Cuba Day 7: Humidores Habana - Crafting the World's Finest Cigar Humidors | Kirby in Cuba

Join Kirby Allison as he ventures back to the spirited heart of Havana, revealing yet another vibrant example of the quality, craftsmanship, and tradition found in Cuba. Our journey takes us to the Arroyo Naranjo district, home to the esteemed Humidores Habana workshop. Here, Ernesto Aguilera and his team of skilled artisans craft reclaimed, vintage wood into one-of-a-kind humidors, a resting place for the world-famous Habanos cigars.
Recognized globally for their unparalleled quality, since 1994 Humidores Habana has been crafting their humidors with a meticulous eye for detail, functionality, and aesthetics, affirming their status amongst collectors as some of the most sought-after humidors in the market.
Ernesto shares the obstacles he faced starting his business, the inspirations for his unique designs, and the exceptional level of craftsmanship that elevates their humidors to objects d’art. Discover the incredible craftsmanship infused in every humidor, each a deserving sanctuary for the world's most exquisite cigars.
🙏 Thank you to those who helped make this series possible:
🔸 Jemma Freeman and Hunters & Frankau
🔸 Daymi Difurniao and the entire Habanos marketing team
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#habanos #myhabanosmoment #kirbyallison #cubatravel #travel
🎬 VIDEO CHAPTER TIME CODES
00:00 Introduction
01:43 Humidores Habana
03:10 Ernesto Aguilera and His Beginnings
23:15 Intricate Marquetry
39:54 The Workshop
51:50 The Vintage Raw Material Warehouse
58:00 Finishing Departments
1:01:00 Iconic Humidors
1:12:00 A Parting Gift
📽 WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS IN OUR CUBA SERIES:
🧳 Packing My Luggage for Cuba: • Packing for Cuba! My F...
🧳 Packing My Cigars for Cuba: • Selecting Cigars for t...
1️⃣ My First Day in Cuba!: • My First Day in Cuba! ...
2️⃣ Habanos Festival Opener & Welcome Night: • Cuba Day 2: The 23rd A...
3️⃣ Havana Sit Down Smoke with Edward and Eddie Sahakian: • Cuba Day 3: A Dream Re...
4️⃣ The Glorious Tobacco Fields of Cuba: • Cuba Day 4: Visiting C...
5️⃣ Bolivar Festival Night: • Cuba Day 5: A Golden C...
6️⃣ El Laguito Factory Tour: • Cuba Day 6: Cohiba's E...
7️⃣ Humidores Habana: • Cuba Day 7: Humidores ...
8️⃣ Havana Walking Tour with Edward and Eddie Sahakian • Cuba Day 8: Havana Wal...
9️⃣ Hotel National Tour
🔟 Habanos Festival Black Tie Gala and Auction
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[@SimonLant]

That gift at the end is simply amazing. These are not just humidors but exquisite pieces of furniture. Bravo.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you very much!

[@littlesilver2205]

Beautiful cozy little shop, nothing like handmade exquisite humidors where every detail is gone over, a eye for detail makes them stand out.

[@RamblingVlogger]

Anyone who ever worked with wood knows the art and talent it takes to craft these amazing humidors. Craftsmanship at its purest form.

[@kirbyallison]

What's even more impressive is that Ernesto was able to accomplish this without any modern training (completely self-taught) or access to modern technology widely used by any of his contemporaries.

[@RamblingVlogger]

@@kirbyallison The man has a gift along with his passion. It’s truly inspirational. A lot of the world’s greatest talents were self taught. Speaks volume on how dedication, passion, and eagerness to grow can be the greatest tool in itself.

[@headgroundsman1650]

A true artist--- he loves his work

[@banjo2702]

Smoked an San Cristobal, Mercaderes while watching this. The gift at the end was a highlight of the series.

[@kirbyallison]

Fantastic choice!

[@jony6toes307]

As a precision engineer working to micron tolerances by hand, this was a real treat. Thank you Kirby and your team.

[@kaprikornian1]

Kirby, you should show us this beautiful humidor at home with a few nice cigars inside!

[@kirbyallison]

We just filmed the first smoke at home with my new filtration system… and this beauty is featured front and center! 😊

[@rickardnewman7857]

I tip my hat to your sense of taste and ability to execute@@kirbyallison

[@MrInzeo]

Hey Kirby, Your translator is only summarizing what this special man is saying. He is really detailed and very passionate in his craft. You should use subtitles. I think the audience would really love to feel the passion and details.

[@kirbyallison]

In future productions, we are going to use subtitles. This was our first foray into multi-language production, and it proved difficult. We learned a lot.

[@davidestrada5131]

​@kirbyallison am from Mexico, English is my second language and I can tell you, your translator did a great job. Translating what someone says right away it's no easy task, plus there are many words and ways of talk with a meaning that cannot be translated. I did catch that the translation is not a 100 percent accurate but it was splendid non the less. Kudos to you for your passion and work and kudos to your translator for giving his best effort for translating live (right in the moment with no time to give a second thought in how could the message be delivered in a better way)

[@nec4608]

Mr.Kirby what an excellent video not only for the scenes and descriptions of this task, so it is not seen but observed and felt, the proud work of an artisan and his team in a tiny place, but it shows that when there is passion and self esteem the craft is exalted, a whole teaching for us the viewers. Thanks!!!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Yes, Ernest and his entire team are inspiring examples of human perseverance and the Cuban spirit. Despite what are challenging circumstances with which to operate a private business - themselves rare in Cuba - Ernest has been able to overcome these obstacles to create what are some of the finest humidors in the world!

[@markmckenzie1605]

What a great man. Those humidors are amazing, works of art. If only we could see that in the modern world. His passion shows in those humidors. Keep up the great work Kirby, I love seeing the great series you are bringing us from Cuba. I bet you go back again.

[@Bobby-ei7xp]

Wow! I was not expecting those artworks at all in the beginning but wow and the gift at the end was so beautiful and he called it basic.

[@manuelrodriguez4743]

Thank you so much Kirby that was another amazing episode. My respect for those guys and so for the translator 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Sandman328]

Best way to start my weekend !!🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺

[@Chrisin757]

My week is not complete till (once again) I see Cuba and Mr. Kirby. Thank you×10

[@gabrielvillegas6071]

A country with the best tobacco in the world, must have the best humidours too.

[@kirbyallison]

And, indeed they do! I'm proud to have one of these beauties sitting on my coffee table in my home smoking lounge.

[@los-viajeros]

real works of art. they are worth their money because they are made by people with taste who have dedicated their lives so that all of us who love cigars can have them in every corner of the world

[@cajbrg]

I can only admire the craftmanship of this series so far, really love this. What's really stunning, in the western world we focus on earning money, focus on ourself.. and make more money. This video shows participating and building a stronger community contributes on a stronger fealing of happiness. As with everything, "it's al about sharing". Experience, expertise and love for the craft! As a teacher it almost give me tears! Thanks again.

[@NietzscheanMan]

Communism is always horrendous.

[@brucebogstrotter1796]

Go and try and live in Cuba for 6 months and tells us the same, there's nothing wrong with building strong communities but read a history book if you want to see what Communism does to people.

[@cajbrg]

@@brucebogstrotter1796 Did I say anything about "living"? Or communism? Please stick to the things I said, not politics. Thank You.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Wonderful video!

[@MrModmustang]

Simply fantastic. Passion like this can only give rise to the most exquisite creations. Great video, thanks. I'm enjoying a Don Carlos Edicion De Anniversario while watching this.

[@kirbyallison]

Good form!

[@jer3887]

Highlighting these artists is really great.

[@jsalas329]

A beautiful video. Remarkable craftsmanship.

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@derek7448]

I would have given anything to have been in The Vintage Raw Material Warehouse! The historical old Havana wood must have smelled amazing! When you first came off the street and walked into the Humidores Habana workshop it must have been quite the experience! Beautiful humidors and Great video Kirby!

[@mambicubano7303]

I believe that the Cuban state should make the Habano festival more popular, broadcasting each event live on television, making it known to every corner of the world.

[@kirbyallison]

It wouldn't be the same as being there... it really is just one of those events that you have to attend in person at least once in your life.

[@mambicubano7303]

@@kirbyallison I believe you my friend

[@timmckenzie9473]

Kirby! I have loved the Cuban series. I have a suggestion. I think it would be awesome if you could make a video on how you got to Cuba and how you got your cigars back to the US. I have been trying to plan a trip, but don’t know where to start. Would love some info on that.

[@jackwolfskin5451]

Fantastic video. Another excellent quality documentary of a different side of Cuba 👍🏻

[@kirbyallison]

Many thanks!

[@td4dotnet]

Superb Craftsmanship and what a beautiful gift from such an artisan. Thanks again for the great content Kirby!

[@kirbyallison]

His work was even more impressive than I was expecting!

[@zoobee]

this Cuban gentleman is very admirable. I wish him nothing but success

[@juanjosefermin3682]

Would love to see a video of Kirby comissioning a humidor from that place and gifting it to the Sahakians

[@kirbyallison]

😅

[@gavindadds4414]

Those are some seriously low ceilings - a concussion waiting to happen if you get careless. Always loved to see craftsmen that can turn wood into works of art. Just had a thought, if you like good music check out a song called April Sun in Cuba released way back in 1977 here in Australia. Perfect for this series.

[@AngelMenendezFitness]

This was one of the most amazing videos on this superb series. Is sad translation on this video was not up to part. The artist description was soooooo good but yet not well translated. At the end of the day the message was good and it was a work of art of a video and a beautiful message.

[@kirbyallison]

If you send me the translations, I can load them into KZbin as English subtitles

[@AngelMenendezFitness]

@kirbyallison perfect I will let me know where to send it?

[@mambicubano7303]

As I have learned with your works, my friend, but also, what the topic of the Cuban Habano involves, there are many details and events that, without these works, we would be unable to see.

[@terrestrialaccessnetwork8456]

Kirby this series has been incredibly entertaining. Thanks for making this man. I’ve really loved every episode. The only thing I want more of in 2024 is… more videos! 🤣

[@kirbyallison]

😅 The link to our Patreon can be found in the description of this video! Haha

[@jerrenortonjr.7405]

Bravo

[@user-mq8wk7qj5s]

Mr Kirby: Viva Cuba Libre

[@kirbyallison]

Indeed!

[@gusseisern1151]

Epic !

[@ivanfeng2126]

Inspirational

[@mambicubano7303]

When I thought the videos were over, this number 7 appears. I tell you that we are here in Montreal with snow up to our necks, it doesn't stop and there is no time for the city to clean the streets

[@kirbyallison]

There are ten episodes! The full list is in the description of this video!

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Very interesting Kirby, but a pity that you did not show more of the finished humidors in detail while in the showroom. Just some constructive advice. Kind regards, SF.

[@kirbyallison]

We only take critical feedback from paying members of the Patreon! lol. j/k. Thanks!

[@diegofmedina1126]

An amazing video as always and a beautiful addition to the series! Just as constructive criticism, there were ravishing details lost during the live translation; I think using subtitles would help and smooth the video pace. Throughout the series I have felt like (surely in an effort to translate emotions) the translator adds personal comments. Better to keep factual to what was actually said. I think his best performance was at El Laguito while he was off camera. Nevertheless great work, the translator looks like a lovely chap and has got excellent pronunciation! Thanks for bringing this experience to us! I am certainly looking forward to one day visit cuba and with luck visit the same locations!

[@deividmanfre4231]

Come to Brazil where Dona Flor is one of my favorites

[@Kxji]

I speak Spanish & English and I got mad a bit cause the translator missed a few parts, hey Kirby whenever you’re in Dominican Republic I’ll translate for free 😂 I think live translating or as he speaks is better than waiting him for talk.

[@shirley4868]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@EasyMac308]

Amazing content as always. Can you recommend any vintage menswear stores in the Dallas or OKC areas? I'm looking to improve my wardrobe, but don't have thousands to start from scratch.

[@kirbyallison]

Reach out to @calebmali on Instagram. He can point you in the right direction.

[@ar007r]

Next time you they should just put in subtitles and edit out the translation. Would add a better flow. Not a criticism I obviously loved the video series and watched all of them the day each came out. Very well done and I love the content.

[@YousirArdume]

I could've swore I just looked up the calendar for all the festivals, and Cuba's festival is the last. I thought I saw the calendar said the end of February?

[@johnhines9508]

Does he have the store there or anywhere else where you can see and buy. Also how were prices

[@vicentegregorio6476]

Great episode! I truly understand his pride in what he does and I admire his reclamation project of ancient woods. But being Cuban born I also read the indoctrination in this artisan. He could be a luminary in a capitalist society and his work would be for his benefit and that of his family without the government taking majority cut out of his work 😢.

[@stbroker1]

Yo lo entendí todo, I understood everything. I don’t know what people talking about. No se de que está hablando la gente. Kirby are you going back next month?

[@kirbyallison]

Yes! I’ll be back next month!

[@theone9564]

Where can I buy one?

[@kirbyallison]

We are trying to get some to sell online but logistics difficult getting them from Cuba… stay tuned.

[@theone9564]

@@kirbyallison nice keep up the good work 👏 🙌

[@lilgeorge805]

The translator seemed a bit nervous this time. The translation was a bit off.

[@kirbyallison]

the difficulty of live, simultaneous translation cannot be overstated. Happy to have you on set next time!

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

You would Kirby would speak Spanish by now having a hispanic wife and kid lol

[@Pineconeboy55]

Those ceilings are so low

[@spectator6656]

"i live here so i often fart here too"

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

7:15 you have to speak LMAO

[@Mrbrbusby]

Kirby seriously why aren’t you Secretary of State of our dismal hopeless country? You’re the guy who should be saying “beers all around and a Courvoisier for me.” - S. Shriver, 1965

[@kirbyallison]

I think I should be made Ambassador. I promise that relations would improve immediately... haha.

[@user-rs3er8vz2l]

Get a grip fella, get a grip!!

[@David-xu1my]

People have to understand Kirby is not a smoker like you and I. He cant fathom paying less than $10 for a smoke. Hell his idea of New World is Davidoff. That says it all.

[@devildriverrule111]

I feel like a My Father La Promesa or a nice mild Oliva Conneticut Reserve would blow his mind.

[@kirbyallison]

I’ll have to give those a try!

[@born2fightt]

HEY KIRBY it would be awesome if u paid someone to translate to english

[@SimonLant]

He has a (clearly well paid) translator right there in the room. They could have edited it so the English was dubbed over but that wouldn't be as authentic really.

[@kirbyallison]

Happy to have some volunteer help from subscribers. If someone sends me the translations with time codes, I can load as English subtitles!

[@aandk2594]

Anyone who is a true cigar aficionado knows the worlds best humidors come from France, not Cuba… The “big 3” are… Elie Bleu (France), followed closely by S.T. Dupont (also in France but known more for soft flame lighters), then Daniel Marshall (U.S.).

[@kirbyallison]

Have you watched this video? I take issue with this generalization. Without question, the humidor makers you mention are doing work at the absolute highest level and have the benefit of easier access to worldwide markets. But Ernesto is able to achieve his designs without any of the technological assistance of Elie Bleu or S.T. Dupont. Just take a look at our Elie Bleu factory tour and compare it to that of Ernesto's. He certainly doesn't have the volume of these guys and his aesthetic is totally different, but I find a profound since of integrity and authenticity in his humidors, the way they are made, and their designs. It's like comparing Roger Smith to Patek Philippe, with Humidores Habana being the Roger Smith.

[@jarodbaker7718]

the best works of art humidors are both the french you mention and the different but more personal and passionate creations buy this gentleman, however the best functioning is still systema tupperware with boveda packs

[@lofimoda]

The most expensive, yes. The best ones.. meh!

[@jlaw007]

Kirby talks about the history and passed on traditions, of who, not the owners of these brands, at least 16 of largest and most famous brands like H Upmann, Punch, Montecristo, Partagas, Toraño, etc were taken by force, Fidel himself with a machine gun toting guard said to the owners "we are taking your business, now get out" and took the companies from their owners, some who had even supported Castro during the revolution. Castro unknowingly created the current fabricators of central America by spreading the Cuban seed all over the world. Kirby is blinded by his love for cigars, he seems like a paid propaganda marketer for Cuba, talk to the people, they are not "happy and love their work" they are oppressed and underpaid. Go talk to the real people Kirby not the government puppets.

[@lofimoda]

The whole festival looks very od to me. Full of rich foreigners invading the country, I mean, what about the control over the money coming in? And how is it possible so much abundance in such a precarious environment!? Is really strange that the festival exists in first place.

[@samchen2133]

Kirby is just trying to show cigars, man. Everything is not a big agitprop game. You guys need not have to get overlypolitical about it.

[@user-gq4er4go1r]

It's not his core competency. He's sticking to his focus. Quality. Craftsmanship. Tradition.

[@jlaw007]

@@user-gq4er4go1r I get Kirby, he is great at talking about the finer things and is enthusiastic about cigars, maybe he doesn't want to offend his hosts but it just infuriates me when he talks about the people and how happy they are and how they love what they do. Take a look at how the people live, rationing, underpaid, and what's worse, the inability to thrive no matter how hard they work, just take a look at how the so called best humidor craftsman lives and works above his own factory in that cramped environment with minimal tools and technology. The truth is the government makes great cigars at the expense of it's people.

[@devildriverrule111]

It is sort of sad that a lot of the new world cigars are made by families who fled cuba, but his channel tends to completely ignore them all (except davidoff). They have the family and tradition he goes on about, yet because they didn't stay under the communist boot they get ignored by not just him but a lot of European and upper class "aficionados".

[@kaputtnix3043]

I did not enjoy this video as much as the others, the scnenes I could not understand were to long...maybe next time play the english translation while someone talks in a foreign language. Or at least add englisch subtitles.

[@user-qs1xj2mu5e]

You people fawning over this guy need to get out of your mother's basement, stop playing with yourself and get some sort of life in the real world.

[@kirbyallison]

I'm very honored by your comment, coming from someone so obviously accomplished and worldly. Please, by all means, tell us more about yourself. I'd love to know how you are changing the world today... that is, when you are not trolling on KZbin.

[@robambrose4199]

Once when I was on a bus in Cambridge, a young guy got on, and I remember the front of his t-shirt said: "Masturbation is not a crime." - I thought it was quite funny at the time, but now I'm guessing that was probably you?

[@lofimoda]

I’m very fond of the channel and the man himself but every time I hear this “where we continue exploring the world of quality craftsmanship and tradition” I cringe in my pants off.

[@kirbyallison]

Why?? What would you prefer?