Ben Strouse

It all started with a single Macanudo on my 18th birthday—kickstarting a lifelong love for cigars. During the early days of Covid, I discovered woodworking while building desks for my family’s School-From-Home setup. But it wasn’t until I turned my favorite bookshelf into a custom humidor that BigBen WoodWorks was born.

Now, we’re expanding our collection with handcrafted ashtrays and charcuterie boards—each one-of-a-kind and made with purpose. Whether it’s a charcuterie board, ashtray, or humidor, every piece is designed to elevate your space and enhance your cigar experience.

Based in Southeastern Connecticut, BigBen WoodWorks creates pieces that bring people together. Our charcuterie boards are perfect for hosting, gifting, or simply leveling up your snack game. We also craft custom ashtrays and humidors that blend function with style—all with care, character, and attention to detail.

Cigars (and life) have taken me across 44 states, connecting me with amazing people in lounges like the Red Phone Booth in Atlanta, Stogies in Houston, and even The Humidor on a Norwegian cruise. Back home, my wife’s passion for crafting beautiful charcuterie spreads inspired me to create serving boards that reflect her creativity. Surrounded by my family and two dogs, that same inspiration drives the craftsmanship behind BigBen WoodWorks.