Hoyo de Monterrey

Rojo

With a legacy spanning over a century and a half, Hoyo de Monterrey has long been one of the most loved and esteemed Cuban-heritage cigar brands in the industry. Established by Don Jose Gener Y Batet, Gener had a lengthy stint growing tobacco on his uncle’s farm prior to the brand’s official start in 1865. Owing its origin to the town of San Luis y Martinez, there lies the heart of Vuelta Abajo tobacco region where the famed plantation holds a low-lying position on the fertile banks of the San Luis y Martinez River. The Hoyo de Monterrey brand was the second line produced by Gener with the first introduction into the industry being with a brand named “La Escepcion’. Directly translating to the exception, the line was a celebratory crafting to commemorate the acquisition of his very own plantation named Hoyo de Monterrey (the hole of Monterrey) referencing the terrain, concave in nature, which is highly favored by growers of premium tobacco. Classified as a global brand by the Habanos S.A. organization and wielding significant market share, Hoya has transcended through the years, remaining not only relevant but a top brand in the industry due to its heritage, dedication and its penchant for adaptation. Not only impeccable in presentation, but construction is also quite flawless, so much so, one may say this is the brand’s signature. Their portfolio is renowned, boasting some of the most highly sought after Vitolas in the world, being responsible for popular blends such as Excalibur and the Epicure Seleccion. Overall, the storied brand has been consistent in their offerings, finding the perfect cross street between tradition and innovation delivering classic flavors with a twist to a modern industry. Continuing this notion, as a part of a dynamic duo, Hoya de Monterrey intends to pay homage to the brands historic Honduran roots with the debut of two cigars: Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo and Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro. Released in the summer of 2024, both were crafted at the Honduran American Tobacco S.A. factory, marking a new course for the illustrious Hoyo de Monterrey brand injected with vitality by way of new ownership under General Cigar Co. Stated by Senior Brand Manager Ed Lahmann: “The launch of these blends represents more than just new cigars. They are about honoring the brand’s deep-seated foundation in Honduras. As one of the first Cuban ex-pat brands available in the US, Hoyo de Monterrey laid the foundation for Honduran cigarmaking nearly 60 years ago and has become a living legend in the world of premium cigars. With the launch of ‘Rojo’ and ‘Oscuro,’ the brand’s journey is reflected in its commitment to balancing traditional Honduran craftsmanship against the handmade cigar category’s ever-changing tides.” Representing red, the Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo features a red color scheme sporting a wrapper from the Jamastran Valley in Honduras, while the Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro employs a Brazilian Mata Fine obscure wrapper—a first for the company—displays a similar layout but is contrasting in a predominantly black colorway. Additionally in similarities, both blends are offered in the same three formats (popular and best-selling) with each priced the same going as follows: Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro/Rojo Rothschild (4.5x 50) — $5.99 (Box of 10, $59.90), Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro/Rojo Toro (6x52) — $7.49 (Box of 10, $74.90) and Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro/Rojo Gigante (6x60) — $8.49 (Box of 10, $84.90). It’s also important to note that the only difference besides wrapper and packaging, when it comes to the cigars, is the strength with the Rojo being described as medium and the General’s press release dubbing the Oscuro as “medium-plus.” Focused here, is the Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo. The blend as previously mentioned, sports a rich brick red Honduran Jamstran wrapper, whilst specially selected Nicaraguan, Dominican and Honduran tobaccos are flush beneath as binder and filler. The co