Spanish Cedar - For the Humidor & as Matches

Wood is not all the same – everyone knows that. Birch wood is as unsuitable for ship planks as rustic oak is for chopsticks or violin making. So it’s no surprise that certain woods are also preferred for the interior of a humidor. The clear favorite here is the West Indian cedar (Cedrela odorata), known in the cigar world as Spanish cedar. Nearly all quality humidors available today are lined with this wood.

How Does a Conifer Fit with Cigars?

Short answer: It doesn’t. Spanish cedar is a unique tree species that’s often misidentified on the international market. It’s not a European conifer but rather a broadleaf tree from the mahogany family. Originally native to Central and South America, it’s also grown today in African countries like Ghana and Tanzania.

The name “Spanish cedar” comes from the appearance of its wood. In earlier times, trees were often named based on physical characteristics rather than botanical classifications. Because its wood resembles cedar, this tree was mistakenly labeled a cedar – a name that has persisted. Since the tree provides an essential habitat for numerous species and contributes to biodiversity, it’s subject to strict trade regulations. These are globally managed under conventions like CITES (the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). As a result, the import and export of Spanish cedar products are meticulously monitored.

Spanish cedar has remarkable botanical features. It can grow to heights of up to 30 meters, with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown. Its leaves are leathery and dark green, and its fruits grow as large, woody capsules. The tree’s resin exudes an intense, pleasant aroma, making it especially popular in perfume production. Its durability and adaptability also make it an intriguing subject in botanical research.

Advantages of Spanish Cedar

The wood of Spanish cedar is easy to work with, which is why it’s used not only in humidors but also in instrument making, for example. Due to its relation to genuine mahogany, Spanish cedar is often used as a mahogany substitute in furniture and boat building.

But it’s not only ease of working that has made Spanish cedar a favorite among aficionados:

• The mild aroma of the wood complements the cold aroma of cigars beautifully, positively enhancing their flavor.
• It also supports the maturation process of cigars in the humidor.
• The humidor itself benefits as well: Spanish cedar wood absorbs moisture far better than other woods, helping to balance the climate inside the humidor.
• Additionally, the wood’s aroma acts as a natural pest deterrent.

Disadvantages of Spanish Cedar: The Risk of Resin

Spanish cedar possesses unique properties due to its natural components, which can also be problematic:

• Sticky patches, similar to resin, can appear. These consist of a rubber-like substance containing arabin and metarabin.
• The exact cause of the wood’s “resin exudation” isn’t clear. It’s believed that a reaction of aromatics with silicates and oxygen in the air leads to sticky spots.
• The resin generally appears on the wood’s surface, without visible resin channels inside. The progression of this process is unpredictable, potentially starting right after the tree is felled or even years later.
• Woods with a high concentration of aromatic compounds tend to be more prone to resin exudation. Carefully selecting wood from silicate-poor soils or regions like West Africa can help reduce this issue.
• The resin can be removed with acetone, and the humidor can be sanded. Care should be taken not to alter the wood’s characteristic fragrance.

Spanish Cedar for Storing Cigars

The tradition of storing cigars in Spanish cedar goes back a long way. Even in the days of early seafarers and explorers, this wood was used for its unique preservation properties. Cigars, being a valuable commodity, needed protection against moisture and mold on long sea voyages. Spanish cedar, known for its strong, pleasant scent and ability to regulate moisture, was the ideal material for storage. This practice has proven effective for centuries and is still in use today. Cigar manufacturers and aficionados worldwide continue to value Spanish cedar as the ultimate material for storing and aging high-quality cigars. It’s not only about mere storage but about preserving a long, rich history and culture connected with the enjoyment and appreciation of cigars.

Alternatives to Spanish Cedar Humidors

Although Spanish cedar is the clear favorite for humidor lining, there are alternatives. American red cedar and Honduras mahogany are also suitable for humidors, but they come with disadvantages compared to Spanish cedar.

**American Red Cedar:**

• This wood is significantly cheaper but has a strong, inherent aroma.
• This can cause cigars in the humidor to take on a strong, woody flavor.
• Additionally, American red cedar lacks the moisture-absorbing capacity of Spanish cedar.

Honduras mahogany has similar properties:

• Due to its lack of aroma, it misses both the positive effects of Spanish cedar on the spiciness of cigars
• and its pest-repellent qualities.

Spanish Cedar as Matches

In the past, it was standard practice and remains popular among cigar enthusiasts today: lighting a cigar with a cedar spill. Just as with humidors, the pleasant aroma of the wood supports the natural flavor of the cigar. Furthermore, unlike matches, there’s no sulfur tip, ensuring that the ritual of lighting – which is always a special moment – is uninterrupted.

One slight drawback: the spill must also remain undisturbed, as Spanish cedar is just as sensitive to wind as matches, making it more suited for use in a lounge or personal smoking room.