Visit our Online Cigar Store and see our Premium Habano Selection. Few names in Cuban tobacco carry as much history as Hoyo de Monterrey. Known for its elegance and mild-to-medium character, it is a favorite of both new smokers and long-time aficionados. Here is what you need to know about the brand.

What Is Hoyo de Monterrey?

A Classic Habanos Brand

Hoyo de Monterrey is a premium Cuban cigar brand distributed worldwide by Habanos S.A. Every cigar in the line is tripa larga, totalmente a mano: made by hand with long-filler tobacco from Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region.

What Does “Hoyo de Monterrey” Mean?

“Hoyo” means “hole” or “hollow” in Spanish. The name comes from a famous plantation, or vega, in San Juan y Martínez in Pinar del Río. The farm sits in a low-lying, fertile spot beside a river, and its original gate can still be seen in the town today.

The History of Hoyo de Monterrey

José Gener and the Origins of the Brand

The brand was created by José Gener y Batet, a Spanish-born tobacco entrepreneur who emigrated to Cuba as a teenager. He first found success with another brand, La Escepción, and used those profits to buy the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation in the 1860s. He registered the Hoyo de Monterrey brand in 1865.

A Leading Factory of Its Time

Hoyo de Monterrey quickly became popular, especially with British smokers, and by the time Gener died in 1900 its factory had grown into one of the largest in Cuba.

From Family Business to Habanos

In 1931 the Gener family sold the brand to the owners of Punch, and it later became part of the Fernández, Palicio y Cía group. After the Cuban Revolution, the tobacco industry was nationalized, and Hoyo de Monterrey continued in Cuba under the state company, which is now Habanos S.A.

Hoyo de Monterrey Flavor Profile

Mild to Medium Strength

Hoyo de Monterrey is known for a lighter, more delicate style than many other Cuban brands. The cigars are often described as smooth and aromatic, with a creamy body, gentle spice and floral or woody notes.

Who It Is For

Its balance and approachable strength make it a good choice for smokers new to Cuban cigars, and for experienced smokers who prefer an elegant, easy-going cigar, especially earlier in the day.

Famous Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars

Epicure No. 2

The Epicure No. 2 is the most famous cigar in the line. It is a classic robusto measuring about 4 7/8 inches by 50 ring gauge, and many consider it a benchmark Cuban robusto.

Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona

The Double Corona (49 ring gauge, about 7 5/8 inches) is a long-standing favorite for smokers who want a longer, slower experience and a refined, complex flavor.

The Epicure Series

The Epicure series is a signature of the brand. It includes the Epicure No. 1, Epicure No. 2, Epicure Especial and the smaller Epicure de Luxe, so there is a size for almost every occasion.

The Le Hoyo Series

The Le Hoyo series offers slender and standard formats with a refined profile, ideal when you want something more compact.

Hoyo de Monterrey: Cuban vs. Honduran

A separate line of cigars sold under the Hoyo de Monterrey name is also made in Honduras by General Cigar Company. It is a different product from the Cuban brand, with different tobacco and a different taste. If you want the authentic Habanos version, look for cigars made in Cuba with the official Habanos seals and warranty band.