humidor

What kind of humidor do you have? They come in all shapes, sizes, materials, makes and models. I have an end table style humidor, two shelves for single cigars and a deep bottom for boxes. I got it at a discounted price at the cigar shop in Hi-times in Newport Beach. There is a slight blemish in the finish, so I was able to pick it up for almost nothing. And you have to search to find the very small scratch.

It holds its humidity and temperature very well. My cigars are always fresh and in great condition. Of course, we live in a mikd climate in Southern California, so the outside heat and humidity are usually not a problem. However, there are a few weeks every August where the temperature rises to a cigar unfriendly temperature. So, I'm thinking of purchasing a climate controlled humidor, to better store and age my cigars. The best maker of this type of humidor is Staebell & Associates in Richardson, Texas (aristocrat humidors). At least they are the best I've found. They have a number of different make and models, with many different wood and design options available. I am looking at purchasing the Aristocrat THC End Table. It holds around 30 boxes, and 250 loose cigars.

If you are in the market for a humidor, take a look at their web site, or give them a call. I did, and they were very friendly, and answered all of my questions very patiently. (This is not a paid promotion, by the way).

If I purchase one, when I receive it I will post some photos.

Cigars

When I smoke I usually do so outdoors. We have an 11 month old daughter and I do not like to subject her to the smoke. I smoke most afternoons with my father-in-law on his front porch. I do not normally smoke until the afternoon or early evening. I also enjoy smoking while barbecuing in the back yard. We get to barbecue a lot since we live in Southern California. My brother has an outdoor fire place in his backyard and we enjoy getting together and smoking out there near the roaring fire. In California it's getting pretty hard to find public establishment where you can smoke. The local tobacco shop allows smoking, but only in an always crowded area of their small shop.

We used to attend cigar dinners once a month a Taix French restaurant in Los Angeles. La Plata Cigars always sent a cigar roller so you could show up, light up a few freshly rolled smokes, and enjoy a great steak. That was one of our favorite monthly "smokers." We also used to atend the occasional smoker at the Dunhill shop in the South Coast Plaza shopping mall. I never did figure out how they got the smoke smell out of all those suits and ties afterwards.

Well, I hope the anti-smoking craze lessens up a bit soon. It sure would be nice to enjoy a fresh rolled La Plata with that steak!!

Opus X and Arturo Fuente Anejo

Is the continued hype surrounding the Opus X and Anejo cigars warranted? I tend to think so. I really enjoy smoking a cigar from the Anejo "line." The distinct flavor and smell of these cigars comes from the aging of the wrapper leaves in Cognac barrels. The Anejo's to me seem to be a mellower cigar. This past holiday season I was lucky enough to get my hands on a few boxes, namely the 48's, 50's, and the 55's.

However, sometimes you want to smoke something with a little more kick. At these times I pull out an Opus X from my humidor. The other night I smoked a Double Corona, and I couldn't put it down. I believe Cigar aficionado scored this cigar a 92. I would have to concur with them on this one.

Both of these cigars are pretty hard to come by. The Anejo is only shipped during the holidays, and you never seem to know when the next shipment of Opus X's will arrive. They proprietor of my local tobacco shop actually calls his "preferred" customers when he gets them in to give them first dibs.

So I would still agree with the hype surrounding these premium cigars. Every Opus X or Anejo that I've smoked has been delicious, rolled excellently and smoked extremely well.