Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 9/10/2009

Question
I want to make a humidor to my specifications.  That means size and functionality.  I live south of Seattle WA and the availability of Spanish cedar is limited.  Is there a substitute wood out there that people have had success with, or is Spanish cedar it?

Thanks, Johnny

Answer
John,

Spanish Cedar is the wood of choice for 2 reasons: its aroma is complimentary to cigars and it holds some moisture without warping. You can use a different wood, you just want to make sure it has no aroma that will affect the smell/taste of the cigars and you want to make sure it will not draw moisture from the cigars. I believe a good hardwood like white oak will work pretty well, but I have never built a humidor from it so don't have any first hand experience. I have seen humidors build from walnut - that might be another wood to consider.

Hope this helps.
Bill