Here's a tip most cigar guides won't give you: while everyone chases Cohiba and pays premium prices, the smart money has been quietly buying Hoyo de Monterrey for decades. This brand flies under the radar despite having one of the most devoted followings among serious Cuban cigar smokers. The Epicure No. 2 routinely outscores much more expensive cigars in blind tastings, and the Double Coronas have a cult following that treats them like precious artifacts.
The name translates to "Valley of Monterrey"—a reference to the original tobacco plantation in Vuelta Abajo where founder José Gener grew his legendary crops in 1865. That agricultural heritage shows in every cigar: Hoyo de Monterrey delivers pure, clean tobacco flavor without gimmicks. Light to medium body, approachable character, and a consistency that makes them ideal daily smokes for those who know better than to chase brand names.
Complete Guide to Hoyo de Monterrey Product Lines
Epicure Series - The Flagship Line
The Epicure line represents Hoyo de Monterrey at its finest—cigars designed for those who appreciate fine taste. The Epicure No. 2 is widely considered one of the best Cuban robusto values available.
- Epicure No. 1 - 5.6" x 46. Corona gorda with refined character.
- Epicure No. 2 - 4.9" x 50. The legendary robusto—exceptional value and quality.
- Epicure No. 2 Tubos - Protected in aluminum tubes.
- Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 - Ultra-premium aged release.
- Epicure Especial - 5.5" x 50. Slightly longer format.
- Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 - Vintage LE release.
Double Coronas
For extended smoking sessions with Hoyo de Monterrey's signature lightness.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas - 7.6" x 49. Classic double corona format.
- Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013 - Prestige aged release.
Le Hoyo Series
Premium line with refined character.
- Le Hoyo de San Juan - Premium vitola with exceptional balance.
- Le Hoyo de Río Seco - Named after the legendary tobacco region.
Classic Vitolas
- Hoyo de Monterrey Churchills - 7" x 47. Classic churchill format.
- Churchills Tubos - Protected in tubes.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Corona - Traditional corona format.
- Des Dieux - "Of the Gods" - robusto format.
- Du Prince - "Of the Prince" - elegant petit corona.
- Petit Robustos - Short robusto format.
Short Hoyo Series
- Short Hoyo Coronas - Compact corona format.
Hoyo de Monterrey Size and Strength Comparison
| Vitola | Line | Size | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Du Prince | Classic | 5" x 40 | Mild-Medium |
| Epicure No. 2 | Epicure | 4.9" x 50 | Mild-Medium |
| Epicure No. 1 | Epicure | 5.6" x 46 | Mild-Medium |
| Epicure Especial | Epicure | 5.5" x 50 | Medium |
| Churchills | Classic | 7" x 47 | Medium |
| Double Coronas | Premium | 7.6" x 49 | Medium |
Hoyo de Monterrey Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Hoyo de Monterrey delivers what many describe as the most "pure tobacco" flavor in the Cuban portfolio. Light, clean, and approachable without sacrificing complexity.
Primary Flavor Notes
- Clean tobacco - Pure, unadulterated tobacco flavor—the defining characteristic.
- Cedar - Aromatic wood throughout.
- Cream and butter - Smooth, silky mouthfeel.
- Light floral notes - Subtle flower accents.
- Hay and grass - Fresh, natural vegetal notes.
- White pepper - Gentle spice, never aggressive.
What Makes Hoyo de Monterrey Special
- Consistently light body across all vitolas
- Exceptional morning or daytime cigars
- Outstanding value for quality delivered
- Reliable construction and burn
How to Identify Authentic Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars
The Hoyo de Monterrey Band
- Coat of arms - Detailed heraldic crest should be sharp
- Yellow and black coloring - Distinctive color scheme
- "Habana" text - Clearly legible
- Embossed elements - Raised patterns you can feel
The Box
- Official Habanos hologram seal
- Factory code on bottom
- Date code in Cuban format
- Serial number verification
Best Drink Pairings for Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars
Hoyo's light profile pairs with delicate beverages:
- White wine - Crisp Chablis or Sancerre complement the lightness.
- Champagne - Effervescence and delicacy match perfectly.
- Light rum - Havana Club 3 años or similar.
- Green tea - The vegetal notes harmonize beautifully.
- Morning coffee - Lighter roasts, not espresso.
Hoyo de Monterrey Storage and Aging Recommendations
- Humidity - 65-70% RH.
- Temperature - 65-70°F (18-21°C).
- Aging potential - Epicure No. 2 develops nicely at 2-4 years. Double Coronas can age 5-10 years.
- Resting period - 2 weeks minimum after shipping.
Hoyo de Monterrey Limited Editions and Collectibles
- Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013 - Prestige aged release.
- Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 - Ultra-premium torpedo.
- Grand Epicure 2013 LE - Special limited format.
- Short Hoyo Pirámides 2011 LE - Compact pyramid format.
- Regalos EL 2007 - "Gifts" edition limited release.
- Pirámides Edición Limitada 2003 - Torpedo format LE.
- Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 - Vintage LE.
- Particulares Limited Edition - Rare special release.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoyo de Monterrey
Why is Hoyo de Monterrey considered a hidden gem?
While brands like Cohiba and Montecristo dominate marketing, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 consistently scores highly in blind tastings at a fraction of the price. Experienced smokers know this and quietly stock their humidors while others pay premiums for brand names.
Is Hoyo de Monterrey good for beginners?
Excellent. The mild-to-medium body won't overwhelm newcomers, and the clean tobacco flavor provides an authentic Cuban experience. The Epicure No. 2 is one of the best entry points into Cuban cigars.
What does "Hoyo de Monterrey" mean?
"Valley of Monterrey"—referring to the original tobacco plantation in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba where founder José Gener grew his tobacco beginning in 1865.
Can I smoke Hoyo de Monterrey in the morning?
Yes, this is one of the best morning cigar brands. The light body and clean flavor won't overwhelm on an empty stomach. The Du Prince or Petit Robustos are perfect morning formats.