Why Is Spanish Cedar Used For Cigar Humidors and Cigar Boxes?

Spanish cedar, also known as cedro, is a type of wood that has long been favoured for use in cigar humidors. While the name might suggest a connection to Spain, Spanish cedar is actually native to tropical regions in the Americas, particularly Central and South America, where cigar production is also popular. Its distinctive characteristics make it an excellent choice for crafting humidors, which are specially designed containers for storing and ageing cigars.

Why is Spanish Cedar Used in Humidors?

Spanish cedar wood is the top choice for cigar manufacturers when it comes to packaging and storing cigars. Spanish cedar is highly valued for cigar humidors due to its natural aroma, moisture regulation capabilities, insect-repelling properties, resistance to mould and fungus, and durability. These qualities make it an ideal wood choice for creating an environment that maintains the flavour, aroma, and overall quality of cigars over extended periods of time.

Moisture Regulation

Perhaps the main reason Spanish cedar is used in humidors and cigar storage is because of its excellent moisture regulation properties. One of the primary functions of a humidor is to maintain a stable level of humidity.

Spanish cedar wood can absorb and release moisture, helping to maintain an optimal humidity level within the humidor. This is crucial for preserving the quality and flavour of cigars, as they require a specific humidity range to prevent them from drying out or becoming overly moist.

Aroma

Spanish cedar wood has a distinct and pleasant aroma. The wood releases aromatic oils and compounds that add a distinct fragrance to the cigars stored within the humidor. This aroma can subtly influence the flavours and character of the cigars over time, enhancing their overall smoking experience.

Repelling Insects

Spanish cedar wood contains natural oils and resins that can act as a deterrent to insects that can damage cigars, such as tobacco beetles. These beetles can be a significant problem for cigar storage, as they can damage or destroy the cigars. Adding Spanish cedar to your humidor helps protect against these pests and minimises the risk of infestation.

Mould Resistance

Another advantage of Spanish cedar is its resistance to mould and fungus. The wood’s natural oils and resins make it less susceptible to these issues, which can be detrimental to the quality of cigars. The presence of Spanish cedar in a humidor helps maintain a clean and mould-free environment, ensuring the cigars remain unharmed.

Durability

Spanish cedar is a durable and sturdy wood that resists warping and cracking, even in humid conditions, making it an ideal choice for humidor construction. It is relatively easy to work with, allowing craftsmen to create intricate designs and precise fittings for cigar boxes and humidors. The wood can be shaped, finished, and sealed to create an airtight and aesthetically pleasing container for storing cigars.

Are All Humidors Made With Spanish Cedar? 

Not all humidors are made completely from Spanish Cedar, but most cigar enthusiasts will choose to add a Spanish cedar lining or compartments into their humidor. 

Due to the unregulated logging of Spanish cedar trees, there has been a drastic decline, which has made Spanish cedar an expensive wood to use. In many Caribbean and Central American countries, it is now considered an endangered species. 

Therefore, only a handful of cigar manufacturers use solid Spanish cedar for their packaging, cigar boxes and humidors. Instead, most use plywood sheets with a thin Spanish cedar wood veneer, with even the most expensive humidors using veneers too! 

Humidor makers often use other woods with similar properties, such as mahogany, okoumé, toona and guarea, which are sometimes treated with cedarwood oil to imitate the original Spanish cedar nuances.

Overall, Spanish cedar wood combines functional, practical, and aesthetic qualities that make it an ideal choice for cigar boxes and humidors. Its ability to regulate moisture, repel insects, resist mould, and enhance the overall cigar experience has solidified its reputation in the cigar industry.

If you want to make sure your cigars are stored in the best possible way, check out our range of humidors and humidification packs.