Cigar World Deep Dive: Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo

Cigar World Deep Dive: Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo

Hoyo de Monterrey is one of the oldest and most respected names in the cigar industry. The brand can trace its heritage back to the middle of the 19th century, and it has produced iconic cigars like Excalibur that have delighted smokers for generations. This year, Hoyo added not one but two cigars to its full-time lineup: Rojo and Oscuro. Both play off the tradition and innovation that have defined the brand for decades, and today, we’ll look at the more Honduran-forward of the two blends, Rojo.

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Fast Facts

Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey

Blend Breakdown

Wrapper: 

Honduran Jamastran

Binder:

Nicaraguan

Filler: 

Honduran, Nicaraguan, Dominican

Sizes: Rothschild (4.5 X 50), Toro (6 X 52), Gigante (6 X 60)

SRP: $5.99 - $8.49 per single cigar.

Factory: STG Danlí in Honduras

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo First Impressions

While Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo may be a new cigar, it doesn’t look out of place in a classic lineup. It still carries the eye-catching Hoyo branding and its red-and-gold band is something of a throwback — particularly when compared to some more unconventional examples of modern cigar branding. 

The wrapper of the Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo is a silky, caramel-colored Honduran Jamastran. While its “sister cigar,” Oscuro, utilizes a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, Rojo boasts a more traditional wrapper for a Hoyo. Indeed, Hoyo de Monterrey is renowned for its exceptional use of Honduran tobacco, and some of its most popular releases have featured Honduran wrappers. (The brand’s HQ is in Honduras, and this cigar, along with Oscuro, was manufactured there.) Beneath the Honduran Jamastran wrapper, Rojo contains a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. 

In a press release, Senior Brand Manager Ed Lahmann said, “The launch of these blends (Rojo and Oscuro) 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 cigar-making nearly 60 years ago and has become a living legend in the world of premium cigars.”

Initial tasting notes include sweet cinnamon, earth, and a hint of toasted bread. The burn is even and smooth, and the smoke production is good but not overwhelming. 

Interestingly, Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo and Oscuro both come packed in boxes of 10. This is in line with the consumer-friendly nature of these releases, which, while both are nuanced and complex enough to satisfy any long-time aficionado, both are also approachable for new fans.

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Smoking Experience

After an initial burst of earthy sweetness, Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo settles into a toasty and rich flavor profile. Tasting notes include toasted marshmallow and a satisfying smack of molasses. This is certainly a toothy cigar, and it leaves a pleasant after-aroma with each puff. 

In terms of strength, Rojo is a comfortable medium. Again, this cigar could easily satisfy a seasoned smoker or a newcomer to the brand. 

Suggested drink pairings for Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo include tequila, porter, and espresso, and it doesn’t take much imagination to see that Rojo would combine wonderfully with Espresso.

Toward the end of the cigar, the strength ticks up slightly, but the overall effect is still positive, and construction is excellent throughout.

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Final Thoughts

Since Hoyo has so much history, the immediate temptation is to compare Rojo to iconic releases of the past 50+ years. However, that’s not fair to Rojo (or any cigar), so rather than trying to place Rojo within the overall legacy of Hoyo de Monterrey, we’ll focus on the fact that this is a fantastic cigar with incredible versatility on its own. 

It’s easy to see how Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo would make a fabulous gift for an old friend who has an appreciation for traditional cigars. Yet, at the same time, Rojo wouldn’t feel out of place on the golf course or at a party. And the fact that it comes in convenient sizes and packaging only enhances its broad appeal. 

Have you tried Rojo or Oscuro yet? Sign up for Cigar World and let us know with a comment!