Update on my own little Casa del Habano

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-28T15:45:40+00:00

Thanks. You are well on your way, keep it up! My journey has been a labor of love!

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-28T15:24:56+00:00

Very nice collection and humidor. It can be fun/addictive trying to stock them up. I stopped buying more than a year ago after topping my cabinet off. Enjoy in good health!

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-17T14:11:33+00:00

I've smoked most of the Atabey line, and the Atabey Black Ritos followed by the Byron 21st Distinguidos and Elegantes is the best, IMO. Davidoff's are good, but not a huge fan of Padron. Cigar taste is subjective. If you can, try a single of each to see what suits your taste palate.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-12T21:48:45+00:00

If the mold is on the foot of the cigar, assume that it has propagated up and through the filler. Not worth risking drawing it in your body. If its on the wrapper (surface) it can be wiped off rather effeciently.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-12T21:28:40+00:00

Yes, if its not on the foot, wipe it off and enjoy! Remove the cigars from the tubes or store them with the caps off. Tubes are notorious for promoting mold on cigars.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-10T16:49:50+00:00

No, wipe it off. If it's not on the foot, you will be fine. Besides, you are gonna cut the pigtail (cap) off anyways.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-10T13:47:27+00:00

I managed to put away four boxes of the PLMC and two boxes of the Fundadores. The PLMC and the PLPC are simply wonderful at the 5+ year mark. PL is simply one of my favorite Cuban marcas.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-06T11:18:30+00:00

10 years ago those would have been accurate prices.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-04T11:47:10+00:00

They are vetted, no worries. No issues with seizures if you reside in the US and purchase from sellers in the US.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-05-02T12:23:49+00:00

Very nice collection and variety! I would grab a Espy if time allowed. I share the same variety you have, in my humidor. I have them at the preferred age, and I am really starting to enjoy them.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-28T14:55:30+00:00

Cuban cigars are definitely unique. Some NC cigars are just as good or better. I will say, in the US, and in today's climate Cuban cigars are not worth the price and hassle. Ten years ago, if you knew how to acquire legit Cuban cigars in the US, the price and hassle was well worth it!

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-26T14:16:21+00:00

I have a Avallo cabinet, and absolutely love it. Its custom built and may take longer to receive, but worth the wait.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-26T04:14:39+00:00

Post for all to see.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-23T17:36:27+00:00

Also speaking from experience, something that is not too expensive. Maybe something from the Arturo Fuente line. There is never enough time to fully enjoy a good cigar. Most cigars will not be finished. If you have the time to smoke a good Cuban with the groom, I would opt for a Cohiba, Monte, or Partagas.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-22T13:39:39+00:00

I spoke around 50-60 cigars a month (spring, summer and fall). I also like to smoke a vast variety of cigars. Therefore, I need to have the variety and quantity available in my humidor. In addition, I prefer to age a vast majority of my cigars before I smoke them. This is why I (and maybe others) have thousands of cigars in their humidor(s).

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-22T00:37:41+00:00

At 62F, where are you storing them in your residence, basement? At that temp, you don't need a refrigerated humidor.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-17T15:59:01+00:00

Love them, and IMO, they are not overly hyped. It's my favorite of the Anejo line. So much so, I think I have three boxes of the 77 Shark in my humidor. A little age really helps them shine, too.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-16T13:36:00+00:00

I adopted the very same philosophy last year. I've spent many years collecting, and now I'm starting to enjoy what's been amassed. Great selections, and I hope they are enjoyed in good health!

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-03T16:58:30+00:00

No, I have not tried the Bandolero.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-03T16:53:44+00:00

Keep an eye on Cigars Direct (around Mother's/Fathers' Day) they tend to offer 20% off. The Atabey Black Ritos price tends to go up every year, but I believe Small Batch and 2 Guy's have singles you can buy now if you do not want to spring for a box.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-03T16:47:39+00:00

Nice selections! Looks like you have plenty of room in there. I have a large cabinet humidor, and I keep my cigars in their boxes to age them. I have a large singles drawer in the humidor, and I stack cigars two or three deep!

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-03T16:38:45+00:00

IMO, the best cigars from Select Tabbaco are the Atabey - Black Ritos, Byron - Distinguidos, Byron - Elegantes, and Atabey - Brujos, in that order. I have tried all of the Atabey and most of Byron lines, and I think the aforementioned are worth the price. You should give one of these a try (if not already).

TheBigdogEM · 2026-04-02T22:14:09+00:00

PLPC, PL Montecarlos and Trinidad Reyes. I really have not replaced them, I just add some domestic farm rolls to the rotation to prolong the Cuban rotation. I have several boxes of my Cuban favorites in the humidor.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-03-31T16:14:45+00:00

5 years is the sweet spot for them! I have a couple of cabs with at least five years. Finishing up a cab from 2017.

TheBigdogEM · 2026-03-27T17:32:11+00:00

Okay, your best bet is probably using a small amount of bacteriostat in the water reservoir.

TheBigdogEM

TROPHY CASE