Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas

HISTORY

Hoyo de Monterrey owes its origin to the town of San Juan y Martinez, which lies at the heart of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone. Here the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation, one of the great Vegas de Primera (First Class Fields), can be reached through a gate on the town’s main square inscribed ‘Hoyo de Monterrey. José Gener. 1860’.

‘Hoyo’ literally means a ‘hole’ and in this case describes the low-lying position of the plantation on the fertile banks of the 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 vitolas known as the Le Hoyo Series. These are generally accepted to be slightly stronger and spicier than the brand’s classic range.

All sizes are ‘tripa larga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade using filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone.

A mighty cigar with a surprisingly subtle and creamy flavour. It rocketed to stardom when the second issue of Cigar Aficionado rated a late 1980s example 99 out of 100. Still a cigar to be reckoned with and a must-have in any cigar collection.

TASTING NOTES

This double corona starts with classic notes of sweet cedar, soft leather, and creamy vanilla. The long burn time allows the flavours to mature gracefully, developing complexity with underlying notes of baking spice, honeyed hay, and a clean, gentle earthiness.

This cigar pairs best with drinks that can be slowly savoured, such as an XO Cognac or an excellent Aged Dark Rum.

CIGAR INFORMATION

Country of Origin: Cuba

Flavour profile: Light-bodied

Vitola: Prominente 

Size: 49 ring gauge, 7 5/8 inches

Smoking time: 60 minutes