Cedar Secrets

Is either red or white cedar considered a good alternative to Spanish cedar to line the inside of a humidor?

Posted: March 18, 2013

No, because those woods are too aromatic.

Red and white cedars have a much stronger odor than Spanish cedar, the preferred wood for the interior of a humidor. Mahogany, which is a close releative of Spanish cedar, has virtually no odor and is also a good option.

Red and white cedars will infect your cigars with their smell, altering the smokes' flavor to the point where the wood scent, not the tobacco, dominates.

Spanish cedar or mahogany are a good wood for humidor interiors because they hold more moisture than other woods, which means they will maintain humidity better. Additionally, Spanish cedar's subtle natural aroma works to repel tobacco beetles.

Have a question for the Cigar Aficionado editors? Submit it here