From Humble Box to Flavour Guardian: The Untold Story of the Humidor

Cigar culture is more than just a puff and a sigh. It's a living history, woven into the fabric of different eras. The humidor, often seen as a modern accessory, boasts a rich heritage, its story echoing with the whispers of cigar aficionados past. Unveiling its history allows us to appreciate how these iconic wooden boxes have safeguarded the art of cigar smoking for generations.

From Basements to Innovation: The Early Days (1907)

Believe it or not, the first humidor wasn't a fancy box. In 1907, Alfred Dunhill, a cigar aficionado, built a giant humidor in his store. It was basically a cabinet with thick walls and a water tank inside, a clever invention that didn't quite catch on. Why? Back then, people used their naturally cool and damp basements to store cigars – a readily available "humidor" in most homes.

The Rise of the First Humidor (1930)

Innovation has always been at the heart of Davidoff's humidor history. In 1930, Zino Davidoff, a true visionary, invented the first walk-in humidor which sparked a revolution in humidor design, a path the brand continues to walk today.

Fast forward to 1957, during a trip to Cuba, he encountered a revelation – the local cigars boasted a depth of flavour and aroma far superior to their European counterparts. The secret? Simple wooden boxes lined with damp cloths, a practice that Davidoff immediately recognized as ingenious. Upon his return, he introduced similar desktop humidors, and these elegant creations quickly captured the hearts (and palates) of cigar aficionados everywhere.

Learn how to season your first humidor.

Humidors were originally made of solid wood and tins

Early humidor designs were all about function over form. Think sturdy wooden boxes, built with simple nails and secured with a hinged door – a far cry from the sleek designs we see today. While some prioritised aesthetics, opting for ornate tins to showcase their wealth, these tins offered little in the way of proper cigar preservation. It wasn't until later that the focus shifted to materials like Spanish cedar, which not only looked beautiful but also played a crucial role in maintaining optimal humidity for the cigars.

Humidors as Collectibles

Today, antique humidors transcend mere function – they are coveted collector's items. These exquisitely crafted pieces, often boasting intricate details and rich wood tones, represent a bygone era of artistry. For collectors, it's the confluence of history and utility that holds such allure. They appreciate not only the craftsmanship but also the stories these humidors hold, having been treasured possessions passed down through generations.

The Modern Humidor

High-tech humidors now come equipped with built-in systems, using fans and digital hygrometers to automatically maintain the ideal environment for your cigars. These beauties are available in a variety of sizes to suit your collection, and many even boast sleek designs with glass fronts or acrylic allowing you to admire your stogies in style.

Of course, for some, the charm lies in the control. Traditional humidors are still very much in vogue, offering the satisfaction of personally managing your cigar's preservation.

Home Collections

Cigar enthusiasts are elevating their passion to new heights. Similar to high-end wine and spirits collectors, everyday aficionados are increasingly investing in premium cigars, building impressive personal collections. To ensure these prized smokes are perfectly preserved, the investment extends beyond the cigars themselves. High-quality humidors, including cabinet humidors and even walk-in havens, are becoming increasingly common. It's no surprise that these cigar connoisseurs are creating their own private sanctuaries for indulging in the art of smoking.

No matter your preference, there's a perfect humidor waiting to elevate your cigar experience.