Expert: James Yee - 3/10/2011

Question
Hi James,

Since you answered my first question so quickly, I have 2 more questions.

My wife and I just returned from Cuba and I am not a smoker, but I am not hooked on Cuban Cigars, I have tried a Partagas Senior, Montecristo #4, a RyJ Romeo #3 Tubo, and the best a Cohiba Siglo II. Of the above mentioned cigars I preferred the Siglo II.

1) I'm currently using a "Tupperdor" and I have cedar planks (the ones they use for barbecuing inside to help with the humidity, is there a big difference between regular Canadian cedar and Spanish Cedar. I'm planing on making a wine cooler (thermoelectric) humidor, with adjustable thermostat, electric humidifier (Oasis XL Plus) and an electric hygro/temp meter

2) I want to experience other types of cuban cigars, as you've mentioned in previous answers it's best to try lots to define your palate. I believe I prefer a smooth, light to medium strength, corona size cigar, is there any others you would recommend as I would like to start stocking a humidor with a good mix of cigars of varying lengths, as well a nice cheaper cigar I can buy in bulk for when I have friends over or for that everyday any day type smoke.

Keep up the great work you definitely know your stuff, and I'll probably have more questions as I learn more and more about cigars

Answer
Hi Craig,

Canadian/Western Red Cedar is actually very pungent and shouldn't be used in a humidor because the aroma can over-power the natural scent of your cigars. Eventually, the cedar scent will infuse into the cigars and cause them to taste and smell like cedar wood.  The aroma in Spanish cedar is more subtle and will compliment your cigars rather than over power them.  

If you're looking for ideal cedar to line your tupperdor, most cigar stores will have excess cedar veneer sheets available to customers either for free or for very little money.  These cedar sheets are taken from empty Cuban cigar boxes whenever the store opens new boxes.  Cigar stores will usually have lots of these cedar sheets lying around so if you ask, you can probably get them for free or for very little money (maybe 25 cents a sheet).  

For mild-to-medium Cuban cigars, I think you'll like the following brands:

Romeo y Julieta
El Rey du Mundo
Saint Luis Rey
H. Upmann
Sancho Panza
San Cristobal de La Habana

For an affordable everyday cigar for your friends, Fonseca, Jose Piedra and Guantanamera are mild and inexpensive Cuban brands.

I hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James