Brandon gets Worlds Finest Cigars

A Rankin County business hopes to profit from the growing popularity of cigars with the opening of Humidor World's Finest Cigars in Brandon.

"After people started asking about cigars, and we saw a great interest We decided to open the shop. From there business spread by word of mouth," said Sharon Stephens, who owns the store with her husband, Bill.

Humidor is independently owned and has more than 400 types of cigars, specializing in hand-rolled cigars, international cigarettes and traditional tobacco products, Bill Stephens said. The store also carries Italian-brand pipes.

The shop is named after the traditional device used to keep tobacco moist and preserve the flavor of cigars. The shop uses a cedar humidor to store its inventory.

"About 75 percent of people smoke cigars for the flavor; 20 percent chew them," said Karen Sebren, the shop's cigar specialist.

Customers also can purchase a humidor to preserve their cigars at home.

A growing number of women are puffing on cigars, the owners said.

"Women generally come in for the smaller, sweeter blends ... for weddings and other celebratory occasions," Sharon Stephens said. Specialty flavors such as chocolate mocha are among the best sellers, she said.

The staff of four is knowledgeable about the numerous offerings and provides down-home service.

Ashley Duvall of Brandon recently purchased a humidor and hand-rolled cigars for her husband. She said she learned about the cigar store from one of the employees.