Sotelo Cigar Travel Cases—FOH25 JUN25 (SRWJUN25)

[zeedubbya]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s not a cigar I know, but we have plenty of those, right? Today I was so blown away by these I had to do a review. Had to!  If I’m DQ’d because it’s not a cigar, so be it. THIS review just had to be done!    

Ok, let me start off by saying I’ve been looking at these for the better part of a year. Almost bought them at least 3 times but I just never went forward. I thought I had plenty of travel humidors and it seemed like maybe not a real need but a want. Well, along comes the fantastic Deep Dive Rob did with @Manny Sotelo and offered a discount code (FOH25) so now was the time. I browsed over the offerings and lo and behold I found the coupon code worked on the “imperfect” sale items. So it was time. I was able to procure 2 different Sotelo cases for less than $160 shipped!!  🤯 (So you all don’t think I’m a cheapskate, I did check with Manny on making sure it was on imperfects and he said, in true gentlemanly fashion—YES!)   Now on to the review.

1st third

First up is the Aficionado line. This white one was on sale apparently due to the “imperfections in the white leather.” I thought, “who cares”, the minute any white leather hits my porch it’s going to get dirty. So I picked it up. This THING IS amazing folks! One great seam-sealed zipper, room for plenty of tools and 5 cigars. Quality is A+ amazing. It’s gorgeous! Reminds me of on old white gangster Caddi with red seats!  Now that it’s been loaded with 5 cigars and two Bovedas it’s holding humidity at a solid 60% !!  Wow, right? How awesome is that? A travel humidor which not only protects the sticks in a gentle way but also keeps them at a great humidity! Why didn’t I do this sooner? I AM SURE, without a doubt, my old ratty X%*kar is adding some unpleasant flavors to my cigars through the foam. I’ve tested the humidity on that one and it never gets above 50, ever. The foam has to be absorbing more than just oils. Sotelo has the perfect setup here. I have no doubt this will perform so much better than the plastic foam filled box. Would you just look at this thing!   

2nd third

 

Final third

Next is the ConnoisseurG2. I chose black because it seemed to be clear-one black, one white. The “warning” stated the zipper may pull hard. Uhm, well…maybe it does, but it’s hardly noticeable. Maybe a smidge on the edges, but pretty innocuous really. If this was enough to justify marking it down like they did, I cannot imagine the QC level they must have for the perfect cases. Jeeeesh, I can’t find a thing wrong at all. I’m giddy about this one! What an amazing deal on an extremely well thought out design which looks wonderful, is ultra high Q and has enough space to take care of my smoking needs for everything except a vacation (see up there 👆 for the solution). Also, I could always add the 7 count magnetic holder on sale on the site just by swapping it out. Or take both along. This one has a totally separate compartment for cigar tools and cards and cash and just about anything really. I did just toss a few tools in it, but I need to get my Troy’s Woodworks tools and my IM Corona lighter to really make it perfect but for now, it’s just so great! The quality inside is superb as well.  

First third

 

2nd third *the cheap hygrometer is low by 8% 

Final thoughts and bottom line - GET ONE, or TWO, or THREE. They are wonderful. 99 points on both of them. Only reason I’m not putting 100 is because I would like to be able to come back in 6 months and update this review and I anticipate a 100. I have no doubt, due to the quality and overall design of these they will be at 100. Wonderful (product) wonderful (human) wonderful (prices)!  Just outstanding, made my day.  

 

Thanks a million @Manny Sotelo !!

[MoeFOH]

Give me a minute and I'll edit the comp rules to include cases & accessories! Nice one. 

[yuppie]

These look awesome.

[El Presidente]

7 hours ago, yuppie said:

These look awesome.

They indeed are. 

I don't have a dog in this race but I can highly recommend them. Father's Day treat 

[ryre]

Just ordered one. Thanks for the push.

[Luisb]

Well, couldn't help myself and ordered one.

[Aarond]

Great cases! 

[joeypots]

Great case.

 

[GVan]

Thank you @Manny Sotelo!!!  Bought one for kicking around the golf course!  Manny included a personal note with the purchase - nice. Gotta tell you guys - this is way too nice of a case to throw in the golf cart but, gotta bring it anyway to show the golf guys - hopefully one of them will buy from Manny. Guess I'll just have to buy another one to keep for special occasion use. In case you're wondering - this is the G2 Connoisseur holding a Ashton VSG Churchill, Dip 2, JL 1, MOFOH Fat Fundy and a Monte 2.

Lots of really neat and well-thought-out details - like below the big loops is a small loop designed to hold the Perfect Draw. In contact with Troy Woodworks to order a custom Perfect Draw and Punch tool in colors that match the case. Pretty cool case that also perfectly holds my book mark (like to read when smoking a fine cigar), Porshe Design Heber flat-flame lighter, Xikar XI3 Redwood cutter and of course the FOH cigar stand.

 

[Manny Sotelo]

Thank you all for the kind words and support, I’m glad to see you are all happy with your cases, even the imperfect ones…Just an FYI, If you let the loop system sit in your humidor it will absorb humidity and help maintain a higher humidity level in your travel case with the Boveda pack. 

[zeedubbya]

15 hours ago, Manny Sotelo said:

Thank you all for the kind words and support, I’m glad to see you are all happy with your cases, even the imperfect ones…Just an FYI, If you let the loop system sit in your humidor it will absorb humidity and help maintain a higher humidity level in your travel case with the Boveda pack. 

Manny, thank you for the advice. Mine seems to be holding pretty solid with 2 62% Boveda at 58rH. Maybe I’ll toss the loop system in the humidor like you said but that 4% I have no complaints about—in fact I am amazed at how well it holds it! Speaking of that, I need to go to the site and grab the SS7 loop system here really soon!  🙏🏼 

[StoagieSnape]

@Manny Sotelo These are beautiful! You are in LA and make these?! Gorgeous! Might need to sit out on the next 24 drop in order to save $$ to snag one. Well done!

[JavierCorona]

Wow not sure how I've missed this thread but these cases are beautiful. Like the modern take, appear to be of good material and quality. Hmm, I may have to be in the market here soon.

Sorry wifey, this months cigar budget will be increased. 

[Manny Sotelo]

@JavierCorona and @StoagieSnape thank you guys for the kind words! Next week I have another drop of Black/ Brown and Black/ Yellow coming in, and when you order make sure to use code FOH25 save 25% and free shipping world wide.
 

https://manuelsotelo.com

Manny- 

[zeedubbya]

Would like to report back, after stashing my insert in humidor for a few days, it’s now holding at 2 percent rH below the Boveda packs within. 60%. Which I think is simply amazing, really. I am VERY confident I will be picking up the larger Perfecto series at some point soon. Just awesome work!

[zaca]

On 7/3/2025 at 2:01 PM, JavierCorona said:

Wow not sure how I've missed this thread but these cases are beautiful. Like the modern take, appear to be of good material and quality. Hmm, I may have to be in the market here soon.

Sorry wifey, this months cigar budget will be increased. 

Same. I can’t believe I’m just seeing this thread now, but I need that white and red aficionado in my life. These are really cool! 

[Rinze]

@Manny Sotelo love the look & design of these cases! Any plans to release more of the Aficionado line?

[Zonum]

The design is nice. I will look into one 👌🏼

[Manny Sotelo]

Hey guys, yes! There will be a new Aficionado line coming hopefully by Mid November. There will be a few changes, we are removing the Velcro loops and adding a larger pocket, so two standard pockets side by side at the bottom and 1 larger pocket on top. 
 

Or if any of you guys have any ideas, let me know and I can see what I can add or rearrange. 
 

oh, and the 25% off (foh25) ends Monday, but you will still get 15% off using foh15 anytime. 
 

Regards,

Manny-  

[El Presidente]

9 hours ago, Manny Sotelo said:

Hey guys, yes! There will be a new Aficionado line coming hopefully by Mid November. There will be a few changes, we are removing the Velcro loops and adding a larger pocket, so two standard pockets side by side at the bottom and 1 larger pocket on top. 
 

Or if any of you guys have any ideas, let me know and I can see what I can add or rearrange. 
 

oh, and the 25% off (foh25) ends Monday, but you will still get 15% off using foh15 anytime. 
 

Regards,

Manny-  

If guys who now own a Sotelo case, or are looking to do so before end of year, I can arrange a Sunday evening US zoom session with Manny over a cigar and group chat where you can ask questions, provide feedback and hang out with the master 

[Chibearsv]

Love mine. I got the 10 count in teal. Wasn’t too sure about the color, but I happily own it now. Great kit and holds my iPad too. 

[Manny Sotelo]

I’d be happy to do a Cigar Zoom with you guys! And maybe I just might offer a crazy deal for that Zoom meeting only...who knows? 😏