Hoyo de Monterrey

About

Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars The name of Hoyo de Monterrey cigars comes not from the man who founded it, but the farm where he grew his world-class tobacco. José Gener was just thirteen years old when he left his home in Tarragona, Spain to work on his uncle’s plantation in Cuba. The Cuban cigar industry was in the ascension at the time, and by adulthood Gener had established the family farm as one of the best in Cuba. Found in the town of San Juan y Martinez, in the heart of the Vuelta Abajo region, the farm is still reached through a gate in the main square. Above it, an inscription: “Hoyo de Monterrey. José Gener. 1860”. The name literally translates to “Hole of Monterrey”. While this may not sound too appealing, it refers to the concave shape of the area in which the farm is found – perfect for the cultivation of fine tobacco. In 1865 the brand of the same name was registered in Havana; today, having survived countless trials and tribulations, it is still a global favourite. The popularity of Hoyo de Monterrey cigars was first found in the English market. Rapid growth meant that by the time José’s daughter took the reigns in 1900 the business was already one of the biggest in the industry. Although the family association ended in 1931 – as they sought to focus on their sugar business, as opposed to tobacco – the growth continued. New lines were added, including one which became the blueprint for future Davidoff cigars , and sales grew enormously. Even following the Revolution and nationalisation of the industry by Castro’s government, Hoyo de Monterrey cigars were snapped up by smokers in all nations of the world. The entirety of today’s Hoyo de Monterrey vitolario is hand-rolled using Tripa Larga (long filler tobacco) from the Vuelta Abajo farm. The blend is light in strength – perhaps only stronger than Quai d’Orsay – and is available in large or small formats. The variety of shapes, perfected over the years and refined to suit the modern smoker’s taste, is key to