The History of the Cigar Humidor
As a collectible and functional cigar accessory, cigar humidors protect the taste and freshness of a cigar. The ideal humidity in a humidor--a humidifying case, box or table like a wine cooler--is around 68 to 72 percent relative humidity, but it depends on the smoker's preference for a stronger or lighter cigar taste. The stronger the smoker wants the taste, the dryer the percent humidity they want. All humidors contain a humidifying system that keeps the air moist, which in turn keeps the cigars moist.
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Early Cigar History
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According to an American University tobacco and cigar case study, Native Americans were the first to grow, cultivate and smoke the tobacco plant. The Mayan civilization in Central America smoked the leaves and, after the destruction of the ancient city by Spanish in the late 15th century, explorers spread the tobacco smoking habit to North and South America.The word "cigar" is believed to originate from "sikar," the Mayan word for smoking.
Manning of Ireland
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By the mid-16th century, smoking tobacco products was familiar throughout Europe. People in Britain smoked fresh tobacco in pipes. In 1887, Terence Manning, an Irish furniture maker, returned to his home in Bagenalstown, Ireland from South Africa where he learned about fine woods and crafting techniques. He had learned the skills for the crafting exquisite furniture and cabinetry, but also the international contacts necessary to locate and purchase the very finest materials available. The Manning family of Ireland are deemed the inventors and distributors of the earliest cigar humidors. As of 2010, the creators have been in operation for over four generations.
Exotic Woods
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The Manning family used the highest quality woods for their handcraft humidors. The craft spread around Europe and into America. Each humidor has to use a fine wood like mahogany or Spanish cedar, exotic and more expensive woods which retain moisture.
Handheld Portable Cigar Humidor
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According to PatentGenius.com, the handheld portable cigar humidor was invented and patented by Gerry G. Schmidt of Newport Beach, Calif., in 1998. The hand held portable humidor includes a humidifier that maintains a constant relative humidity within the humidor. With an upper storage area and a lower storage area, the lower housing can telescopically fit within the upper housing. A sliding latch secures the top and bottom halves of the case.
Modern Models
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As of 2010, a majority of commercial humidor cases are made of wood-board, acrylic glass or metal. The casing's purpose is to protect the climatized interior with a durable and airtight material. The interior of a case is typically made of Spanish cedar wood or mahogany with a higher moisture retention, which keeps dry air from spoiling the cigars.
Climatech
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A "climatech" humidor model, invented in the late 20th century, automatically heats, cools, humidifies and dehumidifies cigars in a room or in a compact case. Acting as a barometer, the climatech system keeps the cigars just moist enough based on the outdoor and indoor weather conditions. The climate control system ensures cigars keep their big flavor at the ideal temperature.
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- Photo Credit antique lockable cigar box image by Scott Williams from Fotolia.com
