Description
Indulge in the refined elegance of the Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan, a Geniales vitola celebrated for its light to medium-bodied profile and complex aromatic character. This exquisite Cuban cigar, with a 54 ring gauge, delivers a symphony of flavors, blending subtle sweetness and savory notes into a truly unforgettable experience. Expect a harmonious blend of cedar, leather, cocoa, and nougat, culminating in a satisfyingly rich and elegant finish. A masterpiece of Cuban craftsmanship, the Le Hoyo de San Juan is a testament to the legacy of Hoyo de Monterrey and the artistry of the Vuelta Abajo region.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 | 10 |
| Packaging Type | SLB (Slide Lid Box) with Adhesive Papeleta Seal and White Ribbon | Cardboard Box |
| Ideal For | Aficionados, Collectors, Sharing with Friends | Sampling, Gifting, Personal Enjoyment |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (Proper Humidor Storage Recommended) | Moderate (Short-Term Storage Recommended) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Geniales (Aromosos) |
| Length | 149-150mm (5 7/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Corojo (Cuba) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban; exclusively Seco and Ligero leaves |
| Strength | Light to Mild |
| Body | Light to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 45-90 minutes |
| Factory | Handmade (‘tripalarga, totalmente a mano’) in Vuelta Abajo, Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Hoyo de Monterrey, meaning “Hole of Monterrey,” was founded in 1865 by José Gener in the heart of the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba, specifically in San Juan y Martinez. This fertile land, renowned for its ideal climate and soil conditions, is where the finest Cuban tobacco is cultivated. Gener, a Spaniard who had previously worked in tobacco, recognized the unparalleled potential of this region and established a plantation that would become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship.
The brand quickly gained recognition for its dedication to using only the highest quality tobacco leaves, carefully selected and expertly rolled. Hoyo de Monterrey cigars are known for their light and aromatic character, a testament to the brand’s commitment to producing elegant and nuanced Habanos. Over the years, Hoyo de Monterrey has established itself as a cornerstone of Cuban cigar culture, revered by aficionados worldwide for its consistency, quality, and timeless appeal. The Serie Le Hoyo represents a modern evolution, embracing heavier ring gauges while maintaining the brand’s signature lightness and aromatic complexity.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial puffs of the Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan offer a mellow and inviting start. A gentle wave of earthy tones emerges, complemented by subtle hints of light spices. The experience is smooth and nuanced, setting the stage for the complexities to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses, the flavors deepen and become more pronounced. Notes of cedar and leather begin to emerge, interwoven with delicate hints of cocoa. A touch of citrus and subtle floral notes add further layers of complexity, creating a well-balanced and harmonious experience.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third delivers a rich and satisfying climax. The initial flavors intensify, joined by a distinct sea salt note that adds a unique dimension. The leather and peanut undertones become more prominent, leading to a delectable chocolate and nougat finish that lingers on the palate.
Finish
The finish of the Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan is long, refined, and balanced. It leaves a clean and elegant aftertaste, making it an ideal choice for discerning palates seeking a sophisticated and memorable smoking experience.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Leather, Cocoa |
| Secondary Notes | Earth, Sea Salt, Peanut |
| Tertiary Notes | Citrus, Floral Undertones, Light Spices |
| Finish | Nougat, Chocolate |
| Aroma | Earthy, Light Spicy |
Aging and Collector Value
The Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan possesses excellent aging potential, thanks to its light, delicate profile and the use of aged Vuelta Abajo tobacco. Over time, the cedar, leather, and cocoa complexities will become more pronounced, while the spices will mellow, resulting in an even more refined and harmonious smoking experience.
For optimal aging, store the cigars in a quality humidor at a relative humidity of 65-72% and a temperature of 65-70°F. While the Le Hoyo de San Juan is enjoyable fresh, allowing it to age for 1-3 years will unlock deeper nougat and earthy notes, enhancing its overall depth and complexity. Collectors will appreciate the cigar’s ability to evolve over time, making it a valuable addition to any well-curated humidor. The innovative SLB box, adhesive papeleta seal, and white ribbon also contribute to its collectibility.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The herbal notes in Cuban rum complement the cigar’s earthy and spicy undertones, creating a harmonious and balanced pairing. |
| Single Malt Whiskey (Peaty Islay) | The peaty character of Islay Scotch adds a layer of depth and complexity, enhancing the leather notes in the cigar and creating a bold and satisfying experience. |
| Cognac (VSOP) | The citrus and floral notes in VSOP cognac elevate the cigar’s subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity, resulting in a refined and elegant pairing. |
| Strong Black Coffee (Espresso) | The bold and intense flavor of espresso amplifies the cigar’s earthy and cocoa notes, creating a rich and stimulating pairing. |
| Dark Chocolate | The bittersweet notes of dark chocolate complement the cigar’s cocoa and nougat flavors, creating a decadent and indulgent experience. |
| Sparkling Wine (Brut) | The crisp acidity and effervescence of Brut sparkling wine cleanse the palate between puffs, enhancing the cigar’s delicate flavors and preventing it from becoming overwhelming. |
Authenticity Verification
We guarantee the authenticity of every Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan cigar we sell. Our cigars are sourced directly from authorized Habanos S.A. distributors, ensuring that you receive only genuine Cuban cigars.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos holographic seal, which is virtually impossible to counterfeit. This seal is your first line of defense against fake Cuban cigars.
- Box Code Verification – Every box of genuine Habanos cigars is stamped with a unique box code. You can use this code to verify the authenticity of your cigars on the Habanos S.A. website.
- Factory Stamp – Authentic Habanos cigars are stamped with a factory code, indicating the specific factory where the cigars were produced.
- Triple Cap – Genuine Cuban cigars are known for their expertly applied triple cap, a sign of superior craftsmanship.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar purchased from us fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan taste like?
The Le Hoyo de San Juan offers a light to medium-bodied profile with a complex array of flavors. Expect notes of cedar, leather, cocoa, earth, sea salt, peanut, and nougat, culminating in a refined and elegant finish. It’s often described as having a Snickers-like quality with hints of citrus and floral undertones.
How long does it take to smoke a Le Hoyo de San Juan?
The estimated smoking time for the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan is approximately 45-90 minutes. This allows for a gradual unfolding of its complex flavors and a relaxing, contemplative experience.
Is the Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan a mild cigar?
The Le Hoyo de San Juan is considered a light to mild cigar, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned aficionados and those new to Cuban cigars. While offering a delicate flavor profile, it still delivers a satisfying and nuanced smoking experience.
How does the Le Hoyo de San Juan compare to the Epicure No. 1?
While both are Hoyo de Monterrey cigars and share a similar light to medium strength, the Le Hoyo de San Juan, with its Geniales vitola and Seco/Ligero blend, offers a richer, more nougat-forward finish compared to the Epicure No. 1. The Epicure No. 1 is known for its fragrant complexity, but the San Juan provides a more modern, heavy-gauge experience with distinct notes of sea salt and peanut.
