Brand Source

I’m Grant.
I didn’t fall for cigars because of a legendary label or a luxury trip—it started with a celebration gone wrong.

Years ago, a friend opened a new shop. We brought a respectable batch of cigars and stashed them in a basic wooden box. When we finally lit up, the cold draw felt dry and the aroma was thin. That moment made it clear: the cigars weren’t the problem—storage was. From then on, I became obsessed with a simple question: How should good cigars be cared for—properly?

From fixing old boxes to a set-based review method

I began by repairing and modifying humidors: replacing hinges, tightening seals, rebuilding humidification, and calibrating hygrometers. Then I added logging gear to track temperature/RH behavior over time and rebound performance, while measuring energy draw, noise, odor carryover, and maintenance burden. As the data piled up, the pattern was obvious: you have to evaluate the cigar and the humidor together. Judging either in isolation won’t guarantee the experience you want when you strike the match.

2020: Smoke Dock takes shape

In 2020, I founded Smoke Dock and turned my garage into a compact lab:

• Real-world, long-term testing: unboxing → calibration → empty vs. full load → four-season temp/RH swings and rebound curves;
• Match validation: the same cigar across different humidors/climate cabinets—tracking flavor retention, cracking rate, and draw feel;
• Solution comparisons: the same humidor with different humidification methods—stability, upkeep frequency, and cost;
• Quantified metrics: RH/°F variance, time-to-setpoint (rebound), seal leakage rate, sensor error, and odor dissipation timelines;
• Actionable conclusions: always ending with “who it’s for / who it isn’t / what to buy as a set / and why.”

Why we insist on set-based recommendations

At Smoke Dock, you’ll rarely see verdicts on a single product.

• Great cigars need proper storage to preserve flavor.
• A great humidor must fit your cigars and your habits.
  We care most about what you feel in the moment of lighting up—a smooth draw and honest aroma—not the buzzwords on a product page.

2025: At 40, still refining certainty in every draw

By 2025, I’m 40.
From that “failed celebration” to delivering more certain choices for friends and readers, I’ve learned one thing: great experiences come from set-based thinking and long-term validation.

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How We Work (At a Glance)

• Long-term, real-world use: seasonal and load-based retesting;
• Set-level evaluation: cigar × humidor cross-checks;
• Tiered, scenario-based picks: clear choices by budget and habits;
• Repeatable data: transparent metrics and methods;
• Plainspoken takeaways: so you can decide immediately.

What We Stand For

No brand worship—only lived experience.
No fragmented lists—only set-based solutions.

Enjoyment with restraint

Cigars bring ritual and connection. They also carry health risks—including heart disease and various cancers. Please enjoy responsibly and pay attention to your health.