For Humidors, It's All About the Wood

A good humidor can enhance the flavor of your cigars by promoting proper aging and allowing the tobacco to develop much as it would in the sticky tropical climates where it is grown and harvested. For this reason, a humidor is an absolute must for any cigar aficionado. Sometimes though, choosing one it's not as simple as strolling down to corner smoke shop and just picking one up. There is a lot to consider before buying a new humidor and one of the most important things is the type of wood from which it is made.

Cuban Crafters Especial 50 Cigar Humidor

The Advantages of Cedar
Spanish cedar, Honduran mahogany, and American cedar are all used for the humidor's interior lining, with Spanish cedar being the most popular. Cigar enthusiasts appreciate this particular wood not only because it has a positive effect on a cigar's flavor and the aging process, but also because it absorbs humidity well and has a high capacity for holding moisture. Even on those days when it's not exactly 70 degrees and sunny, you can be sure that the interior climate of your humidor is stable. As an added bonus, the naturally odiferous quality of the cedar keeps at bay the tobacco worms that could destroy a quality cigar collection.

American cedar, on the other hand, is a little less popular among cigar smokers. Sometimes called American red cedar, this wood is considered less desirable because it doesn't have the same moisture absorbing capacity as Spanish cedar. And although it tends to be cheaper than Spanish cedar, it also tends to be much more pungent and can lend to your cigars a woody flavor that most aficionados don't care for.

Mahogany: the Other Kid on the Block
The last type of wood used in humidors, Honduran mahogany, has the capacity to absorb humidity that is almost identical to Spanish cedar, but the latter still tends to be preferred among smokers. Why? Mostly this is due to the fact that mahogany has a much milder scent and is therefore less effective at deterring tobacco worms - or improving the flavor of your cigars. Considering the different types of wood used in humidors before buying will help you make a smarter choice.