Custom Handmade Cigar Humidors by Arlin Liss

Dear Arlin,

         I wanted to a minute and thank you for your wood wizardry in the construction of my Humidor. I was so excited through the whole process
         and was extremely concerned as to whether you were going to meet the very high expectations that I had set for you and my new Humidor.
        You didn’t disappoint, as I removed it from the crate I was just ecstatic at the quality that was evidenced in every detail.

        You made every change and adjustment just as we discussed and your suggestions were all very much appreciated but it was the quality
        and fit and finish that has me taking the time to send you this note of gratitude. There aren’t very many folks that can perform a
        dovetail or rout in hardware like you did on my box.

I’m just thrilled with the whole thing and would be pleased to recommend you to anyone who’s thinking of having the ultimate humidor made.

John Meacham
October 29, 2006

Dear Arlin,

I just wanted to email a proper Thank you, the humidor is everything I dreamed it could be, my husband was overjoyed with this most special gift. As a recommendation to put on your site, if you wish, I will say this; This was an incredibly smooth international sale, conducted completely via the internet; An utterly trustworthy and generous piece of business; again a huge Thank you for pulling all the stops out to get it here in time for my husbands birthday, it arrived in advance with no panic.I was kept informed at all stages and given advice, support and input when I needed it and free reign when I wanted it.The quality of the piece is outstanding, a real hand crafted work of art.Together we have made a gift that my husband will treasure for the rest of his life, and will no doubt become an heirloom for generations far beyond our own.

kindest regards

Ruth

Arlin,

I received my humidor late last night, and I must say that your work is beyond reproach. This museum quality humidor is absolutely beautiful, the buckeye burl that took quite a bit of effort to locate looks so unique (not like anything I’ve ever seen before). My 15 year old son, who doesn’t typically appreciate art or much of anything, said WOW that is SO COOL!!

The construction is perfect in every detail from the lid’s spacing in relation to the bottom of the humidor, to the “whoosh” of the lid closing with a perfect seal, to the internal box’s finish work. I expect this will hold a steady 65% rh without any problem. I plan to use this large desktop humidor to care for my various sized and prized Fuente Opus X cigars for at least my lifetime. Although I am the owner of this wonderful piece of art, I look at it as if I’m the current caretaker for this on-of-a-kind humidor and it is my responsibility to maintain it for future generations to take ownership.

The external wood working is flawless, the intricate wood grains and colors are further emphasized with the book-match lid’s veneer work. I could not be happier with the outcome and will make sure other’s that may be interested in high-end humidors are familiar with your exquisite eye for detail and the artistry that you breathe into your creations.

Thank You so much

John Dias

During my most recent visit to your house and workshop, you showed me and the rest of your visitors a gorgeous humidor that you told us you had made out of “scraps” that you had left over from other projects. I quickly dubbed it a “scrapador.” The box you made for me is also a “scrapador,” but that nickname is truly ironic. It is made of maple burl wood veneer that is over 1/8 inch thick. It puts to shame every other desktop humidor that I have had. The top is two pieces of burl that you sawed in half and laid open – creating a mirror image of gorgeous burl. The grain of the front and sides matches up practically seamlessly that of the top.

The inside of the humidor is painstakingly made with ample dividers. It’s substantially and solidly built. The corners are mitered and joined with a sort of wood peg device.

The seal on this humidor is perfect. It took me about 8 days to season it, using only a bowl of distilled water. I have dropped some Climaxx beads into a section of the box (bound in cheesecloth) to supplement the Diamond Crown credo humidifier that you supplied with the humidor. It has been holding at a perfect 63-65% RH since I put some cigars in it.

As of now, I have 25 Vegas Robaina Unicos, 25 RASS, 25 SLR DC’s, about 20 Cohiba Special Reservas of various sizes and assorted single sticks stored in it here in my office. And there is room for more.

Arlin, the fact that you can make a box this gorgeous and functional out of “scraps” speaks wonders for your talent, ingenuity and workmanship.

My 31 year old son, who has lived in Colorado for about 10 years, is spending the winter in this area of Virginia. He has joined me and others in several poker games, smoking cigars and showing that he has a discerning taste for them. He turned up his nose at a young Opus xXx (too strong) and raved about a Cohiba Robusto. It will be my pleasure to leave my Arlin Liss Scrapador to him in my will. Like every other piece of yours that I have seen, it is definitely an heirloom for the generations.

Van

I first found Arlin Liss' website a year ago while looking for humidors on the internet. I called Arlin
up and advised him regarding my interest in a custom made humidor. I like the "mission" style of furniture
and he suggested a side-board concept for a humidor cabinet. A proposal was drafted and I liked the
overall design. I was kept fully appraised of progress throughout the construction process with
frequent digital photos and updates. The final product was shipped to me in November and was eagerly
awaited. It was carefully boxed up in a custom fabricated crate and frame.
The walnut sideboard buffet greatly exceeded my expectations. The quality of the finish, joinery, and
tightness of fit, are perfect. The automated humidification system works perfectly keeping my
cigars at 70% in a stable environment. I have placed my humidor cabinet in my rec. room with my pool table
and wine storage unit. It fits the decor nicely. I view it as a "one-off" custom designed piece of art
work. My friends and family are equally impressed with the workmanship and "tightness" of the unit. Please
refer to Arlin's website for details on the constuction of my sideboard humidor. It can be seen
on the first page of his website at www.arlinliss.com. I would recommend Arlin without reservation. He is a
"straighup" honest guy who does phenomenal quality work. My next project will be for Arlin to make me a
matching gun cabinet to go next to the humidor cabinet. If you like handmade, custom, quality work,
whether it's a desktop humidor or a large cabinet, Arlin is your man without a doubt.

Ajai Cadambi, M.D.
Fort Worth, Texas

WOW!! I just received my new humidor and my jaw just dropped...not only was I blown away by it's great size, but it's incredible beauty as well. And, with the recommended humidification devices, My cigars are already enjoying a perfect 70%. But what I also really enjoyed was the 3 big trays with all the dividers..I had a ball arranging the trays to custom fit the many varieties of cigars I have. Thanks so much Arlin for making my dream humidor a reality..Only drawback, with all that humidor space, I had to go to my local tobacco shop and buy all the cigars I always wanted but didn't have room for....A full humidor is a happy one..So, if you have that dream humidor in your mind"s eye, give Arlin a call, he was a pleasure to work with and you will have a humidor that you will proudly display and enjoy for a lifetime....Thanks Arlin! " -Robert C

"Cigars smokers like me have reaped the rewards from reading ASC for years. From Saka's MOTT to Mullaney's segundo reports, there's always something interesting at ASC. More than a year ago, I read a post about a very talented humidor maker, namely Arlin Liss. When the small string on the ASC bulletin boards metamorphosed into a rope made from the twines of elated clients, I had to investigate, because I simply needed more space, an inexorably expanded flourishing and congenial residency for more reposing cigars. After scrutinizing Arlin's site replete with fine looking humidors and even finer prices, I decided to call him. It's unusual to find someone who's sincere and personable simultaneously, but that's Arlin. He's an anachronism, a throw-back to "the good old days" when "customers were always right." So we decided that he was going to build for me a very large desk-top humidor, and it was going to be a different more streamlined version of his usual fine design. And then I sent him an initial deposit, took a number, and got in line. Subsequently, I realized I was going about this the wrong way. I started thinking about all the tumult, all the "housekeeping" it would take to keep a 500 to 600 Churchill size desk-top in order. All those damned dividers to be divided, the Lucys bumping bellies with my Soberanos, and Senadores, possible Dominican beetles invading Havana, and the inevitable freezer shock. I took a deep breath and stepped back. My scope had been myopic, and I meant to do something about it before it was too late. I awoke the next morning with a vision of an improbable, dripping with art deco, bird's eye maple, monolithic humidor cabinet towering under my thermostat, 5 feet off the carpet (I'm only 5'8"). A cabinet not requiring domesticated services. I would simply leave the cigars in their designated boxes and stuff the whole damned box into the cabinet! This was the answer, but what would Arlin have to say about this? "Hey Sandy, I'm all excited now, let's do it" sez Arlin. And so I faxed a plan to Arlin. It was almost an inordinate task for Arlin. He had to produce his own plywood using book-matched resawn bird's eye maple and inlay cherry into his hand made panels and at the same time make sure everything flowed together, not to disturb the elegant continuity of the entire piece. Everything had to be planned and replanned (by Arlin). There were 2" radii in rock-hard maple to contend with, the bottom radii had to flow and intersect into hard right angles, and simultaneously present themselves with elegance. Scrotums were placed on tables when construction neared completion. He had to route the beads into and around the entire package effecting it into it's inimitable art deco visage, as art begets humanity. As I understand it, it's really two humidors, one inside the other. It had to be insulated before it could be lined with Spanish cedar, and then the electronics and electric cooler, and humidifier could be incorporated. It all came together like a magnificent magical treasure, a coupe de mai'tre, from maple trees, and cherry trees, to the extraordinary hands of an anachronism, and fine gentle mensche named Arlin Liss, who I don't know how to thank enough." -Sandy

It truly is beautiful. It's much more like an old fashioned piece of furniture than a standard humidor. I keep it upstairs at the top of the stairs and can't stop going up there to look at it. If it weren't for the fact that I had to go to sleep, that thing would never get seasoned. I just can't wait to get my cigars resting in their new home!". --- Additional comments from Tom: "Well, I got my humidor yesterday and WOW! What a great piece of furniture. If you're looking for a slick, production line humidor, don't call Arlin. This thing is truly beautiful. Not one part of this box can be called cheap. The hinges, handles, lock and construction are about as solid as you'll see. The finish has a great old fashioned look (I chose Birdseye Maple) and the lid fits the base like a glove. When I first opened the box, I thought I was looking at a piece of furniture that my grandma handed down to my mom and now resides with my sister. This box will be a joy to all future generations of my family (even if California bans all smoking). The best part of all is that nobody will ever have a box that looks like mine as each is a custom creation. In short, I love it. " -Tom

Years ago, Arlin and I spoke about building a special humidor. For various reasons, I never pulled the trigger on the order. Arlin always had time to talk to me about humidors, but never pressured me into any decision I wasn't comfortable with. He was always understanding and I think he knew I was hooked, but I would finally place my order in my own time. Approx 8 months ago I finally pulled the trigger on the order. Mostly because I've been out of the country this year and a custom humidor would be a nice thing to come home to and being away made the wait more tolerable. Arlin had a recently received shipment of burled maple that held promise for a beautiful humidor. I took the plunge. I think Arlin has created a real masterpiece for me that I will treasure forever. I can't say enough about how Arlin treated me as a customer. Because I was out of the country, he fully documented the construction process for me and posted pictures out the internet so I could watch things progress. He even sent me wood samples AFTER he already had the order. If you want to see the birth of a humidor, just click on the link below. Thanks Arlin for exceeding my expectations. I can't wait to get home next month and see the meisterstuck in person

"After reading all the rave reviews from people that had received humidors from Arlin, I had very high expectations for the Chestnut Oak Burl Humidor that Arlin was building for me. I am very pleased to say that this humidor met or exceeded my expectations in every way. Arlin was extremely conscientious in communicating every step of the way. Being able to see the progress on PhotoPoint added to the fun of the project and helped greatly as a point of reference in the discussions. I really enjoyed working with Arlin on this project. The Oasis humidification unit and the Oregon Scientific wireless hygrometer/thermometer add just the right touch of modern technology to the old world craftsmanship and beauty of the humidor. I love the Oasis unit because it has allowed me to dial in 67% humidity, which is what I prefer for my cigars. In all ways, this is truly a once in a lifetime humidor! "

I have owned my humidor from Arlin for about four months now and not a day goes by with me not looking at it with amazement. I was looking at humidors on a search engine when I came across Arlin’s site. After viewing several pieces of his work I decided I had to own one. After talking with Arlin and discussing the dimensions he sent a proposal and proceeded to create a masterpiece. Arlin kept me well informed and also showed me the work in progress. I believe it took about four months to complete but was well worth the wait. Arlin is to wood what Picasso is to canvas. Thank you very much Arlin for my work of art.

"I recently received a humidor from Arlin and feel compelled to recommend Arlin and his work to anyone considering an investment in an heirloom quality piece. I have owned a few different humidors in the past few years, and I am familiar with some of the bigger names - Diamond Crown, Dunhill, etc. You can pay a lot more for a humidor, but you will never find the impeccable workmanship, professionalism, and enthusiasm that Arlin brings to each piece he creates (not only do I have a new humidor from Arlin, but I have had a hold of his loaner for the past few months). Not only is the humidor I received a beautiful piece that I intend display prominently in my home, it was an unequivocal pleasure dealing with Arlin from beginning to end. Arlin is very attentive and is truly concerned with satisfying his customers. The pride that Arlin takes in his work shows not only in the finished product, but also in the process. I am sure that there are other humidors that would match the standards of Arlin's, maybe even at a comparable price. If you are looking into a humidor, however, you cannot go wrong with Arlin. The humidor that I now own is one of the best gifts that I have ever given myself. The somewhat guilty pleasure I take from cigar smoking has taken on new respectability - if you own a piece like this, you just have to put some fine cigars in it. " - Bob

"In early 1999, I retired and decided to spend my retirement severance check on a humidor. I searched and searched for the right one, finding wonderful and expensive offers, but nothing truly unique. Somehow I fumbled onto Arlin Liss' web page and had such a rewarding experience I need to post the news. Arlin created a most wonderful piece for me, at my design which included a medallion insert that is quite meaningful for me. The craftsmanship is so spectacular. The fact that I was patient, waiting for retirement for several years to have my "dream" humidor, then was so lucky to have found Arlin is a fairy tell ending to this quest of mine. If you want a really nice humidor, go to a good tobacco store. If you want a masterpiece, you now know MY opinion." -Jim R

Received the humidor today. I am extremely pleased (flabbergasted actually). The workmanship and meticulous attention to detail is stunning. Throughout my life, I have worked with master woodworkers here in Hawai'i by documenting 19th and early 20th century cabinet/furniture making styles and techniques, as well as helping to identify and acquire historic pieces for our museum (I was a museum curator for several years before my current occupation). One of the many conclusions that we came to, was that woodworkers (of your caliber) are becoming a rarity. In our culture, we believe that exceptional craftsmen like you, bring their creations to life by infusing their mana (energy/power...for lack of a better english word)...and to acquire any finished piece them is a high honor. There are a few modern woodworkers today who make humidors here in Hawai'i, but their skills are lacking...on all levels. Before having to "call in a few chips" to ask a Hawaiian Master Woodworker to create a humidor for me, I decided to search elsewhere for a humidor specialist first. It took about a month of intense searching through dozens of websites before finding yours....and I knew right away. Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo for this wonderful piece of work...which will become an heirloom for many generations to come! " Keali'i.

"You CANNOT appreciate this piece from pictures. It's wonderful. It looks like something from the past. I can't explain it, but it looks like an old locker, or chest that somehow remained in pristine condition. I am charging it up now. The packing job was great! " -Alan " Wow! That's all I can say. Getting my new humidor from Arlin Liss was a wonderful experience in every way. Arlin keeps all his customers up to date via the net. Especially so, since he got his latest toy (digital camera). And, the box is twice as nice as I expected. Mine is curly cherry 18"x11"12" and beautiful. It looks a lot like an antique chest with campaign hardware and exposed dovetails. It holds 8 boxes of larger cigars. It's locked and loaded at 70 70 with two Credo's. Arlin did a cool thing and raised the bottom tray an inch, creating an inch of open floor space. This allows room for a second credo and I think increases air circulation. When it's time for another one, I'm going with Arlin. "

Hello Arlin: Yes, the most beautiful piece of workmanship arrived yesterday morning. I couldn't believe the weight at 40#!! What a piece of wood! I took it home and set up the hygrometer last evening. This evening I will begin to transfer some sticks in to it. I am having several cigar friends at the house this weekend so I am sure it will be getting some eager looks and who knows, there could even be an order or two coming your way. You are certainly a credit to your workmanship. I will be sending along a letter of thanks, suitable for posting to your website. Again, thank you and my best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday for you and your family. God Bless! Ed

"I just received my FiddleBack Walnut Humidor. What a work of art! Everything about it is first class. The seal is amazing as well as the fine craftmanship. I know this is something that I will treasure for many years. Arlin brings customer service to a new level. I was provided with weekly updates as well as several phone calls to discuss all the details. The thing that most impressed me was Arlins flexibility. Arlin allowed me to make payments that fit my budget. This in essence allowed me to purchase a humidor that I otherwise would not have been able to buy. I strongly recommend Arlin if you are looking for a high quality product. Thanks Arlin!" -John D

This giant humidor manages to combine incredible toughness with remarkable beauty. One small detail that I really like is the way that the detailed patterns in the figured wood extend seamlessly across the interface between the lid and the base. From across the room, one can barely see tell that the base and the lid are not one continuous piece. Meanwhile, I can't imagine how this humidor could be more solid. Thick, generous cuts of premium wood are used throughout the humidor.

Arlin kept me posted every step of the way during the construction, answering all questions, and refusing to be satisfied until I was satisfied.

I have no doubt that long after I am gone, this humidor will still be admired by its next owner (and the one after that, and the one after that, . .

"I got the humidor home and unpacked it Thursday. The pictures do not do it justice! The Fiddleback walnut is exquisite, and the construction is flawless. My eye is constantly drawn to the raised panel - the grain and figuring in the wood you selected for the panel is beyond description. The trays will work perfectly - thanks for reconfiguring them for me. The wiring arrangement for the Cigar Oasis unit is perfect. I would STRONGLY recommend that any of your customers that are interested in using the Cigar Oasis have it set-up this way. Having the ribbon cable dangling out the back of a work of art like this would be a sin. I've been working on slowly conditioning the humidor since the weekend (it's at 66% right now), so I won't be able to estimate how many cigars it will hold till I start to fill it - probably next week. Some friends stopped by last night to pick me up for a night out, and they noticed the humidor in the dining room (that's not where it will wind up, but I have to keep it there until I install an electrical outlet at its ultimate location - the price of using active humidification). All of them were suitably impressed, and one of the women described the raised panel as having "the appearance of a fine rare marble." So it's not just me that's captivated by the wood. Thanks for all your hard work and patience. I would recommend you without hesitation to anyone looking for a truly unique and beautiful heirloom quality humidor." -Mark

"To say that I LOVE my new Arlin Liss humidor would be a gross understatement. I cannot convey in words my feelings for this work of art. It is simply gorgeous. I ordered a mahogany humidor from Arlin. The humidor is massive (by my standards anyway) 14" wide by 20" long by almost 15" tall (containing three levels of large removable trays). It is huge! I currently have about 500 cigars in it. I thought the large size might be a problem in terms of being able to keep the humidity constant throughout the box. I started humidifying it, and couldn't quite get to the "magic" 70. I was consistently at 69. I simply couldn't wait any longer and added my prize cigars. I will be damned if the humidity didn't hit 70 right away. I might add that it hasn't wavered since! From top to bottom the humidity is constant. I love it! I just can't get over what a presence it has. Not only is it big, but it is extremely attractive. This chest is easily the most prized possession that I have. I cannot stop staring at it! The temptation to open it is almost more than I can stand. The whoosh is extremely loud. Arlin's creation is rock solid. The fit and finish is excellent. The attention to detail is exquisite. No detail seems to be too small for Arlin. The hinges are rock solid, the lock is fantastic, and the recessed handles are unbelievable. Everyone who has been over, even those who don't smoke, have been awed. Everyone's attention is immediately drawn to Arlin's creation. This doesn't bother me a bit as I can rattle (read brag) about it for hours. I love my heirloom quality humidor. I would not hesitate to recommend Arlin Liss and his work. If you are contemplating a custom humidor, you would serve yourself well in contacting Arlin. He is a master craftsman with as much class as I have seen in a businessman. Arlin's dedication to his customers is first rate. Give him a call, you will not be disappointed. Hats off to you Arlin!" -Brian

My Arlin Liss humidor is....perfect....perfect....perfect. If any one who understands the price value relationship does not buy your product he/she will have missed their greatest purchasing opportunity. It is a joy to experience the "whoosh" as I go hunting for another "treat" inside my Mahogany humidor. Let me assure any "would be buyer" of any priced humidor that you have nothing to fear from Arlin's business model....the results yield NO disappointments! Arlin, I enjoyed our phone chat quite sometime back and will continue to "relentlessly" recommend you to all of my fellow cigar aficionados.

Fred Turpen
Dallas, TX

"The UPS Santa came today with my new Arlin Liss humidor! What can be said that has not been said already! The craftsmanship, attention to detail and customer service is beyond reproach. Arlin worked with me every step of the way, which allowed him to create the humidor of my dreams. When it comes time to add a second humidor to my collection I know where it will come from; the workbench of Arlin Liss. Since I commissioned the humidor it has been holding a steady 69-72% humidity. When the humidity falls below 69% I recharge the humidifiers and with in a few hours it is back to that perfect range. We keep our house a little cool during the winter and the temp has been a steady 66-68 degrees F. Thank you Arlin! Your creation will be part of our family for years to come. " -Todd P

I have eight humidors in my collection, three custom made ones, one older Dunhill 25, and four store bought ones. My largest humidor holds 40 boxes and 200 single cigars, and is electronically regulated. The only humidor which actually keeps my cigars at the proper humidity/temperatue level, however, is the refurbished one I bought from Arlin. As a matter of fact, I only have to check Arlin's humidor every 2 months! The others have to be checked every two weeks, and the expensive electronically controlled one has yet (after 1 year) to keep the humidity at a reasonable degree. Had I known the problems I was gong to encounter with my largest humidor I would have had Arlin make me one, even at a higher cost. One has to remember that the loss of cigars due to improper controls must be fit into the equation when you think about what and where to purchase storage for your expensive cigars?" Joseph Gellman Cigar Reviewer At cgarsltd.co.uk

"It is beautiful. My wife and I both examined it. She is more critical than I, but had to admit its beauty and the quality of workmanship. It is also very big. The pieces fit beautifully--the base is like a glove, and the Humi can be carried base on by the handles. Loved the way you packed it. My office is a mess. My partners were quite impressed also. My secretary thinks if I can afford that she should get a raise. Thanks."; My Lissador arrived today. What a beautiful piece of fine furniture. Even my wife, who is, shall we say, not particularly in favor of me smoking and tries hard not to encourage the habit, was impressed. Three inside trays fit perfectly snugly, with extra dividers lengthwise and half widthwise. Mine is the first Lissador with a base and feet. This gives it more presence, and holds the mass of the piece better IMHO. It is almost worth having kids to have someone to pass this Humi on to decades hence. Love It!! "

I am now the proud owner of an Arlin Liss "Custom" Treasure Box (Humidor). Custom! Who ever thought that I could find a humidor built to my specifications. Built with the best of everything available and with the exotic wood of my choice. Wow! There is someone out there that cares more about the details than I do. It's not surprising that every customer of Arlin sings his praises. Yes, my treasure box has the kind of seal that is not even found in the humidors that I've seen sold (Unless Arlin has made it). Yes, my treasure box is a museum piece. Yes, no one on earth has a box like mine. Yes, Arlin's customer service is impeccable. But I would like to mention how much fun it was to really be a part of creating MY Humidor. I had the opportunity to pick the wood at Eisenbrand. The dimensions of the box were ironed out with my needs in mind. Even when I stepped out of the country, I was informed every step of the way in the process of creating MY Humidor. Arlin puts the word "custom" back in customers. I am very grateful to him for letting me be a part of the process. And I second every customer that has said that the pictures he sends do not do the humidors justice!" Cordially, Epifanio

"The humidor is really a work of art. Sitting in the middle of the living room, it is hard not to go over and touch it every time I walk by. Paduak is such a spectacular wood that it just seems to glow. The fact that the box is huge just makes it all the more impressive. Lightly packed (cigars well below the top of the trays) it looks like it will hold about 300 cigars, packed in a more normal fashion I would guess 350+. I have looked at a lot of lacquered, gussied up humidors that are sold in tobacco shops for more than I paid for this box, and there is just no comparison. I have no doubt that my grandchildren will be using this box. If you need any references please have them call me, I will be happy to tell them what a pleasure it was working with you." -Rick

"This should not be news to anybody here, but Arlin Liss is an amazing artisan. He and I designed a cabinet humidor together and the end result exceeded my wildest expectations. Arlin has an instinctive feel for his customers, and was able to put into production ideas that I wasn't even able to articulate. The attention to detail, including the carpentry, exotic wood selection, hardware and electronics, is something I've never had the pleasure of experiencing. If you EVER get the opportunity to acquire an Arlin Liss piece, DON'T HESITATE. It's worth the wait!!!"

"The first time I visited Arlin Liss' web site, I knew I had to have one of his custom-made humidors. For months, I cruised by, considering the dozens of style, size and wood choices he offered. I finally decided on a model in quilted maple on a base. In our first exchange of e-mails, Arlin suggested we talk over the design on the phone. I called him. We talked for an hour and a half. Over the following week, we refined the design, and my order went into Arlin's queue. Once construction began, Arlin posted photos so I was able to follow my humidor's construction and finishing. I received my Lissador last Friday, and I'm delighted with it. The final dimensions are 19 X 14.5 X 10.5 inches. It holds 350 cigars. The wood, design and workmanship are beautiful. Arlin is indeed an artist in wood and a pleasure to work with. But, a picture is worth … etc." David

My quilted maple/ebony humidor is the second one Arlin made for me. This was a much larger and more ambitious project than the first. However, right from the beginning, Arlin listened carefully and made great suggestions to help me design a unique piece of furniture that also happens to store well over 1200 cigars. Although you can't rush the hands of Arlin Liss, the wait was absolutely worthwhile. Arlin personally drove the humidor from VA to MA and delivered it to my home where he made sure that it was properly set up and functioning. His customer service is matched by the exceptional quality of his workmanship. I would have no hesitation in recommending Arlin's work to anyone who values the highest quality at a very fair price. I am slowly, but surely filling this humidor. I am looking forward to the day when I run out of storage again and can work with Arlin on the next project..."

"I just received it last night and I spent most of the day today looking at it from every angle and choosing which of my favorite cigars to put inside. The craftsmanship is truly remarkable - from the dovetail joints to the fit and finish of the lid and the "whoosh" sound it makes when I close it - every detail is absolutely perfect. I highly recommend working with Arlin. He is a true gentleman and he really cares about every detail of construction....from design to shipping....Arlin involves you in every step of the process....and it shows in the final product. Not only is this humidor exactly what I asked for, it's also so much better than I had imagined. Arlin is a Magician!!!!! Thank you Arlin! I will cherish my new treasure chest for the rest of my life, then my great-grandson can keep his match-box cars in it long after I'm gone...." Gary C

It has been on my mind for years to have a best of the best custom made Cigar Humidor, that I can choose the material and the preferred design. I started out the search in early 2001 and after several months of search, I came across Arlin's website and immediately I knew I have found the best possible designer that I can fulfill my dream. Initially I had some doubt if this can be done to my full satisfactory as I am an international customer thousand miles away. That "fear" was quickly eliminated after a few rounds of email communication with Arlin. Impressed by his top notch craftsmanship and willingness to work closely with each customer, I pulled the trigger and placed order.

The wait was long, approximately 10 months later, Arlin began to build my Humidor. What touched my heart that in the middle of the project, Arlin went extra miles to accommodate my last minute changes. For perfecting the Humidor top lips, Arlin even made 3 of them to let me pick the one best fit my taste-I have to point out all of them are beautifully made with top class materials!

Now I am putting my humidor in my living room as a center showcase. It has been a couple weeks now and I can't get enough in appreciating its stunning beauty and craftsmanship. The wonderfully matched wood grain and design just makes my friends and business associates spin their heads. It's truly a piece of art!

You may find good quality humidors elsewhere. However, if you are demanding the best, you will not regret to hand your dream blue print to Arlin. And you will be amazed what he can create!

It was the magic of the Web - a thread - that led me to Arlin Liss and his informative site. In my mind's eye the perfect humidor materialized, built around the Cigar Oasis with its guaranteed humidity controls and the Oregen Scientific Cable-Free Thermo-Hygro sensor indicating the precise levels inside without opening the lid. Arlin quickly responded to my initial inquiry - actually a laundry list of questions - providing reassurance, excellent advice, and sheer exuberance for his product that I was immediately hooked. The most difficult decision was what kind of wood to use - Arlin introduced me to woods I never heard of (bubinga!?!….badaboom!), but from the helpful descriptions of other patrons, I settled on the quilted maple. Of course, once I explained I was ordering this for my husband's birthday in mid-April, Arlin needed to move up his anticipated delivery date. It did not occur to me that there might be a waiting list of patrons for Arlin's fine creations, and his accepting my job meant someone would have to wait - so to those affected, I send my sincere thanks!! The humidor arrived a week in advance and so well packed I thought I had been sent a washing machine. In the interceding three months I was able to keep this purchase a secret from my husband and had it delivered to a relatives' home. Slowly I unpacked the swaddled humidor, layer by layer it came into view with my excitement hardly contained. It was huge, and it was heavy, and undeniably the most gorgeous piece of wood I had ever laid eyes on as it glistened in the sunlight and felt like satin under my fingertips. As Arlin promised, the humidor arrived ready to be plugged in - I proceeded to set it and forget it for the week while it seasoned itself in preparation for the big birthday celebration. When my husband finally got his gift, he was a bit shocked, and I still think he has not gotten over it. I couldn't get him to write anything for the first few weeks because he just didn't know what to say, and once he got used to not playing with his humidor all the time, here's what he eventually wrote: " It is such a pleasure to have a premium humidor to keep my premium cigars in optimum condition. Not only is this a great humidor, it is a work of art. When I saw it, the first thing I thought, was that my wife and I will have to leave our apartment and buy a beautiful house with a study in it to keep this amazing piece. My cousin, who restores antiques, was gushing with praise for the workmanship. I've stocked my new humidor with the finest cigars (150 at last count). It is a great source of pride for me." So thanks, Arlin, for your truly unparalleled professionalism, superb craftsmanship, and genuine commitment to your customers!!"

"In late July I decided I wanted a humidor custom made out of quilted maple. So, I looked around the Internet and found Arlin Liss. I told Arlin what I was looking for and the company that might have the wood I was looking for. He immediately called the company and ordered the wood for my humidor. Arlin kept me informed every step of the way and it is absolutely wonderful how much Arlin loves his work. It is as though each humidor is his child, he loves them that much!" --- "I didn't get to tell you everything yet!! My friends came over and could not believe it. My one friend who had my benchmark humidor said the following: 1. Oh my God it looks like something that should be in the possession of royalty. 2. Ohh man... I need to get one of these...it makes mine look like s*it. My fiance thinks it's beautiful. I spent part of yesterday just looking at it... then I'd walk back and forth to watch the light reflect differently off the iridescent wood at different angles. I love it... thanks so much." --- Michael's first impression of his Humidor: "I Just received my Quilted Maple Humidor and Base from Arlin Liss. Never before have I seen such a beautiful piece of wood. This humidor is absolutely unbelievable. I also highly recommend purchasing a base to go with the humidor as it adds a tremendous amount to the look and stature of the humidor. When friends of mine came over to look at the humidor... they were speechless and one even remarked that it looked like it belonged in some palace. Thank you Arlin for the fine piece of art you have created for me. You are an artist and a true gentleman." -Michael --- Note from Arlin: "This particular wood deserves special mention. It was supplied my NWTimbers.com, Lewis Judy, and it THE MOST gorgeous wood I have ever worked with. It was pricey, but unparalleled in density & uniformity in the figuring. "Chatoyance" is the quality I have been told that best describes the iridescent quality of the wood. My special thanks to Lewis for such superb selection!"

"I just received my humidor crafted by Arlin. I had to order this humidor in October but its was sure worth the wait! I know it's a humidor but my wife describes it as a functional work of art. I heard about Arlin on a thread here and was in the market for a nice humidor so I checked him out. Everything said about him is true. He gave me weekly updates via email and as construction progressed he called at least 3 times. Mine is quilted maple so beautiful that my wife loves it too. Arlin is much more than a craftsman he is a true artisan. Anyone here thinking of a fine humidor cannot go wrong with a liss'ador. If you are thinking about one and want a recommendation my email is ohlala@ncweb.com. Thanks again Arlin. " Robert

"I have been shopping for a custom humidor for above three years. I looked at almost all the humidor makers on the web. I could not find anything I like. Finally I saw you name on one of the thread on the Internet. I decided to check out your web page. As soon I saw the humidors that you made, I knew I had to have one. It took about six months to receive the one I ordered. It was well worth the wait. The construction of the box is solid. The wood is beautiful. I love the way you wired the Cigar Oasis. I like the light reflects off the humidor, it seem like the box moves by itself. I have a lot of other humidors, this is my most favor one. I keep my best smoke in there. " -- I too received a humidor from Arlin last week. Arlin is a true craftsman. The humidor is perfect. The wood that Arlin picked out is gorgeous. I love the way he wired the Cigar Oasis. I would recommend Arlin to anyone that is considering to get a humidor. The best thing is that he helped me designed the configuration for the trays. With the different adjustment of the dividers I could put all different sizes of cigars and without a lot of wasted space. I like it so much that I am planning for another one already. " -Steve C

I own the Table'Dor that is shown on Arlin's website and I think it was one of the finest decisions I ever made! Living in Colorado, arguably one of the toughest locations to maintain a 70% humidity, I had gone through about 4 or 5 various tabletop humidors from different companies (now given to friends who live in less demanding & more humid surroundings).......and I ruined a lot of good cigars that dried out (in what seemed like overnight!) I checked out both Bob's and Arlin's site but I spoke to Arlin first and was so impressed by his spirit and dedication that I never bothered to call Bob. I wanted something unique and Arlin was excited to have the opportunity to build something other than a box (plus a project that he had never done before). After multiple phone calls to discuss exactly what I was looking for and what options would be available, Arlin presented me with the Table'Dor. This was exactly the type of help and advice that I had been expecting based on the glowing reviews that I had read on Arlin's website. Arlin didn't disappoint me one iota. It took a while and it wasn't cheap BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! When the unit arrived, it was packed in such a way that it could have fallen off of a truck going down the highway and not sustained any damage. I carefully removed it from the box and just had to try the drawers to see if Arlin had been able to maintain the famous "WHOOOSH" seal that he is famous for. I knew that he had mastered a lid, but a drawer?.....I knew from my discussions with Arlin that it would be tricky. I opened the drawer...WHOOOSH!.... I closed the drawer...WHOOOSH!.... I opened and closed, opened and closed, marveling at the incredible tight seal. Never had I seen or felt a humidor that had such an air-tight feel to it. I was truly amazed! Bottom line: I have an Oasis built into my Table'Dor to help maintain the proper 70%. The first unit I received worked properly for about 2 weeks then went crazy. While waiting on a replacement from the Oasis people (no hesitation on their part), I removed the unit and prayed that the humidity wouldn't drop too low, since I had stocked up with some excellent sticks! Well....not only did the unit hold humidity but it remained a solid 70% FOR 8 DAYS until if finally dropped down to 68%. It then remained between 67-68% for 4 more days until the replacement Oasis arrived. Keep in mind that the average humidity in Colorado is 35% and for the unit to maintain this for almost 2 weeks is UNBELIEVABLE!! My smokes have never tasted better, cut better, or been in better shape. The unit holds between 75-100 cigars per drawer and is perfect! I keep my primos in the top section so I can look through the glass and make my decision B4 I open the unit up. I cannot recommend Arlin highly enough. My advice is to do it right the first time and you will not regret it. Any humidor lovingly crafted by Arlin should be considered a lifetime heirloom investment that might be supplemented, but will never be replaced! " -Steve T

You are the God of custom humidors!! I could have never imagined the sheer beauty of the Mottled Sapelle humidor chest that you have created, nor could mere words ever adequately describe the craftsmanship & love that is so evident in your work! Any customer wanting to purchase a humidor from you should expect to be treated with your humor, constant updated pictures of your work, & your obsessive/compulsive attention to detail & customer care (love). This is a true family heirloom that will be passed down to future generations with more than enough room for my ashes to boot. " -Keith C

I only have the outmost respect for Arlin Liss. He is a modern day artist in a world of mass marketed and mass produced products. ( very refreshing) Most furniture is CNC produced for the masses. The old hand crafted way is a thing of the past. I will not go into my praises. They are all ready been eloquently state by past customers. Those praises are part of the reason I did business with Arlin.

I took me countless hours to find Arlin. Going thought all the makers of humidors who promised craftsmanship and attention to detail. They were just words. I came across a site that was similar. After comparing the two, it was apparent who was a true artist. The other was just paying the ultimate compliant, DUPLICATION.

I took a drive to see Arlin. His shop was excellent and wood selection was amazing. It became apparent that Arlin has a true passion for what he does. As a business owner I have a true admiration for this. After the meeting, I knew Arlin would be making my humidor.

He delivered what he promised. A true piece of furniture that goes beyond the functions of a humidor. The lines were crisp and the finish work was excellent. The style was like no other. It retains humidity better than anything I have ever had. It now sits in a formal living room with other fine antiques. ( the wife wanted it there).

If fine quality and a passion for excellence is what you desire, Arlin is the man. Like a true artist, his work will not be appreciated until he is gone...

thank you

Scott Mcguirl

"I hope the holidays were wonderful for you! I am sorry I have been so lax in writing to thank you so much for making Manny's Christmas absolutely perfect! The humidor was everything I hoped for and more ... and doubly so when I saw Manny's statement when he opened his special present on Christmas Eve. Equally funny ... I had to keep the humidor hidden at Richard and Liz's home since he would know exactly what it was were it to have made its way home early. We stopped over there for a holiday visit .. and to surprise him BIG TIME with the special present. When time came ... for a moment he thought the present was coming from Woody et al. Too funny to say the least. I love surprises. (and seriously were it not for their kindness I never could have pulled this off at all.) You outdid yourself on this piece, Arlin. It is so far above what I had hoped for to say it was "perfect" is a serious understatement .. it is all that and more. Thank you again for everything!!!!" Cindi P

I'm here to tell everyone about my new toy - an Arlin Liss humidor. I contacted Arlin last fall to discuss a custom made humidor. He was very pleasant and polite and had several suggestions. I decided that I wanted something unique and asked if Arlin could make a humidor made out of Wenge - an African hardwood. Arlin was surprised that anyone else knew of this exotic wood but I told him that I have a jewelry box made with it. After discussing options, Arlin let me know the price and his options - thank God Arlin is a generous soul as he let me make monthly payments that were not too burdensome. Well, after several changes in hardware options - Arlin let me decide what I wanted and ordered the hardware that I found - and humidification device - you have to get the Cigar Oasis everyone said - I finally paid off the monster. And it is a monster, it weighs in at over 30 pounds! I received my humidor last week and it is absolutely stunning! What can I say other than it is the most beautiful humidor that I've ever seen!!! The dark wood has the most interesting grain that shows up wonderfully due to the lacquering that Arlin has done. The humidor comfortably holds 125 cigars - more if they are smaller but I prefer larger ring-gauged cigars. Also, I lost some room to the Cigar Oasis but I feel that if you want to truly control the humidity levels then you must have this device. All I can say is if you want the best custom humidor made by the nicest person you must get a humidor made by Arlin Liss - I'm already planning on another one, hear that Arlin!" -Phil B

I can’t thank you enough for building the perfect humidor. In addition to being a true masterpiece of craftsmanship, the humidor design is truly state of the art offering cigar access without significantly diminishing the overall humidification of the unit. The electronics offer a level of temperature and humidity control that would impress even the rocket scientists at NASA. It is rare in life to get more than you pay for, but the unique combination of craftsmanship, elegance, and technical proficiency that this humidor affords far exceeds its purchase price. For all that you have put into this humidor Arlin I do thank you and know that I recommend without reservation you work to anyone who is serious about their cigars. Capacity 1500 cigars.