Length: 4 3/8"
Ring Gauge: 38
Strength: Light
Packaging: Cabinet of 25
Vitola: Trabuco
Smoking Time: 35 Minutes
HOYO DE MONETERREY
Hoyo de Monterrey owes its origin to the town of San Juan y Martinez, which lies at the heart of the Vuelta Abajo zone. Here the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation, one of the great Vegas de Primera, can be reached through a gate on the town's main square inscribed "Hoyo de Monterrey. Jose Gener. 1960."
"Hoyo" literally means "hole" and in this case describes the low-lying position of the plantation on the fertile banks of San Juan y Martinez river. Jose Gener, a Spaniard from Tarragona, first used the name of his vega on a brand of Habanos in 1865.
The flavour of Hoyo de Monterrey's blend makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a delicate yet aromatic Habano 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 ‘tripalarga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade using filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone.
LE HOYO DU DEPUTE
An elegant small cigar with a decent 38 ring gauge that makes it the perfect morning smoke. For many years it was the only cigar of this size in the Havana portfolio until it was joined by the Montecristo Open J in 2009.
Its fruity, peppery and mineral hues are delicious. Its well-balanced strength makes it ideal as an appetiser. This one is excellent, highly recomended for afternoon over espresso.
Reviewed by Joe Gellman (11th July 2003)
Over the years, I have been asked what my favorite short smoke is. While it is often difficult to answer such emotionally filled questions, this is a snap, for me. The Hoyo Du Depute', for certain.
At 4 1/4 x 38, the HDD provides a superb smoke for those who do not have the time for a leisurely break. I have to warn the readers, however, that it is my opinion that the 50 cab of this cigar is the best flavored and best buy, although the 25 SLB is also a very fine smoke.
In the cabinet, the cigars were all very beautiful to the eye, all medium brown-claro, with occasional green spots about the leaf. A few of the cigars had soft spots, described by "Epicur's Guide to the Habano" as "somewhat spongier," but this did not affect the cigar's burn, draw, or flavor.
This particular vitola proves the adage that good things come in small packages. Without any question, this is not a cigar for beginners. The smoke is quite full bodied and can reveal a hint of harshness, though I really think it is this full flavor which makes me love this cigar.
This cigar is properly classified as a Trabuco, but I have always referred to it as a tres petit corona. Before lighting, the cigar has a sweet taste, on the edge of being cloyingly so. This dissipates almost immediately after lighting.
Since the cigar is "spongy" I like to keep the humidity down a bit as I enjoy my cigars a little firmer than most. I think this is the proper way to smoke this cigar, and if you do not agree well, OK.
From the get-go, this cigar is sweet with a rawness I did not expect from this additional line from Hoyo de Monterrey. I do not mean to demean this cigar, but, frankly, I suggest this not be the first option for the beginner, and a classic for the more refined smoker.
The draw is even and cool, sweet with a hint of acidity. If ever there was a cigar to blend perfectly with that first tasse of espresso, this is it. If you only have a short work break, this cigar will satisfy your nicotine Jones. Don't worry about the ash dropping in your tasse' latte, it is firm and has to be flicked off. (Not to be confused with those who keep telling Mitchell to "flick off.")