Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 6/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am looking to purchase my first large capacity humidor (150) and have been looking at 2 different humidors; one by Savoy (Ashton), the other by Cuban Crafters.  Have you had any experience with either of these manufacturers and can you recommend a good humidor that won't break the bank?  Thank you

ANSWER: Chris,

I've sold a few Cuban Crafters humidors and they seem to be ok - not my favorite but no serious problems with them.

The Savoy humidors on the other hand have been very consistent, very well built and very well finished. I think they are some of the better quality humidors on the market in their price range.

The other brand I suggest you look at is Xikar. These are also excellent quality humidors and come with the Madelaine humidification system which I think is the best evaporative type system available. The only problem is that I'm not sure they offer a 150 count unit - I know they do have several 100 count sizes.

If you go with a large Savoy or Cuban Crafters, consider springing for a Cigar Oasis electronic humidifier. They aren't cheap - we sell the XL size for $120 - but I have had great luck with them keeping my 200 cigar humidor perfectly maintained and they require extremely minimal maintenance.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Bill, I appreciate the info.  I see you mentioned you have a 200 count humidor, may I ask what kind and where you purchased it?  Based on the research I have done the recommendation is to go bigger than you think you will need.  Local tobacco shops only carry 1 Savoy 150 capacity and as I said earlier Cuban Crafters is the other 150 I was looking at.  If I can find a 200 that would be perfect.  Can you recommend a reputable online site where I can purchase a 200 count humidor.  Are there any sites or model humidors I should stay away from.

Thanks again

Answer
Chris,

My humidor came from a promotion that a cigar manufacturer did. We are in the wholesale, mail order and retail store cigar business so we buy a ton of merchandise. This was one of those deals - buy $5k worth of merchandise and get this humidor free. They are not available for sale and I don't have any left. I had several of them but we sold them through our retail store. The one I have is at the ranch and in use...

If you are having trouble finding a Savoy humidor that you like I'll be happy to quote you a price. We don't stock the big humidors but I can order it and have it within a week or so. The 150 count humidors are available in Bubinga, African Teak, Mahogany glass top and Macassar. I probably have an extra Savoy humidor catalog I can send you if you want to see pictures of the units.

Let me know if I can help.

Bill