When you buy a humidor, you are not only buying a device to help keep your cigars fresh, you are also buying an important piece of furniture.

A humidor keeps cigars fresh by storing them at 65-to-70 percent humidity. Cigars, like wines, are organic so temperature and humidity are important. A properly maintained humidor can keep cigars fresh for years.

Desk- and table-top humidors can hold from a dozen cigars to 100, and can range from simple to elegant in design and finishes. On the inside, humidors are lined with Spanish cedar, a wood renowned for its moisture-holding and moisture-releasing capabilities.

When shopping for a humidor, be sure to check these things:

If You Have Over-humidified Cigars

Selecting a pipe is a very personal thing, almost as personal as buying a car. The shape, size, color, and finish say something about you, your tastes, interests, and even your moods.

Hold It!
When shopping for a pipe, take time to hold it. The pipe has to feel right – balanced, comfortable – not awkward or heavy. Look at the different pipes and their finish (smooth or rough), color (light or dark), the stem (straight or bent), and especially the shape. Don