Picked up my Aristocrat today and met the man himself, Bob Staebell

[cmbarton]

I got the call this morning I had been waiting three months for: Bob Staebell telling me my Aristocrat was all done and ready for pick-up.

 

When I placed my order for a Mini Tall back in early May, I knew right away that everyone who said he was a kind and patient person was absolutely right. It was, however, my own patience I questioned! But, fortunately, Summer has a way of keeping one busy with vacation and kids activities and long, lazy days by the pool.

 

He told me at the time I placed my order, when I mentioned I also lived in Dallas, that he would gladly allow me to pick up the Aristocrat from his shop, and in fact he’d like the opportunity to meet a customer of his as the vast majority live outside the state or country. Fast forward three months, and there I was speeding down the highway anxious to take home my first Aristocrat humidor.

 

What a surreal experience it was to be standing in the shop where Bob dutifully crafts his works of art day-in and day-out. He was, of course, as kind in person as he is on the phone and through e-mail. Bob proceeded to give me a tour of the humidor, along the way demonstrating care and maintenance. Before loading the humidor up in my truck, I even had a chance to take a picture with Bob which, being the humble person he is, I could tell he thought was a little silly. However, how could I not take a picture with the craftsman who built such a fantastic humidor ... one I hope to last all the rest of my days on Earth?

 

 

 

 

 

[El Presidente]

Enjoy! Bob has been a legend for as long as I have been in this business. I would love to meet him one day. 

[jfire]

I wonder if he knows how much of a legend he truly is in the cigar community?


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[cmbarton]

Do they control temp ?


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Bob makes Aristocrats that regulate both temperature and humidity, but this one just regulates humidity. I’ll keep this humidor in my downstairs office where there’s no direct sunlight and it stays cool consistently. Definitely look at his humidors if you’re considering one!

[irratebass]

Beautiful humi brother. Wished I would have listened to my peers and save a few more bucks and got one, but live and learn. Thanks for the pic of the legend. Thanks for sharing, and I hope if brings you a lifetime of happiness. 

[Optic101]

Very nice Humidor and Experience.

Enjoy ! 

[BrightonCorgi]

They're actually well priced for what they are...  You'd pay that amount or more for a non cigar cabinet made to the same level.

[JY0]

Awesome, congratulations and enjoy. Bob is a great guy.  I have the humidor on the right of your first picture in mahogany... 5 years old and working like a champ. 

[GotaCohiba]

Congratulations  

Welcome to the family 

[Derboesekoenig]

Very nice. You planned for the 2nd build yet?? Haha

[Stump89]

Sounds like that was a great day.  Beautiful piece you got there.

[smokin.joe]

I also live in the Dallas metroplex and bought my first end table humidor from Bob about 12 years ago. Last year I had to go by his facility to have him make a small repair and noticed a MXT 26.5 humidor in the front part of his office. It was a trade-in (less than 3 years old) and in excellent condition. We worked out a deal and I bought it. He upgraded the temp and humidity devices so this was like a brand new unit. I really wanted the temperature control as I really don't have a location in my home where I can keep the temperature under 74 in the summer (unless I want to pay $900 a month electric bill).

The only downside is the unit totally full of cigars; time to start planning for a MXT Plus.

[b0rderman]

Congrats on the Aristocrat. I finally made the plunge this year and I could not be happier. I envy your patience, I ended up snagging something off the available list. 

Keep 'er filled, and enjoy!

[SigmundChurchill]

Beautiful humidor!  Congratulations!

[SCgarman]

He makes a great cabinet. You were lucky to be able to pick it up yourself and meet him! Enjoy it.

[cmbarton]

The only downside is the unit totally full of cigars; time to start planning for a MXT Plus.

I have that problem on Day 1 which confirms my suspicion: I should have bought larger. I know, I know ... everyone says that and yet I made every justification that I didn’t need a larger size.

That was until I realized, to my surprise, my 18 boxes is just about max capacity for a Mini Tall. I probably have room for half a dozen more boxes worth of singles, but then it’s maxed out. Maybe I should have gotten an M or M Plus, but there’s no point in worrying about it now.

I love my Aristocrat like I love my wife: she’s beautiful, she’s mine, and she’s all I need ... at least for now.

[SCgarman]

2 minutes ago, cmbarton said:

 

I have that problem on Day 1 which confirms my suspicion: I should have bought larger. I know, I know ... everyone says that and yet I made every justification that I didn’t need a larger size.

That was until I realized, to my surprise, my 18 boxes is just about max capacity for a Mini Tall. I probably have room for half a dozen more boxes worth of singles, but then it’s maxed out. Maybe I should have gotten an M or M Plus, but there’s no point in worrying about it now.

I love my Aristocrat like I love my wife: she’s beautiful, she’s mine, and she’s all I need ... at least for now.

 

You can always order another one exactly like it and have twins! ?

[cmbarton]

You can always order another one exactly like it and have twins! 

Two is always better than one, right?!

[clutch5150]

17 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Enjoy! Bob has been a legend for as long as I have been in this business. I would love to meet him one day. 

Cannot agree more. He's made three for me so far. One big Armoire coming next year!

[Derboesekoenig]

1 minute ago, clutch5150 said:

Cannot agree more. He's made three for me so far. One big Armoire coming next year!

Wow how many boxes do you have??

[clutch5150]

cmbarton, THANKS so much taking time to take the pics and post them here.  Like most, only talked over the phone with him over the years.  GREAT to see his shop in action and he as well! Mann, I would love to go there some day.  His work is phenomenal and not many left like him out there. My last figured maple cabinet is a true one of a kind. 

Enjoy your new work of art!

[clutch5150]

16 hours ago, jfire said:

I wonder if he knows how much of a legend he truly is in the cigar community?


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Lol, I've actually asked him this same exact question and mentioned this site.  He literally just laughs and says "really"? ?

[clutch5150]

11 minutes ago, Derboesekoenig said:

Wow how many boxes do you have??

Ha, been awhile since I counted, maybe 200-300.

[Lucass111]

I'm in the process of deciding what one to get. I think I'm going with the 48 plus model but unsure if I should get the temperature control. Any opinions are welcomed. I'm leaning towards temp control just in case I need it.

[Danimalia]

Beautiful humidor. He does such great work, and everyone echoes what you say about him being a good man to work with. Someday, I hope to have one of my own.