Hoyo de Monterrey
Hoyo de Monterrey cigars take their name from the famous plantation in San Juan y Martínez in the heart of Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region, where the brand was founded in 1865.
‘Hoyo’ literally means a ‘hole’ and in this case describes the low-lying position of the plantation on the fertile banks of San Juan y Martinez river. José Gener, a Spaniard from Tarragona, first used the name of his vega on a brand of Havanas in 1865.
The flavour of Hoyo de Monterrey’s blend makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a delicate yet aromatic Havana that is lighter to the taste but with great elegance and complexity.
The brand is renowned for its Double Corona and for the prestigious Epicure series, the No.1 and No.2, to which the longer Epicure Especial was added in 2008. There is also a range of standard and slender gauge vitolas known as the Le Hoyo Series.
Hoyo de Monterrey was the first brand to introduce a Petit Robusto in 2005, the 50 ring gauge size with a shorter length to suit those who like thicker formats, but do not always have the time to enjoy them.
All sizes are Tripa Larga, Totalmente a Mano – long filler, totally hand made using filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone.
Flavour: Light
DOUBLE CORONA
VITOLA: Prominente
RING GAUGE: 49
LENGTH: 7 5/8 inches
A mighty cigar with a surprisingly subtle and creamy flavour. It rocketed to stardom when the second issue of Cigar Aficionado rated a late ‘80s example 99 out of 100. Still a cigar to be reckoned with.
CHURCHILL - VINTAGE 1999
VITOLA: Julieta No.2
RING GAUGE: 47
LENGTH: 7 inches
A cigar which, along with the Double Corona, bears one of the most majestic of all Havana cigar bands. An impressive symbol of success with a delicate flavour to please the educated palate. Now discontinued, but we have some stocks remaining.
EPICURE No.1
VITOLA: Corona Gorda
RING GAUGE: 46
LENGTH: 5 5/8 inches
A long standing favourite amongst the admirers of this classic, heavyish gauge size. Lighter tasting than the Punch Punch or Cohiba Siglo IV, but plenty of fragrant complexity nonetheless.
EPICURE ESPECIAL
VITOLA: Gordito
RING GAUGE: 50
LENGTH: 5 1/2 inches
Introduced as the top of the Epicure line in 2008, this extra- length robusto delivers the classic light-flavoured elegance of the Epicure No.2 for an additional five eighths of an inch.
EPICURE No.2
VITOLA: Robusto
RING GAUGE: 50
LENGTH: 4 7/8 inches
The robusto of choice for many cigar epicureans. Formerly presented without any band, now it sports no less than two, so its identity is clear.
PETIT ROBUSTO
VITOLA: Petit Robusto
RING GAUGE: 50
LENGTH: 4 inches
Perhaps this cigar would have been better named Epicure No.3 as its presentation and style of taste are identical to the Epicure 1 & 2. Introduced in 2004, it was a timely anticipation of what smokers would face with smoking bans.
HOYO DE MONTERREY – Le Hoyo Series
DE SAN JUAN
VITOLA: Geniales
RING GAUGE: 54
LENGTH: 5 7/8 inches
The Hoyo De Monterrey Le Hoyo De San Juan is the latest addition to the Hoyo de Monterrey brand. Not only a new cigar, but the biggest ring gauged currently produced in the “Le Hoyo” series. It holds the same larger “new” bands as the ‘de Luxe’ and ‘Connoisseur A’ with its name embossed underneath the Hoyo De Monterrey logo. The new release sports earthy and floral flavours, with a creamy texture and notes of wood and leather.
DU ROI - VINTAGE 2014
VITOLA: Corona
RING GAUGE: 42
LENGTH: 5 5/8 inches
Once a match for Davidoff’s Chateau Latour size, although lighter in taste and boasting a distinguished aroma. As with so many classic Coronas, this vitola has been discontinued in Havana. Now discontinued, but we have some stocks remaining.
DU DEPUTÉ
VITOLA: Trabuco
RING GAUGE: 38
LENGTH: 4 3/8 inches
An elegant small cigar with a decent 38 ring gauge that makes it the perfect morning smoke. For many years it was the only cigar of this size in the Havana portfolio until it was joined by the Montecristo Open Junior in 2009.
DU MAIRE
VITOLA: Entreactos
RING GAUGE: 30
LENGTH: 4 inches
The size name means ‘between acts’, so here we have size designed to satisfy the theatre going smoker during the interval; these days, of course, on the pavement outside.
Epicure No.2 Reserva 2012
VITOLA: Robusto
RING GAUGE: 50
LENGTH: 4 7/8
FLAVOUR: Mild
The Hoyo de Monterrey Reserva 2012 are a very limited and exclusive release. Unlike the Regional and Limited editions by Habanos, these are rolled to the same vitola as the standard Epicure No.2 but dressed in a slightly darker wrapper. All the Tobacco leaves are Specially selected after an ageing process of 3 years this is advertised with the extra black & silver ‘Reserva’ band. Only 5000 high gloss black presentation boxes of 20 Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 have ever been released.