Jemma Freeman is the CEO of Hunters & Frankau. Founded in 1790, it is the exclusive UK dealer of all Havana cigars.
Jemma Freeman
Though enjoyable alone, cigar smoking is often a convivial activity. Smokers collect and trade cigars and share them at special occasions. They will know exactly what is in their humidor and where it came from, much as a wine lover knows what is in their cellar. The choice of humidor is important: the interior needs to maintain the optimum climate for the cigars, the aesthetic of the exterior makes the cigar smoking ritual personal.
A humidor is a temperature and humidity‑controlled box that provides an ideal environment to store and age cigars. It will have a temperature gauge and a hygrometer which allow the temperature and relative humidity inside the box to be monitored. Distilled water is periodically added to the humidification system, allowing the humidor to maintain the right amount of moisture to keep the tobacco leaves from drying out. The boxes are most often lined with Spanish cedar as its high absorption capacity ensures the tobacco can take on and release moisture as required, allowing the flavours in the tobacco to evolve and develop over time.
Jemma has developed a collection of humidors, ashtrays, and spill holders with artist Gennaro Avallone. The interiors of the humidors are made by a Milanese specialist; the exteriors, and other accoutrements, are from Gennaro's studio. The first collection is made from bronze and combines Jemma's expertise in cigars with Gennaro's ability to use ancient inspirations to a contemporary end.