Journey to the end of the slope, a pictoral essay

[SilverFox]

So about 5 or so years ago I realized that buying as I smoked meant I didn't always have cigars around when I wanted them so after much looking and pondering I got my first humidor. It was a nice little desktop that would hold around 100 cigars (who the hell has 100 cigars but it was a nice size and seemed easy to take care of) so this was the the start of my journey down the slope.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-00.jpg

Fast forward a couple of year and when trying to learn more about non cuban cigars ( I started as primarily a cuban cigar smoker) I stumbled on this forum where a few of my questions could be answered. The little box was no longer big enough, but alas I had a solution. I found a deal on not one but two wine fridges (holy crap room for many many boxes surely I am done) So in came the solutions, I set them up and was happily on my way to buying a "few" boxes.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-01.jpg


No as we journey through the last two years a sale here a box that needs to be had there a few trades and hmmmm the Solutions are getting full. I need a temporary solution to the excess while I sort things out, after all 2 fridges must be enough right. Excess is only for the weak of spirit and those that lack self control. Yup, enter the excess a couple of bins for boxes and a smaller bin for miscellaneous singles.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-03.jpg


With storage finally under controll I was no longer concerned after all with all this room what could possibly go wrong, so an extra stick or two here or there wont fill things up will they. Little did I know that my willpower was inversly proportionate to my storage and I went from the excess to the Extreme. I was officially now obsessed (ok maybe it was sooner than this) I had now moved from nice organized bins to an old cooler and yes the Ziplocador. Something had to be done but what.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-05.jpg

[SilverFox]

Fast forward to late August of 09 a discussion with my wife and best friend ensues. I need to get all these multiple bins from various points in our basement and consolidate them. I offer up a reasonable cabinet solution, she baulks immediately as she does not like the design or the glass front. She to my wonder and amazement suggests a custom built one from none other than Aristocrat. Enter Bob he listens kindly as I babble on about how I can't wait to get my box and what I want and how I want it set up. This man is the patron saint of humidors and enough cannot be said about the quality of his work, his demaeanor in dealing with the customer. Anyway after a somewhat trying ordeal with customs (I really don't want to get into it) on September 11, 2009 it arrives.

The solution to all my storage issues and the end to my ride down the slope.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-14.jpg

It has more storage than I will ever need. Not a guess a fact. It has digitally controlled active humidification, flat roll out shelves and is lockable to keep inquiring little hands out of it.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-15.jpg


And it has just the right amount of capacity. A little room to grow as I have cleared out a few things. It isn't exactly organized like I want it yet but once the dust settles it will be more than perfect.

I don't know that starting my journey down the slope with this what I hope to be a family heirloom would have been as exciting or fun. Looking at them all in there is both somewhat satisfying and at the same time a little daunting. When they were all hidden in their various spots the excess of my hobby/obsession was a little less apparent. It has been a hell of a run and I wouldn't change much about it (except for maybe that 6 month tasting of non cubans) but this is the end of my slope and I am happy to be here. This does not mean that there will never be another purchase but the general state of things will stay constant.

Hope you enjoy

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/HumiStory/HumiStory_09-18.jpg

[ir13]

:O

[Clampdown]

Nice set up, i think this thread could be a sory for a lot of CC smokers, myself included.

[Starchild]

Wow! Beautiful cabinet! Looks even better stocked:tu

Congratulations!

[dannysguitar]

Wow. You must make a good living :-)

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Nice story there, nice collection too

[14holestogie]

Okay, I'll be the first to say it. It looks a little small. ;):D

Congrats, Shawn on the consolidation. Looks perfect. :tu

[Kreth]

Nice post. I can see why it took so long to count up your collection for the contest. I don't think my local B&M stocks that many smokes.
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[icantbejon]

that's a hell of a collection Shawn.....wow. My wife would actually kill me if I had that many cigars. It would be worth the death though, perhaps. You have stuff in there that I've never even heard of before, let alone smoked, I'm quite sure. Probably some very tasty treats waiting to be lit.

[heavyd]

The pre-aristocrat photos are hilarious! Especially the last one with the Santa Claus sack :D.

That is a very nice solution to your predicament. Good for you :tu

[Doctorossi]

the end to my ride down the slope


:r

... oh, sorry.

[Barteur]

Wow this a really nice one Shawn. Thanks the story always nice to see how this hobby makes us go nuts.

Frenchie

[Stogeyfish]

Nice, Shawn! :tu

I got the same one a couple of months ago; though mine's not as full.

One question - how often does the fan run? Quite often in mine and had to move it out of the bedroom into the office.

Congrats again on the Aristocrat!

[Addiction]

The story isn't over Shawn. Everyday I look at the cabinent and think "If I only had more room...."

[D_A]

That's a beauty! And it looks like there is room to throw a few coolers on top after you fill it up:ss

[colimo]

Beautiful piece shawn...:dr

but it already looks full...:ss

hope you kept the fridges for overflow

[BC-Axeman]

Through it all stands the little desktop humi. :)
My obsession is kept firmly in check by my credit limit. If it were not I would like to have a "collection" like that. :tu

[Wraiith]

Your pre-cabinet amalgamation made me laugh during a presentation....I hope you're happy ....

[ahc4353]

Lets see a pic of how nice and neat the drawer for the singles are.

[massphatness]

<<<<< amazed

and a little speechless

Congrats, Fox!

[DonniePaul]

Wow! That is an awesome cabinet and you did a great job of showing your decent down the slippery slope.

It could almost be described as "A Road map to the dark side":ss

Great Post Shawn! Thanks:tu

[GreekGodX]

That cabinet is a perfect ending... Once there are 2 of them :r

Great story Shawn thanks for sharing :tu

[yourchoice]

:OIt is beautiful Shawn! Congrats.It has more storage than I will ever need. Not a guess a fact.

Famous last words! :r

[MedicCook]

Awesome progression of photos Shawn. :tu

[GKitty]

Thanks for the pictorial, Shawn! I love your stories.

Congrats on the beautiful heirloom. Whether it's the end of the slope or just a brief respite before the floor falls out from under you again, it's a gorgeous milestone in the journey.

[cle_smoker]

Beautiful!

[itsme_timd]

HAHAHA! I thought it was funny jumping from the desktop humi to the 2 vinos... then I kept scrolling. WOW! :D

[M1903A1]

The solution to all my storage issues and the end to my ride down the slope.
**************
It has more storage than I will ever need. Not a guess a fact.
**************
once the dust settles it will be more than perfect.
**************
this is the end of my slope
**************
the general state of things will stay constant.


For now! :r :ss

[TheTraveler]

Thanks for the pictorial, Shawn! I love your stories.

Congrats on the beautiful heirloom. Whether it's the end of the slope or just a brief respite before the floor falls out from under you again, it's a gorgeous milestone in the journey.

What she said! Thanks for the interesting pics Shawn.

Enjoy that Aristocrat - it sure is a beauty. :) It actually looks ..... content, satisfied, fulfilled, right ... sitting there with that great stock of cigars in it. You've given it a happy home. :D

[canucks6024]

wow

[Kreth]

I couldn't see the Aristocrat pics very well earlier when I was outside. That's a sweet looking cabinet.
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[mojo65]

WOW what a cabinet and collection!

[Bax]

YOU ROCK!!!!!!:banger

[HK3-]

Holy Cow Man!!!!!! You are the only person I know who has one entire shelf dedicated to only Cohibas! :banger

Amazing progress down the slope!

[marge796]

Awesome!!!!


:tu


Chris.....

[Smokin Gator]

That is a gorgeous piece brother... Just remember though... you thought you would never fill the two Vinos!!!

[kelmac07]

Beautiful!! :tu

[Doctorossi]

You are the only person I know who has one entire shelf dedicated to only Cohibas!

I have a shelf dedicated to Cohibas, too.

It's empty, but what you gonna do? :r

[sikk50]

My Lord!

[kaisersozei]

Quite impressive, Shawn, congratulations! :tu

[eboniknight]

WOW!!! Priceless!! :)

[acarr]

That is purdy

[Slavac]

Brilliant post mate :) I can feel my feet sliding along the slope already :(

[BlackDog]

Congrats brother, on two accounts. First for the fabulous humi and cigar collection, and second on a wife who permits you to enjoy your hobby. :tu

I could have helped provide a solution for you though. I'd have taken one of those plastic bins for you. You know, just to help. :r

[DBall]

It always ends with a cabinet or a walk-in, eh? Hahaha... awesome looking cabinet, man!

[Cigargal]

The end? I don't think so.......

[The Poet]

Have you ordered that second cabinet yet, Fox? Envious minds want to know.

[Cigary]

Wow,,,,impressive and would love to have that in my house.

[RGD.]

The end? I don't think so.......


LOL - I was just thinking the same thing. It's actually funny that he thinks it's "the end of the slope" . . .


:ss


Ron

[troutbreath]

Beautiful cabinet! Wow!!

[Red]

awesome story and progression there brother!! that was very entertaining!!!!!!

[cort]

Sooooo...Where do you keep the good cigars?



:D

Very nice setup:tu

[DPD6030]

Great humidor Shawn :tu Lots of great smokes to keep you happy. I don't see much room for expansion though you did say you were "done" for now. You still have your vinotemps?

[kgoings]

DAD! When can I move back home?

:r great story and pics!

[GTCanuk]

It always ends with a cabinet or a walk-in, eh? Hahaha... awesome looking cabinet, man!

Got to start the walkin before the cab is full:D

[Giant & 49er Fan]

So when does your B&M open? :r

[Cerius]

It's... so.. beautiful.

[Bubba - NJ]

Good God Man ! Just when I start thinking I had too many cigars . I now realize that I am an amateur . The only time I've ever ordered more then 1 box of the same cigar at a time was for Partagas Chico's and that was only for 2 boxes . Some day my good man I will have a cabinet of my own . Great story and pictures . And lets see a shot into the singles drawer . Pleeeaaase ! :dr

[WyGuy]

Great looking cabinet! Those cigars don't look bad either :)

[bobarian]

Very nice Shawn. It looks like we travel down the same path. One that is well worn by the tracks of many others. I am planning on an Aristocrat for my Christmas present! :tu

[Kreth]

So... is it the end of the slope because it becomes a sheer cliff? :r
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[smokin5]

Bee-Yoo-Tee-Ful!!:dr

I shared your post with my dear mate the Queen Beetch,
noting, "See, I'm not THAT crazed" ("yet", I silently added).
She looked at me, blinked, & busted out laughing, saying,
"Do you really think i'm going to agree with you?"

Loved the progression photos. But don't you think you should perch the original 100-count box on top, just for old time's sake?

Congrats on the new addition to the family.:tu

[RevSmoke]

Youch! Nice new humidor.

Does this mean you now need more cigars to fill up the ones you emptied to fill the big one?

GDR

[M1903A1]

Does this mean you now need more cigars to fill up the ones you emptied to fill the big one?



Uhoh.....:lv

[Skywalker]

OMG!!!

Very nice set up!!!:tu

When I grow up I want to be you Fox!!!

[JE3146]

Congrats Shawn!

[BroncoHorvath]

Well done Shawn :tu

It's a beautiful piece of art for sure.... Congrats...

[SilverFox]

Youch! Nice new humidor.

Does this mean you now need more cigars to fill up the ones you emptied to fill the big one?

GDR

Thanks for all the compliments folks

And no Rev, I figure I have enough smokes for another 10 to 12 years :D

[icantbejon]

And no Rev, I figure I have enough smokes for another 10 to 12 years :D

My wife and I were commenting on that last night. I told her what the results were from your contest and she couldn't believe one person had so many cigars. She asked me how long it would take to smoke that many and I didn't really have a good answer. Doing quick calculator math, avg 1/day, I came up to just about 10 yrs without buying another stick. :jd

[Kreth]

My wife and I were commenting on that last night. I told her what the results were from your contest and she couldn't believe one person had so many cigars. She asked me how long it would take to smoke that many and I didn't really have a good answer. Doing quick calculator math, avg 1/day, I came up to just about 10 yrs without buying another stick. :jd
Did you adjust for leap years? :r
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[Old Sailor]

:dr:dr:dr

[Ashcan Bill]

Beautiful Aristocrat. Bob's the best.

But I suspect you may find it too will fill up, sooner than you think. :r

[rizzle]

Nice box. :tu

[Fishbeadtwo]

Wow, simply wow.

[Da Klugs]

End? Minor plateaus based upon new storage limits should not be confused with an end point. :D

[M1903A1]

End? Minor plateaus based upon new storage limits should not be confused with an end point. :D

I have a feeling there's a similar milepost down the pike for him, Dave! :r

[OLS]

Dave, thank you so much for posting that pic again. Well, actually, that is a much
more modern pic than the ones I remember. But I always lamented losing the pics I saved
from the first time you posted that behemoth. It is kind of a holy shrine for me. I get the
same feeling looking at it that I got at the grand canyon.
;s

Also, I am afraid you are right. Although I have been succesful at avoiding the order forms
for MONTHS, it is always down to storage at the end. I have no intention of getting more
storage for now. And the prices are only OK these days. But at any moment, I could revert.
Because storage is a fungible thing.

By the way, please tell me that is NOT a Lincoln Memorial humidor....I thought the one on the
left was a laundry basket at first, lol.

[Ashcan Bill]

Dave, thank you so much for posting that pic again.

Yep, nice to see a pic of the Shrine again. :dr

[OLS]

End? Minor plateaus based upon new storage limits should not be confused with an end point. :DYUP. I was led to believe the end of the slope had much more to do with the poor burning
qualities caused by the lack of oxygen available in your average casket. Because that's when the
slope ends, folks. What you are experiencing is more likely something called a breather, or hiatus.

[HK3-]

YUP. I was led to believe the end had much more to do with the lack of oxygen
to be found in your average casket. Because that's when the slope ends, folks. What
you are experiencing is more likely something called a breather, or hiatus.

:r:r AKA- Lack of funds. :)

[OLS]

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....eh .
Hahahahahahahahahahahahah
What is that, a SPACE-BAG? :r
:r
:r
:r

[gbum]

shawn, u r monster!

[OLS]

I was going to "mock you" on this one, cause I think it's sweet how you say the same thing
and expect a different result. "room to grow". Hehe.
But when you actually LOOK at it, maybe you ARE done.
That wooden ark of the covenant must have cost over 3000 bucks. I WISH I had that $3000
in CIGARS. If you need space NOW, you should really look into this thing I heard about called
SMOKING. Leaves almost no trace.

Pffft. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha....he.

[OLS]

The only time I've ever ordered more then 1 box of the same cigar at a time was for Partagas Chico's
THAT is why you fail!

[HK3-]

It's a cigar sleeping bag.

[SilverFox]

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....eh .
Hahahahahahahahahahahahah
What is that, a SPACE-BAG? :r
:r
:r
:r

I prefer the term Ziplocador :D

[JJG]

Family heirloom indeed! and not just the beautiful cabinet, but the contents as well.

[Bubba - NJ]

Revisiting this thread for the shear beauty of the mostly full cabinet . I now have a goal set , a Partagas only shelf ! :dr

[LordOfWu]

Shawn, you both frighten and inspire me!