About the Hoyo de Monterrey Du Prince
The Hoyo de Monterrey Du Prince, known on the Cuban roster as Le Hoyo du Prince, belongs to one of the most respected names in Havana tobacco. The brand traces back to 1865, when Don José Gener established it after acquiring prized land in the Vuelta Abajo region, the heartland of Cuban leaf. Hoyo de Monterrey built its reputation on cigars that lean toward the lighter, more aromatic end of the spectrum, and the Le Hoyo line refines that character into a series of elegant, easygoing smokes. The Du Prince carries this lineage in a compact petit corona format that rewards patience over power.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third greets you with cedar and a soft tingle of spice on the lips, framed by an underlying natural sweetness. As the cigar settles into the middle third, creamy notes come forward alongside light honey, gentle nuttiness, and the faint earthiness that defines so many Hoyo blends. The final third deepens slightly, with leather and toasted coffee tones taking the lead while the smoke remains smooth and unhurried. Throughout, the spice stays restrained, an accent rather than a statement, which keeps the whole experience mellow and approachable.
Pairings
- A milky morning coffee or cappuccino, which echoes the cigar’s creamy, sweet character.
- A lighter aged Cuban rum served neat, complementing the honeyed wood notes without overwhelming them.
- A pot of black tea or a glass of cool water for an understated daytime smoke that lets the tobacco speak.
Aging and storage
Like most Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, the Du Prince smokes beautifully young, yet a year or two of rest can round its edges and let the honeyed sweetness settle deeper. Keep it in a seasoned humidor held at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a temperature near 18 degrees Celsius, or about 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Because this is a thinner ring gauge cigar, avoid storing it in conditions that swing too dry, as the slender format can lose moisture faster than a thick robusto. Steady, gentle conditions preserve the delicate balance that makes this smoke so pleasant.
Who it is for
This cigar suits the smoker who values finesse over force. Newcomers will appreciate its forgiving, mild strength and smooth draw, while seasoned aficionados often keep a box on hand for early in the day, when a fuller cigar would feel like too much. If you enjoy a short, refined Havana that pairs naturally with coffee and quiet time, the Du Prince earns its place in the rotation.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the Hoyo de Monterrey Du Prince?
It is a mild cigar that may drift toward mild to medium for some palates. Hoyo de Monterrey is catalogued by Habanos among the lighter Cuban brands, and the Du Prince stays gentle from start to finish.
What size is the Du Prince?
It is a Corona-style petit corona measuring 5.1 inches, or about 130 millimetres, with a 40 ring gauge. The slim format makes for a comfortable, unhurried smoke of moderate length.
Is this a good cigar for beginners?
Yes. Its mild strength, smooth construction, and approachable cedar and honey flavours make it an excellent introduction to genuine Cuban tobacco without the intensity of a fuller-bodied stick.
Explore more
Browse all Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, see our Hoyo de Monterrey price guide, or try the Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.2 and Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Río Seco. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
