Driving on Sherwood Road in Cockeysville, MD, there sits what appears to be a large house/event space on a hill under the covering of hundred-year-old trees. But upon further inspection…and maybe if I’d just read the sign…I learned that this resort-esque venue is the Humidour Cigar Shoppe, a full-service tobacconist. A second-generation tobacconist as a matter of fact, that has been serving Baltimore County and Baltimore, MD since 1997.
Owned and operated by Jim Pecunes (Daddy Jim), his daughter Finnie Pecunes Helmuth and her husband Chris, the expert staff not only know premium cigars in and out, but the cigar industry as well. As a matter of fact, Finnie served as a member of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) for 12 years and “spearheaded the formation of the Premium Cigar Retailer Association of Maryland (PCRAM) in 2009, to unite Maryland Cigar Retailers to fight against topics such as tobacco tax increases, smoking ban legislation, and display restrictions.”
Photo: Justin Harris
After driving onto the luscious grounds, I was literally in awe, as I was not expecting anything other than a traditional cigar store. But once I parked and grabbed my belonging I could tell that a traditional storefront was the last thing I was about to experience. Before I could even get to the door, the patrons relaxing on the porch/patio welcomed me in. As I walked underneath waving Baltimore Ravens flags and through the aroma of premium cigar smoke, I entered into what looked more like a showroom than a cigar shop.
Within the first few seconds I was in the building, I knew I’d found a little slice of tobacco heaven. I honestly could’ve just hung out in the lobby as it was so inviting, but I figured I might as well take a look around. I could see the massive humidor behind a set of double doors, but I wanted to save that for last because I knew I’d be in there for a while.
Now usually when you’re in a shop, if they even have pipe tobacco, there are just a few jars over to the side. Not at the Humidour Cigar Shoppe. Patrons that enjoy a fine fire-cured Burley, Virginia, Cavendish, etc., have a room full of options of their own. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the shop is home to not one, but two monthly pipe clubs.
Photo: Justin Harris
As I mentioned earlier, this shop is in Baltimore Ravens’ country, and there is no bigger Ravens fan than Daddy Jim. Because of his love for the game, there is a room/lounge in the Humidour Shoppe that is adorned with Ravens paraphernalia, including signed jerseys from Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and current quarterback Joe Flacco, turf from M&T Stadium where the Ravens play, and pictures from when he attended Super Bowl XLVII where the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers.
Photo: Justin Harris
The main lounge right off of the lobby is spacious with a homey feel, with cozy leather chairs, a view of the front grounds, a fireplace and large televisions.
Adjacent to the main lounge but protected by a locked, keypad equipped door is the Club Ashton lounge. The brainchild of Chris Helmuth, Club Ashton is a two-story member’s only hideaway for those that enjoy humidified lockers, product discounts, guest passes, significant store credits and access to private events. The Humidour offers three levels of membership; Silver, Gold and Platinum, that range from $1,400 to $2,800 per year.
…and then there’s the walk-in humidor. There are two words to describe what’s behind those double doors that I mentioned earlier, MASSIVE SELECTION. From ceiling to floor, the variety of premium cigars is almost overwhelming…in a good way. The Humidour Shoppe not only has any cigar that an enthusiast could want including special house blends (Zorba and Bella Carmella) crafted by Rocky Patel, but the option to order whatever you can’t find. And if that isn’t enough for you, they are an official Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) Retailer with exclusive cigar blends from some of your favorite manufactures.
Photo: Justin Harris
The Humidour Cigar Shoppe on the Hill
2 Sherwood Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Tel: 410-666-3212
www.humidour.com
Offers cigars: YES!
Offers alcoholic beverages: No; BYOB
Offers food: No
Seating: Approx. 75
