Tuesday, April 12 2011
Q: Did humidors used to have metal (zinc, I think) liners? I just inherited my wife's grandfather's
box, which everyone called "his
humidor." It's humidor size, [made of] nice wood, his initials on top, but with a metal lining.
- Paul in Eastville, VA
A: Yes. I have seen this type of metal-lined humidor in antique shops (
see example in photo). I've also seen some that look like they may have been designed more for cigarettes or pipe tobacco. But in your
case, if you can control the temp and RH, it should work fine. You might want to keep your
cigars in their cellos, though, to prevent any metallic taste getting into the wrappers.
Moreover, if it's a nice looking box and in good condition, I would suggest lining the walls with Spanish
cedar. Measure the base and walls and bevel cut the side panels as found in most
cigar humidors.This way the wood can expand and contract. You could leave the underside of the lid as-is, or place a Spanish cedar panel over it. Make sure you get the appropriate size humidifier and a digital
hygrometer. By going that route, it will impart that fresh cedar aroma which will help age your cigars nicely, too.
