because this type of wood responds well to various humidity levels. Aside from that, this type of wood gives off a mild aroma that is both pleasing to the smell and very conducive for aging quality cigars. If it’s your goal to purchase the best possible humidor to store your cigars, be sure to order one that is lined with Spanish cedar, or mahogany.

If you only purchase cigars sporadically, or you only keep a few at a time, purchasing a small cigar box humidor will probably be a good choice for you. If you plan to travel often for business or pleasure, experts recommend that you purchase a travel humidor. Changes in climate during travel can wreak havoc on the flavor and texture of your cigars. For this reason, travel humidors are imperative for those who will be on the road often.

On the other hand, if you're an avid cigar lover or collector and you purchase large quantities of cigars at one time, you may find a cabinet humidor to be useful. Cabinet humidors offer more space and are typically a bit more luxurious than your smaller cigar-box variety. For the very high-end cigar lover, there's always the option of a walk-in humidor. Walk-in humidors can be situated in any room of your home, but typically take up lots of space and are often dedicated a room all their own. This option is usually best for those who plan to maintain a cigar-smoking regimen for life, as well as those who have the funds to invest in such a venture!

Cultivate Your Tastes with Cigar Accessories

Cigars are an acquired taste, but once you’ve developed a passion and appreciation for a fine cigar, you’ll likely also develop a proclivity for fine cigar accessories. Let’s take a look at some of the must-have accessories for the cigar lover.

First of all, every cigar lover should have a cigar humidor. Cigar humidors are specially designed to store cigars at optimal temperature and humidity to preserve freshness and flavor. If you neglect to store your fine cigars at the optimum humidity and temperature, you will find that they become dry and brittle.

The best humidors are constructed of high-quality hardwood such as cherry or oak and typically boast a glass front. Humidors also are equipped with gauges to track humidity levels and a small, refillable pan of water. If you’re lucky enough to have the space and the funds, you may want to consider purchasing a walk-in humidor.

Another must-have accessory for the cigar lover is the cigar cutter. Cigar cutters are designed to snip the ends off cigar tubes before lighting. Cigar cutters come in a wide variety of styles and designs. They are available in patters both very ornate and simple.

In order to enjoy smoking a cigar, one must first light a cigar. Therefore, another cigar lover’s must-have is the cigar lighter. Cigar lighters can be purchased in a decorative desk top variety, or can be small and compact. One fun option is the jet lighter. Cigar jet lighters are much like a mini-blow torch, and make for a cool conversation piece.

You may also appreciate a nice, leather-bound cigar holder. These accessories are a fashionable way to take your favorite fine cigars wherever you go. If you’ll be attending a dinner party or other social function, the cigar holder is a great way transport cigars for sharing.

Top off your collection with a series of decorative and functional ashtrays. As you already know, ashtrays can be personalized and fun, or elegant and beautiful. Today, it’s also possible to find high-tech ashtrays that will filter cigar smoke before it has a chance to fill the air! It’s also a good idea to purchase ashtrays that will serve as decorative elements when not in use. For this reason, you might want to enlist some help selecting one.

So, whether you’re an avid cigar lover, or you know someone who is, this list of must-have cigar accessories will make for a great buy. Continue the cultivation of your refined tastes with a few well-chosen cigar accessories.