Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 1/26/2009

Question
Hey Bill-

I am in the market for a cabinet style humidor and wondered if you could help me out. I seem to be going back and forth between the three of these, and cant seem to make a decision. From their descriptions, they all seem to be very similar so its hard for me to narrow them down to one. If you can take a look at them and give me your opinion as to which is the best, Id appreciate it. Maybe you can see something in the make or in the description of them that can help me decide! Also, if you have other options around this price and style Id love to look into those as well.

1) The Sentinel - (I like the look of this the most, but its the only one that doesn't have adjustable shelves. Not sure I need that though)
http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/lot.cfm?lotID=614395

2). The Cigar Tower -
http://www.cheaphumidors.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HUM...

3) The Pienza - (I like the look of this the least, bc of the drawers, but people swear by tampa humidors. So, if this is the best quality ill live with the drawers)
http://www.tampahumidor.com/sd4/product/pienza-3586.cfm

Any help and input would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much.
-Rob


Answer
Rob,

I know a little about the cigar tower. You'll get what you pay for with this model - decent quality but not the best on the market. The hygrometers are not accurate, the lock in the door is light weight, and the finish is fair. They don't come with humidification units so plan on another $200 to $300 for a good one.

The other 2 I don't know much about, other than the pienza looks exactly like a cigar tower unit - the shelves, the hardware, the trim... look identical. It could be the same unit that the sellers is using his own name for.

I have an old J.C. Pendergast humidor in my office that I've used for at least 15 years, and it is the best humidor I've ever seen. If you can locate on of them I'd give it consideration.

Bill