Transforming Havana’s Past into Timeless Luxury: The Legacy of Humidores Habana

Amid the cobblestone streets and historic architecture of Havana, Humidores Habana stands as a testament to Cuban craftsmanship and a guardian of its cultural legacy. Founded by Ernesto Aguilera in 1994, the brand evolved from its metalworking origins into a symbol of refined artistry, specialising in the creation of bespoke humidors crafted from wood reclaimed from centuries-old Havana buildings and furniture. These humidors are not just for storing cigars; they are living pieces of Cuban history, meticulously designed to honour the nation’s past and celebrate the timeless tradition of cigar smoking. In 2019, the Humidores Habana boutique opened its doors in Havana’s Old Town, offering aficionados a space to experience and acquire this remarkable works of art.

Humidores Habana was born not merely as a business venture but as a passion project rooted in a profound respect for Havana’s cultural heritage. Ernesto Aguilera’s transition from metalworking to crafting humidors was driven by his deep admiration for the intricate craftsmanship that defines luxury cigar culture. His mission was to create objects that transcended mere function, instead telling a story through the reclaimed wood sourced from Havana’s historic structures. Each piece of wood, imbued with the character of a bygone era, ensures that every humidor has a unique narrative, its texture and patina bearing witness to Havana’s rich history.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Humidores Habana’s use of reclaimed wood reflects a philosophy of sustainability and cultural preservation. These humidors, often made from wood that has been on the island for over a century, offer collectors the chance to own a tangible piece of Cuba’s past. 

Each humidor produced by Humidores Habana is a testament to the skill, dedication, and artistry of the craftsmen who shape them. The process involves meticulous woodwork, elaborate carvings, and fine finishing techniques that transform each humidor into a work of art. Artisans apply layers of lacquer to bring out the rich, natural beauty of the wood grain, creating a deep, lustrous finish. For select pieces, inlays of precious metals or semi-precious stones are incorporated, elevating the humidors into objects of both beauty and function.

The “Presidencial” humidor, their signature piece, exemplifies this artistic approach. Its design strikes a perfect balance between the functional demands of cigar preservation and the aesthetic elegance of traditional Cuban artistry. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each humidor is distinctive, with no two pieces alike. The “Presidencial” humidor captures the essence of Cuba, merging history, craftsmanship, and luxury into an art piece that is both functional and decorative. Prior to the revolution, humidors of this nature were often given as diplomatic gifts, adding to their prestige and importance in Cuban culture. 

Located on San Rafael Boulevard between Amistad and Industria, just a short walk from the renowned Kempinski Hotel, the Humidores Habana boutique is a must-see destination for any cigar enthusiast visiting Havana. It is far more than a retail store—it is an immersive experience into the history and artistry of Ernesto Aguilera’s legacy. Upon entering the boutique, visitors are greeted by miniaturised replicas of Aguilera’s original workbench, paying homage to his humble beginnings. Once inside, patrons can explore a stunning array of humidors available for purchase, alongside Aguilera’s one-of-a-kind avant-garde creations.

For those unable to visit Havana, Humidores Habana offers a detailed catalog, which can be requested through their Facebook or Instagram pages, showcasing their latest offerings.

Humidores Habana’s reputation has expanded well beyond Cuba, with Aguilera’s masterpieces adorning the collections of discerning cigar aficionados around the globe. These humidors are not simply storage containers—they are works of art that carry the spirit of Havana, shaped from the very materials that once formed the city’s colonial architecture.

Although the boutique does not operate an eCommerce platform, prospective buyers can inquire directly through Instagram (@humidoreshabana) or Facebook. Buyers could ship these humidors internationally to countries serviced by DHL from Cuba, and potential buyers are encouraged to contact Humidores Habana to confirm eligibility. Each sale is tailored to the customer’s specific needs to ensure a seamless transaction, with prices quoted in Cuban Pesos but personalised purchasing solutions available for international clients.

For American collectors, there is good news: despite the U.S. trade embargo, humidors from Humidores Habana can legally be imported into the United States under OFAC’s (Office of Foreign Assets Control) Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR). Specifically, Section 515.560(c) allows for the importation of Cuban artwork and handicrafts, including these humidors, for personal use. This legal pathway ensures that American collectors can own a piece of Cuba’s heritage, directly connecting them with Havana’s storied past.

In every humidor, Humidores Habana encapsulates history, artistry, and the soul of Cuba—a legacy preserved in wood and crafted for a discerning global audience.

Humidores Habana: Cuban Excellence | Humidors Made from 100+ Yr Old Reclaimed Wood | Havana, Cuba

In today's video, Cigar Keep Ambassador @kirbyallison visits Humidores Habana, where he meets with its visionary founder, José Ernesto Aguilera. Established in 1994, Humidores Habana evolved from metalworking into crafting exquisite, handmade humidors using reclaimed centuries-old wood from Havana’s historic buildings. These masterpieces, celebrated for their detailed craftsmanship, are found in the collections of enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide, reflecting the rich tradition and luxury of Cuban artisanship. Aguilera’s passion and skill have elevated Humidores Habana to international acclaim.

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

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.