What’s Actually in My Humidor Right Now
I haven’t been doing this long. Cigars are something I picked up relatively recently, and I’m still in the phase where I’m trying things, figuring out what I actually like, and unlearning whatever I thought I knew. This post is just an honest look at what’s in my humidor right now. Not a guide. Not expert advice. Just where I’m at.
Most of what I’ve bought has come from Cigars International in Pittsburgh. Their lounge is where I do a lot of my smoking, either on their patio or my own back patio. It’s a low-pressure place to explore, and the staff will steer you in the right direction without making you feel like a tourist.
The Everyday Rotation
Right now I’m gravitating toward Perdomo, My Father, and La Aroma de Cuba for regular smokes. None of these are flashy, which is probably why I keep coming back to them. They’re consistent, they’re well-made, and they don’t feel like homework. I’m not chasing complexity yet. I just want something that smokes well on a Tuesday afternoon with a cup of coffee.
I also picked up a few Definition cigars on a recommendation and I’m glad I did. If you’re newer to this like me and looking for something solid that won’t break the bank, worth trying.
On pairings: I’ve heard bourbon is the obvious call, and I do like that combination. But I’ve smoked just as many cigars with black coffee or a seltzer water. I don’t think there are real rules here, at least not at this stage. I’m still figuring it out.
The Fun Stuff: Factory Smokes and Oddities
The other half of my humidor is stuff I grabbed from a variety pack at Aldino’s. This is where I’ve been doing most of my experimenting. CAO Amazon Basin is in there right now and it’s been one of my better finds. Earthy, slightly sweet, burns clean. It’s interesting without being pretentious about it.
Breakfast at Portugals and Johnny Tobacconauts are also in the mix. These come from the more creative end of the market, cigars made for people who want something a little different. Both have been good. Neither required me to know anything going in.
The Golf Bag Stash
I keep Acid cigars specifically for the golf course. I know Acid isn’t considered serious by cigar people, and I get it. But on the back nine when it’s hot and you just made a double bogey on a par 3, an Acid Blondie is exactly what you want. Mild, sweet, doesn’t fall apart in the heat. It works.
One thing I learned the hard way: humidity control matters, even for the golf bag. A cigar that’s been rattling around in summer heat without a pack is going to smoke terribly. I use Boveda 69% RH packs now in a small travel case and it makes a real difference. They’re cheap and easy to find on Amazon.
Boveda 69% RH Humidity Packs, 4-count on Amazon
Where to Buy
If you’re in Pittsburgh, CI is the move. Good selection, knowledgeable staff, and the lounge patio is a genuinely nice place to spend an afternoon. If you’re buying online, their site works well too.
I’ll have direct affiliate links to specific cigars once I get that side of things sorted. Check back.
For now: don’t overthink it. Grab something in the $8 to $12 range from a brand you haven’t tried, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and take your time with it. That’s the whole thing, as far as I can tell.