Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos EL 2007

What Most People Get Wrong About Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos EL 2007

Here’s what drives me crazy about most reviews of the Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos EL 2007: everyone focuses on the rarity and price tag, completely missing what makes this cigar extraordinary. Sure, it’s an Edición Limitada that retailed for around 2,800 MXN per box when it first hit the market, but that’s not the story. The real story is how Hoyo’s master blenders took their habitual approach to mild-to-medium cigars and cranked it up to eleven, creating something that challenges everything you think you know about this marca.

Most reviewers treat this as just another collectible stick to stash away. Wrong. Dead wrong. This cigar was meant to be smoked, and after spending considerable time with multiple examples over the years, I can tell you it’s one of the most underappreciated EL releases of the 2000s. The habitual Hoyo profile is there, but it’s been amplified and refined in ways that will surprise even veteran smokers.

Construction and First Impressions

The Regalos measures 6.5 inches by 49 ring gauge (165mm x 19.4mm), making it a custom vitola created specifically for this release. When I first handled one back in 2008, I remember being struck by how different it felt from the habitual Hoyo construction. The wrapper – a gorgeous, oily Colorado leaf – had this almost burgundy hue that immediately set it apart from regular production Hoyos.

The band design deserves special mention. Instead of the standard Hoyo band, the Regalos features the distinctive black and gold EL band with “Edición Limitada 2007” prominently displayed. It’s a small detail, but it signals that you’re dealing with something special. The secondary band reads “Regalos,” which translates to “gifts” – fitting for what was positioned as Hoyo’s regalo to serious aficionados.

Construction-wise, these cigars are built like tanks. I’ve never encountered a single construction issue across the dozen or so I’ve smoked over the years. The draw is consistently perfect – not too tight, not too loose – delivering that ideal resistance that lets you know you’re dealing with premium tobacco. The cold draw reveals hints of cedar, leather, and something distinctly mineral that I associate with quality Vuelta Abajo leaf.

Visual Appeal and Pre-Light Experience

The wrapper leaf on the Regalos is simply stunning. It’s what I’d call a Colorado Maduro – darker than the habitual Hoyo wrapper but not quite into maduro territory. The oil content is remarkable, giving the cigar an almost lacquered appearance. Veins are minimal and well-integrated, and the overall appearance screams premium craftsmanship.

Pre-light aroma is where things get interesting. While regular Hoyo productions tend toward grassy, hay-like notes, the Regalos presents deeper, richer aromatics. I pick up cedar, sweet tobacco, and underlying notes of cocoa and spice that hint at the complexity to come.

First Third: Setting the Stage

Lighting up the Regalos is an event. The initial draws deliver classic Hoyo DNA – that clean, refined tobacco flavor – but with significantly more body and complexity than you’d expect. Where habitual Hoyo cigars start mild and creamy, the Regalos opens with medium body and immediately noticeable spice.

The dominant flavors in the first third center around cedar and leather, with periodic waves of white pepper that dance on the palate. There’s also this interesting mineral quality – almost like wet stone – that adds depth without overwhelming the more delicate tobacco notes. The retrohale delivers gentle spice with hints of cocoa and coffee.

What impressed me most during my first smoking was how the flavors developed. Rather than the static profile you sometimes get with milder cigars, the Regalos constantly evolves. One draw might emphasize the cedar notes, while the next brings forward the leather and spice. It keeps you engaged in a way that justifies the premium pricing – boxes were selling for upwards of 3,200 MXN by 2009.

The burn during this section is exemplary. The ash builds to nearly two inches of solid, light gray ash that holds perfectly. Smoke production is generous without being overwhelming, creating those perfect, dense clouds that photograph so well.

Pairing Recommendations for the Opening

For the first third, I strongly recommend a quality espresso or Cuban coffee. The mineral and cedar notes pair beautifully with coffee’s natural acidity. If you prefer spirits, a light rum like Havana Club 3 Year works wonderfully, complementing rather than competing with the cigar’s delicate opening flavors.

Second Third: The Heart of the Experience

The transition into the second third is where the Regalos truly distinguishes itself from habitual Hoyo releases. The body increases noticeably – moving from medium to medium-plus – while the flavor profile becomes significantly more complex. This is where you start to understand why this particular EL commanded such respect among serious collectors.

Leather becomes the dominant note, but it’s accompanied by emerging flavors of dark chocolate, coffee bean, and subtle fruit notes that remind me of dried apricot or fig. The mineral quality from the first third remains but becomes more integrated, providing structure rather than standing apart. The spice level increases as well, delivering consistent black pepper through the nose.

What’s remarkable about this section is how balanced everything remains despite the increased complexity. Lesser cigars often become muddled when trying to deliver this many flavor notes, but the Regalos maintains clarity throughout. Each flavor occupies its own space while contributing to the overall profile.

The retrohale during this period is exceptional – rich, creamy smoke with prominent chocolate and coffee notes, finished with just enough pepper to keep things interesting. It’s during this section that you really appreciate the skill involved in creating this blend.

Burn characteristics remain perfect. The ash continues building in solid segments, and the burn line stays razor-straight without any touch-ups required. This level of construction consistency across multiple examples over several years speaks to the quality control maintained for the EL series.

Complexity Development

Around the halfway point, subtle sweetness begins emerging. It’s not the artificial sweetness you sometimes get from flavored cigars, but rather a natural tobacco sweetness that balances the leather and mineral notes beautifully. This sweetness adds another layer of complexity without disrupting the cigar’s fundamental character.

The pepper notes also evolve during this section, transitioning from the bright white pepper of the opening to a deeper, more complex spice blend that includes hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s subtle – you have to pay attention to catch it – but it’s there, adding sophistication to the overall profile.

Final Third: The Grand Finale

The final third of the Regalos is where this cigar earns its reputation as one of the standout EL releases. The body reaches full medium – substantial without being overwhelming – while the flavor profile achieves remarkable depth and balance. This is decidedly not your habitual Hoyo experience.

Chocolate becomes the starring note, but it’s supported by rich coffee, aged leather, and emerging earthy tones that speak to the quality of the tobacco. The mineral quality that characterized the earlier portions transforms into something more akin to wet earth after rain – complex, natural, and deeply satisfying.

Spice remains present but well-integrated, providing structure and interest without dominating. The retrohale delivers waves of chocolate and coffee with a pleasant peppery finish that lingers on the palate. It’s the kind of finish that makes you want to immediately light another cigar – or at least sit quietly and appreciate what you’ve just experienced.

One aspect that particularly impressed me is how the cigar maintains its character right to the nub. Many cigars, even premium ones, become harsh or bitter in the final inches. The Regalos remains smooth and flavorful until the very end, testament to both the quality of the tobacco and the skill of the blenders.

Evolution and Finish

The last few draws reveal subtle fruit notes – primarily fig and raisin – that weren’t apparent earlier. These add a layer of sweetness that perfectly balances the earthier tones. It’s a sophisticated finish that leaves you thinking about the cigar long after you’ve set it down.

The final ash remains light gray and holds well, though I typically don’t push it beyond an inch and a half in this section. The burn stays even throughout, requiring no corrections or touch-ups. It’s the kind of flawless performance you expect from a cigar that was retailing for 4,000+ MXN per box by 2010.

Aging Potential and Storage Recommendations

Here’s where the Regalos gets really interesting: this cigar has exceptional aging potential. Examples I’ve smoked with 5-10 years of additional age show remarkable development, with the habitual harshness of young Cuban cigars completely resolved and the complex flavors more integrated and refined.

For optimal aging, store these at 65-68°F with 65-70% relative humidity. I’ve found that the Regalos responds particularly well to slightly lower humidity than some cigars – around 65% seems to be the sweet spot for long-term aging. At current secondary market prices (often 6,000+ MXN per box when you can find them), proper storage is essential to protect your investment.

Based on my experience with various ages, I’d recommend aging these for at least 5-7 years from the original 2007 release date before smoking. The examples I’ve tried with 10+ years of age have been absolutely sublime – the complexity reaches another level entirely, with the various flavor components achieving perfect harmony.

Storage Considerations

Cedar aging makes a significant difference with the Regalos. If you have examples to age, consider storing them in Spanish cedar boxes or trays within your humidor. The cedar seems to enhance the natural cedar notes in the cigar while helping to meld the various flavor components over time.

Temperature stability is crucial. Fluctuations can cause the oils to separate or the wrapper to crack, and at these price points, you can’t afford storage mistakes. Invest in a quality digital hygrometer and check it regularly.

Who Should Smoke the Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos EL 2007

This isn’t a beginner’s cigar, despite the Hoyo marca’s reputation for milder smokes. The complexity and price point make it best suited for experienced smokers who can appreciate the nuances and craftsmanship involved. If your habitual smoking routine involves mild Connecticut-shade cigars, the Regalos might be more intensity than you’re prepared for.

That said, if you’re a Hoyo enthusiast curious about how the marca can perform at the premium level, the Regalos is an excellent choice. It maintains enough of the classic Hoyo DNA to feel familiar while delivering complexity and body that will challenge your preconceptions about the brand.

Collectors should definitely seek these out if they haven’t already. Production was limited, and remaining examples are becoming increasingly rare. At current market prices – often 500+ MXN per stick – they’re not cheap, but they represent an important chapter in Hoyo’s history and demonstrate the marca’s potential when given premium tobacco and extra attention.

Experience Level Recommendations

I’d recommend the Regalos for intermediate to advanced smokers who have experience with medium-bodied Cuban cigars. If you enjoy cigars like the Partagás Serie P No. 2 or H. Upmann Magnum 46, the Regalos should be right in your wheelhouse.

For special occasions, this cigar really shines. The complexity and evolution make it perfect for those times when you want to sit, relax, and really focus on the smoking experience. It’s not a cigar for casual conversation – it demands and rewards attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to pay for a Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos EL 2007?

Current market prices vary significantly based on storage and provenance, but expect to pay 400-600 MXN per cigar for well-stored examples. Boxes, when available, often command 5,000-7,000 MXN or more. The habitual advice applies: buy from reputable sources and verify authenticity before purchasing at these price points.

How does the Regalos compare to other Hoyo de Monterrey releases?

The Regalos is significantly more complex and full-bodied than habitual Hoyo production cigars. While regular Hoyos tend toward mild, creamy profiles, the Regalos delivers medium body with substantial complexity. It’s closer in intensity to premium Partagás or Bolívar releases than to standard Hoyo offerings. Think of it as Hoyo’s attempt to demonstrate their capabilities at the premium level.

Are there any authentication concerns with this release?

Given the secondary market prices (often 500+ MXN per stick), counterfeits are unfortunately common. Look for proper EL banding, consistent construction quality, and purchase only from established dealers with solid reputations. The habitual counterfeit tells – poor construction, incorrect band placement, wrong box codes – apply here as well.

What’s the best drink pairing for the full experience?

For the complete experience, I recommend starting with Cuban coffee for the first third, transitioning to aged rum (Havana Club 15 Year or similar) for the middle section, and finishing with a quality cognac or armagnac. The evolving flavor profile pairs beautifully with this progression of drinks, each complementing different aspects of the cigar.

How long should I age these before smoking?

While the 2007 release is obviously well-aged by now, if you’re fortunate enough to have examples that were properly stored since release, they’re likely at or near peak performance. The habitual recommendation for EL releases is 5-10 years minimum aging, and the Regalos follows this pattern. Examples with 10+ years of proper aging show remarkable integration and complexity development.