Description
Why the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto Deserves a Spot in Your Humidor
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and I’ll tell you something – the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto is one of those sticks that flies under the radar, and honestly, I don’t get why. While everyone’s chasing the latest Cohiba release or fighting over limited edition Montecristo boxes, this little gem sits quietly in the lineup, delivering a smoking experience that punches way above its weight class. Thing is, Hoyo de Monterrey has always been about elegance over power, finesse over flash. And this Petit Robusto? It’s pretty much the perfect expression of what the marca does best.
Here’s what you’re gonna learn: I’ll walk you through exactly what makes this cigar special, from its construction to that final puff. We’ll talk about the flavor journey – and trust me, it’s a journey worth taking – plus I’ll give you the real talk on who this cigar is for and when you should reach for it. No marketing BS, just straight-up observations from someone who’s burned through more than a few boxes of these over the years.
What Makes This Hoyo Special – And Why You Should Care
Hoyo de Monterrey as a brand goes back to 1865. Yeah, 1865. That’s over 150 years of rolling cigars in Cuba, and they’ve learned a thing or two along the way. The brand was actually named after a tobacco plantation in Vuelta Abajo – which, if you know anything about Cuban tobacco, is basically the Napa Valley of cigar leaf. Not gonna lie, the history matters here because it shows in every stick.
The Petit Robusto format is interesting. It’s compact but not rushed – you get a solid 50-60 minute smoke, maybe longer if you’re taking your time. And you should. I remember the first time I tried one of these – it was during a poker night at my buddy Mike’s place, must’ve been 2008 or 2009. I’d grabbed it thinking it’d be a quick smoke between hands, but I ended up so focused on the cigar that I folded a winning hand. No joke. Mike still brings it up.
This cigar is made for the smoker who gets it. You know what I’m talking about, right? Someone who doesn’t need a full-bodied sledgehammer to enjoy their evening. It’s medium-bodied, elegantly constructed, and delivers that classic Hoyo complexity – creamy, aromatic, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. The wrapper is that gorgeous Colorado shade from Vuelta Abajo, and when it’s been properly aged? Man, that’s when the magic happens.
Who’s this for? Intermediate to experienced smokers, mostly. If you’re just getting into Cubans, you might not appreciate the subtlety here. But if you’ve been around the block a few times – if you’ve worked your way through the stronger stuff and you’re looking for something with more nuance – this is your cigar. It’s also perfect for those days when you want a premium smoke but don’t have three hours to dedicate to it.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Petit Robusto |
| Length | 4.1 inches / 102 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 50-70 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Third by Third Breakdown
Okay, so let’s talk about what actually happens when you light this thing up. And I know this sounds dramatic, but the cold draw alone tells you you’re dealing with quality. There’s this subtle sweetness – kind of honeyed, with hints of hay and just a whisper of cocoa. Not overpowering, but it’s there.
First third? Here’s the thing – it starts gentle but purposeful. You get cream, cedar that reminds me of opening an old humidor, and this underlying sweetness that’s almost floral. The first few puffs are smooth as silk. I’ve had batches where there’s a hint of white pepper on the retrohale right from the start, and others where it takes a bit longer to show up. Construction-wise, I’ve rarely had issues with these. The draw is typically perfect – not too loose, not too tight. Burns even, too, which matters more than people think.
The ash? Pretty solid. Light gray, holds for about an inch before you need to tap it. Between you and me, I’m not one of those guys who obsesses over ash, but it’s a good indicator of quality tobacco and proper rolling. This one consistently delivers.
Moving into the second third – wait, let me back up. This is where the cigar really opens up, and if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss some beautiful transitions. The creaminess from the first third is still there, but now you’re getting more complexity. Roasted nuts, maybe almonds. That cedar deepens into more of a leather note. And the pepper? It’s building, but it’s not aggressive. It’s like the cigar is politely tapping you on the shoulder instead of slapping you across the face.
I’ve found that the humidity level in your humidor really affects this section. If it’s been stored at 65-68% RH, you get more of that smooth, creamy character. Higher than that, and sometimes the flavors can get a bit muted. Just something I’ve noticed over the years.
The final third is where opinions split. Some guys I know say this is where it gets too strong for them. I disagree, but hear me out: yes, the strength picks up. The leather becomes more pronounced, you get some espresso notes, maybe a touch of dark chocolate. That pepper that’s been building finally takes center stage. But it’s not harsh. It’s not bitter. If you’ve been smoking it properly – not puffing too fast, keeping it cool – it stays balanced all the way to the nub.
Real talk: I’ve smoked these down to where I’m burning my fingers because I don’t want to let go. That’s how good that final third can be. The retrohale in this section is chef’s kiss – spicy, aromatic, with the smoke just rolling through your palate. And the finish? Clean. No harshness, no weird aftertaste. Just satisfaction.
One more thing about construction – the wrapper on these is typically pristine. Few veins, oily sheen, feels good in your hand. The cap is well-applied, cuts clean. Burns straight without needing constant touch-ups. These are the details that separate a good cigar from a great one, and Hoyo consistently nails it with this vitola.
How Does It Stack Up Against Similar Cigars?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto | Medium | 50-70 minutes | Daytime smoke, golf, sophisticated evening sessions |
| Partagás Serie D No. 5 | Medium-Full | 45-60 minutes | When you want more punch, after dinner |
| H. Upmann Half Corona | Mild-Medium | 30-40 minutes | Quick morning smoke, beginners |
| Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill | Medium | 50-65 minutes | Similar occasion, slightly different flavor profile |
Look, comparing cigars is tricky because everyone’s palate is different. But if you’re trying to figure out where this Hoyo sits in the landscape, here’s my take: it’s smoother than the Partagás but more complex than the H. Upmann. The Romeo y Julieta is probably its closest cousin in terms of strength and smoking time, but the flavor profiles diverge – the RyJ leans more toward wood and earth, while the Hoyo has that signature creaminess and aromatic quality.
Thing is, if you’re a Partagás fan who occasionally finds them too aggressive, this is your middle ground. If you love H. Upmann but want something with a bit more backbone, this works. It’s that Goldilocks zone of Cuban cigars.
Perfect Pairings – What to Drink with This Stick
Okay, so here’s where I might lose some of you, but I’m gonna say it anyway: coffee. Morning coffee with this cigar is absolutely perfect. I’m talking about a proper espresso or a smooth Colombian brew, not that gas station stuff. The coffee complements the cream and chocolate notes without overpowering the tobacco. I’ve had more than a few Saturday mornings sitting on my porch with one of these and a cup of coffee, and honestly? That’s living.
For spirits, you want something that won’t steamroll the cigar. A light rum works beautifully – try a Havana Club 7 year or a Diplomatico Reserva. The sweetness plays off that honeyed quality in the smoke. Scotch drinkers – and I know there are a lot of you – reach for something in the Speyside category. The Glenlivet 12 is pretty solid here. Highland Park 12 if you want a touch more complexity.
Beer? Absolutely. A good porter or a brown ale. Not an IPA – too hoppy, too bitter. You’ll murder the subtle flavors. But something like a Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale or a Founder’s Porter? Now we’re talking.
Time of day matters more than most people think. This isn’t a first-thing-in-the-morning cigar unless you’re pairing it with food or coffee. It’s not a heavy after-dinner smoke either. It’s that perfect mid-afternoon stick, or early evening before dinner. Golf course cigar. Fishing trip cigar. Sitting by the pool on vacation cigar. You get the idea.
Common Questions About the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto good for beginners?
Honestly? It depends. If you’re completely new to cigars, this might be a bit subtle for you – you might not pick up on all the nuances. But if you’ve smoked a dozen or so cigars and you’re looking to explore what medium-bodied Cuban cigars can do, then yeah, this is actually a great learning stick. It’s not gonna knock you on your butt with nicotine, but it’ll teach you what complexity and balance are all about. I’d say it’s more of an intermediate smoke, but an adventurous beginner could definitely handle it.
How long should I age these before smoking?
Here’s the thing – fresh Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robustos are good, but aged ones are better. I’d give them at least 6 months in your humidor at 65% humidity if you can stand to wait. A year is even better. The rough edges smooth out, the flavors marry and deepen. I’ve got some from 2019 that are absolutely singing right now. But look, if you get a box and you can’t wait, smoke one fresh. Then try another in three months, six months, a year. It’s a great education in what aging does to a cigar.
What’s the best way to cut and light this cigar?
Keep it simple. I use a straight guillotine cut, taking off just enough to open the cap without unraveling the wrapper. Maybe 1/16 of an inch, no more. For lighting, use a butane torch or cedar spills – nothing that’ll add weird flavors. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar, until the entire surface is glowing. Then take your first few puffs slowly. Don’t rush it. The first few minutes set the tone for the entire smoke. And whatever you do, don’t use a candle or a Zippo. Please. Just don’t.
Can women enjoy this cigar, or is it too strong?
Okay, this question kind of bugs me because cigars aren’t gendered products. But I get what you’re asking – is it approachable for someone who might prefer lighter smokes? Yes, absolutely. The medium body and aromatic profile make it appealing to anyone who appreciates nuanced flavors over raw power. I know plenty of women who love these. My friend Julia specifically requests them when she comes to the lounge. It’s about personal preference, not gender. If you enjoy balanced, flavorful cigars with complexity, you’ll like this regardless of what’s on your driver’s license.
How does this compare to the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2?
Good question. The Epicure No. 2 is a robusto format – longer, different blend, and honestly, a different experience. The Epi 2 is the flagship of the line, no doubt about it. It’s got more earthiness, more complexity, and demands more of your time at about 90 minutes. The Petit Robusto is more approachable, creamier, and finishes quicker. They’re both excellent, but the Petit Robusto is what I reach for when I want that Hoyo elegance in a shorter timeframe. The Epi 2 is for when I’ve got an afternoon to kill and I want to really sink into a smoke. Two different tools for two different jobs.
What humidity level is best for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% RH and around 65-68°F. Some guys swear by 62%, others go up to 69%. Thing is, Hoyo de Monterrey cigars tend to perform best on the drier side compared to something like a Bolivar. At 70% or higher, I’ve found they can smoke a bit too wet, the draw gets loose, and you lose some of that aromatic quality. But don’t obsess over it – anywhere in the 62-67% range, you’re gonna be fine. Just keep it consistent and give them time to acclimate after you get them. A couple weeks minimum if they’ve been shipped to you.
Are there any construction issues I should watch out for?
Not gonna lie, Hoyo de Monterrey’s quality control is pretty solid these days. I’ve smoked dozens of these over the years and rarely hit a bad one. Occasionally you might get a slightly firm draw – if that happens, use a draw tool to open it up. Very rarely, you might see a wrapper crack if the humidity drops too fast, but that’s usually a storage issue, not a manufacturing problem. The burn is typically even, the construction is tight. If you get a box and multiple cigars have issues, that’s unusual and worth reaching out to your supplier about. But generally? These are well-made cigars that smoke consistently.
Final Thoughts – Should You Buy It?
Let me wrap this up with some straight talk. The Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto isn’t trying to be the strongest cigar in your humidor. It’s not chasing hype or limited edition madness. What it does – and does really well – is deliver a consistently excellent smoking experience that showcases what Cuban tobacco can do when you’re not beating it over the head with strength.
Is it for everyone? Nah. If you only smoke full-bodied cigars, if you think Partagás Serie D No. 4 is mild, then this probably isn’t your style. But if you appreciate finesse, if you understand that complexity doesn’t require a sledgehammer approach, if you want something you can smoke in an hour while still getting that premium Cuban experience – then yeah, absolutely grab a box of these.
I keep these in my humidor year-round. They’re my go-to when I want something reliable, sophisticated, and thoroughly enjoyable without needing to block out my entire afternoon. At this point, I’ve probably smoked a hundred of these, maybe more. And you know what? I’m still not tired of them. That says something.
Stop overthinking it. If you’re curious, order a five-pack. Smoke one fresh, age the rest for six months. See for yourself what I’m talking about. Then come find me and tell me I was wrong. But I don’t think you will.
