Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona

Description

Most modern cigars try to grab your attention immediately with a punch of pepper, like a loud guest crashing a quiet dinner party. The Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona does the exact opposite, behaving more like an old friend who sits down quietly and lets the conversation unfold naturally over several hours. It demands patience rather than attention, rewarding you for slowing down your pace to match its lengthy, elegant burn.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: Lighting this massive stick takes a moment, but once the foot glows evenly, the initial draw offers a gentle wave of sweet cedar and toasted nuts. You might expect a heavy hit given the size, yet the smoke feels surprisingly light and airy on the palate. There is a distinct creamy texture right away that coats the tongue without any aggressive spice or bitterness. It starts off deceptively mild, inviting you to relax into the chair and settle in for the long haul.

Mid-Section: As you pass the first inch or two, the profile shifts from simple woodiness to something warmer and more savory. Notes of vanilla bean and raw honey start to mix with a deepening earthiness that anchors the blend. The construction usually holds up well here, producing a solid ash that lets the flavors concentrate. You will notice the strength ticking up slightly, moving from light into a solid medium territory as roasted wood flavors come forward to replace the initial creaminess.

Final Third: Entering the final stretch after ninety minutes or so, the cigar finally reveals its full weight. The sweetness recedes a bit to make room for dark cocoa and a touch of white pepper that tingles on the retrohale. It never becomes harsh, but the roasted hickory notes get much more intense as the heat builds near the nub. This is the payoff for your patience, offering a robust finish that contrasts beautifully with the gentle beginning.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Hoyo de Monterrey

Founded in 1865 by Jose Gener, this brand has spent over a century and a half perfecting the art of lighter, aromatic blends. The name actually refers to the “Hole of Monterrey,” a specific fertile depression on the banks of the San Juan y Martinez river where some of the finest tobacco in the world grows. While other Cuban houses chase power, Hoyo sticks to its roots of elegance and aromatic depth, making the Double Corona a massive format that prioritizes flavor over brute strength.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Appleton Estate 21 – The oaky funk of this Jamaican rum amplifies the cedar notes in the cigar while the sweetness balances the earth.
• Whiskey: Highland Park 18 – The subtle heathery peat in the scotch wraps around the roasted wood flavors of the Double Corona without overpowering the delicate vanilla notes.
• Coffee: Jamaican Blue Mountain – Since this is a long morning smoke for many, the mild acidity and chocolate undertones of this coffee mirror the creamy cocoa profile of the cigar perfectly.

Ideal For

This is strictly for times when you have absolutely nowhere else to be for two hours. It fits best with a lazy Sunday afternoon or a celebratory evening where the schedule is wide open. While the strength is manageable for newer smokers, the sheer size and time commitment make it better suited for aficionados who know how to pace a large format without overheating it.