Hoyo De Monterrey

Hoyo De Monterrey stands as one of the most prestigious and historically significant cigar brands in the world, representing nearly 160 years of premium tobacco craftsmanship. Named after the concave-shaped terrain that translates to 'the hole of Monterrey' - perfect for cultivating premium tobacco - the brand has maintained its reputation for excellence since its registration in 1865. Known for their somewhat sweet and creamy tasting notes, Hoyo de Monterrey cigars are among the most sought-after smokes in the cigar world today, remaining one of the oldest Cuban heritage cigar brands in existence. The brand uniquely exists in two forms: authentic Cuban cigars produced by Habanos SA and premium Honduran cigars crafted by General Cigar Company, both sharing the same distinguished heritage and commitment to quality.

Background

The story begins in 1831 when 13-year-old Don José Gener y Batet emigrated from Spain to Cuba, where he worked on his uncle's tobacco plantation in the renowned Vuelta Abajo region. After twenty years of learning the trade, Gener opened his own cigar factory in Havana and began producing his first brand, La Escepción. By 1865, using his factory's profits, he acquired one of the finest tobacco farms in Vuelta Abajo and registered a new cigar line named after the property: Hoyo de Monterrey. The brand became instantly popular, especially in the British market, and José Gener's factory subsequently became one of the largest cigar factories in Cuba. After Gener's death in 1900, his daughter Lutgarda took over until 1931, when the family sold their cigar brands to focus on their sugar cane properties. The firm of Fernández, Palicio y Cía acquired the brand, adding it to their impressive lineup that already included Punch and Belinda.

History

After Cuba's revolutionary government nationalized cigar manufactures in 1959, Fernando Palicio left Cuba for Florida and sold his cigar lines to the Villazon family. The Villazon Company, headed by Fernando Palicio, established Hoyo de Monterrey in Honduras, making it one of the first premium cigar brands to be manufactured outside of Cuba. After its introduction in 1969, the Honduran Hoyo de Monterrey became so popular that by the early 1970s it had established itself as an esteemed tradition, with the brand calling Honduras home since 1965. In 1996, the Villazon Company was sold to General Cigar, who continues to produce Hoyo de Monterrey cigars today using traditional 19th century Cuban methods.

Reputation

For many generations, the name Hoyo de Monterrey has been synonymous with cigar smoking perfection, tradition, and premium quality, remaining one of the most sought-after smokes on the planet. The Honduran versions are considered 'the standard' for all Honduran cigars, featuring a well-balanced blend of perfectly-aged long-fillers from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Both Cuban and Honduran versions have achieved renowned success and maintain a cemented place on the shelves of tobacconists worldwide. Under General Cigar's stewardship, Hoyo de Monterrey has built itself quite the reputation as one of the best premium cigar brands in the business, continuing the legacy of excellence established over 150 years ago.