How to tell if you have the right cedar

[Jesuscookies]

I recently purchased some spanish cedar from the local lumber yard. I have it in my fridgeador, but after reading the other thread on here about cedar, I want to confirm what I have is the real deal. So, is there any easy way to tell if you have true spanish cedar or not?

[Ethernut]

The only way I know of is to compare it to some cedar you already have. Often there will be some spanish cedar included in boxes of cigars, I have a couple boxes made from spanish cedar. Im no wood expert though. Spanish Cedar shouldnt ooze sap or be overly strong. Ive seen very dark red S.C. and very light S.C.. If you have some SC on hand to compare with, smell them, thats where the proof is.

[Jesuscookies]

Yeah, the wood is a dark mahagony color. I pulled the tray out of my humidor to compare it too. The tray is a lighter color. The smell of both was similar, but my sniffer is screwed from allergies. I just want to make sure I have not put closet cedar in.

The only way I know of is to compare it to some cedar you already have. Often there will be some spanish cedar included in boxes of cigars, I have a couple boxes made from spanish cedar. Im no wood expert though. Spanish Cedar shouldnt ooze sap or be overly strong. Ive seen very dark red S.C. and very light S.C.. If you have some SC on hand to compare with, smell them, thats where the proof is.

[EricM]

The grain is the easiest way to tell.. Post a pic. and of course the smell is a dead give away...

[SmokinAl]

Spanish Cedar (South American Cedar) comes in a wide range of colours between pinkish red and off white. The smell is very distinctive but so is the taste. Spanish Cedar tastes different to all the rest of Cedars. Problem is though, I can't describe it exactly. It's very strong and acidic. When I'm picking it I can tell by the weight and grain 90% of the time. If it takes more than that I'll plane a bit off to smell the fresh wood. If I'm still unsure the taste will clinch it.

Having said all that there's still an easy way to tell. Only ever order Cederela Odorata from a reputable supplier of furniture grade lumber. I haven't been let down yet.

[Jesuscookies]

Okay here is a pic of said wood. I received 2 different boards. The first was 3/4 thick (18MM) and the second was 1/4 thick (8MM). The 8mil thick stuff smells like nothing at all, while the larger 18mil thick stuff is very aromatic. I tried to compare the smell between my humidors, but my allergies are making the task very difficult.

Tell me what you think.

Spanish Cedar (South American Cedar) comes in a wide range of colours between pinkish red and off white. The smell is very distinctive but so is the taste. Spanish Cedar tastes different to all the rest of Cedars. Problem is though, I can't describe it exactly. It's very strong and acidic. When I'm picking it I can tell by the weight and grain 90% of the time. If it takes more than that I'll plane a bit off to smell the fresh wood. If I'm still unsure the taste will clinch it.

Having said all that there's still an easy way to tell. Only ever order Cederela Odorata from a reputable supplier of furniture grade lumber. I haven't been let down yet.

[SmokinAl]

Id bet the one on the left is fine but Im unsure about the one on the right. It looks more like a mhogany but I could easily be wrong.

[Jesuscookies]

Thanks Al. I am just about positive the thicker stuff is spanish cedar. The thinner stuff, was actually wet and had been out for a few days so I am guessing this is the problem with the coloration and smell.

If it is mahogany, and or has no smell to it, will it hurt to have it in with the humidor?