Description
Why This Discontinued Cuban Series Still Has Collectors Hunting
I’ll be honest: when I first heard Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo was being phased out, I stocked up. Not because I’m a hoarder – okay, maybe a little – but because this particular line represented something special in the Hoyo portfolio that I wasn’t ready to let go of. The Serie Le Hoyo sits in this interesting middle ground between the classic Hoyo elegance and something with a bit more character, and finding these cigars now? It’s become a bit of a treasure hunt.
What makes these Cuban cigars worth seeking out isn’t just the scarcity factor, though that doesn’t hurt. It’s the way they showcase what Hoyo de Monterrey does best – that signature mild-to-medium profile with enough complexity to keep you engaged without beating you over the head. If you’re the type who appreciates subtlety over strength, who’d rather taste the tobacco than just feel the nicotine, you’re going to understand why some of us are still talking about this discontinued series.
The Hoyo Legacy in a Smaller Package
Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure out what they’re doing. The brand came from the San Juan y Martinez region of Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo – and if you know anything about Cuban tobacco, you know that’s the good stuff. The Serie Le Hoyo was introduced much later as a way to offer the classic Hoyo experience in more compact vitolas. Think of it as Hoyo’s answer to smokers who wanted that refined taste but didn’t have two hours to dedicate to a Churchill.
These cigars feature that beautiful Vuelta Abajo wrapper that gives you the quintessential Cuban appearance – smooth, slightly oily, with that warm brown color that promises good things. The band is classic Hoyo, though the Serie Le Hoyo had its own distinctive packaging that set it apart from the main line. I remember the first time I tried one – it was at a lounge in Miami, and the guy next to me said, “You’re in for something understated.” He was right.
Who should smoke these? If you’re new to Cuban cigars and worried about getting knocked on your butt by something too strong, this is your entry point. If you’re a seasoned smoker who appreciates finesse over power – the type who gets excited about subtle flavor shifts rather than just nicotine delivery – you’re going to enjoy what this series offers. And if you’re somewhere in between? Yeah, these work for that too.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Various (Series Line) |
| Length | Varies by vitola (typically 4-5.5 inches / 102-140mm) |
| Ring Gauge | Varies (typically 38-50) |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 40-75 minutes depending on vitola |
What You’re Actually Tasting
The cold draw on these – assuming you’ve stored them properly, which with discontinued cigars can be hit or miss depending on where you source them – gives you this gentle cedar note with just a hint of sweetness. Not sugar sweetness, more like… hmm, how do I put this… like the smell of dried grass in late summer? That’s the best comparison I can make. There’s a slight hay-like quality that’s classic Hoyo.
Once you light up, the first third comes in smooth. And I mean really smooth – no harshness, no bitterness, just this clean tobacco flavor with that cedar carrying through from the cold draw. You’ll get some cream notes, maybe a touch of almond if you’re paying attention. The retrohale at this stage is mild enough that it won’t make your eyes water, but it brings out this subtle white pepper that adds just enough kick to remind you that you’re smoking a cigar, not a flavored cigarillo.
Second third is where things get interesting – actually, scratch that – “interesting” makes it sound dramatic, and that’s not what happens. What I mean is, the flavors deepen rather than change completely. That cedar becomes more like aged wood, the cream notes pick up a slight coffee quality. Not espresso, more like coffee with milk. There’s this nutty undertone that develops, almost like toasted almonds. The construction on these, when you get a good one, is typically solid. Habanos quality control has its ups and downs – let’s be real – but the Serie Le Hoyo generally burns evenly with that classic white ash that holds for a good inch before dropping.
Final third? This is where some mild cigars fall apart and get boring. Not these. The flavors concentrate a bit – you get more leather coming through, maybe a touch of cocoa if the tobacco’s been aged well. It never gets hot or harsh, which is impressive for smaller ring gauges. I’ve smoked these down to the nub without that acrid taste you sometimes get. The smoke stays cool, the flavors stay balanced, and you’re left wishing you had another one lined up.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo | Mild-Medium | 40-75 min | Morning smoke or introducing friends to Cubans |
| H. Upmann Half Corona | Mild-Medium | 30-45 min | Quick refined smoke with similar elegance |
| Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas | Medium | 45-60 min | Slightly fuller flavor in compact format |
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
Coffee works beautifully with these cigars, especially in the morning. I’m talking about a good Cuban coffee if you can get it – that sweet, strong café that complements rather than overpowers. But honestly? I’ve had these with everything from a light rum (Havana Club 3 Year is perfect) to a smooth whiskey. Highland Park 12 Year is my go-to pairing when I want something in the evening – the honey notes in that scotch play really well with the natural sweetness in the tobacco.
Time of day? These are incredibly versatile. I’ve smoked them at 8 AM with coffee on the patio, and I’ve had them at midnight after a long dinner. They work as a morning cigar because they won’t knock you sideways before lunch. They work in the afternoon because they’re substantial enough to satisfy without wearing you out. Evening? Sure, especially if you’ve already had a fuller cigar earlier and want something to wind down with.
Occasion-wise, these are great for introducing someone to Cuban cigars. They’re also perfect for when you want to smoke while doing something else – reading, conversation, whatever. They don’t demand your complete attention the way some fuller cigars do, but they reward attention if you give it.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo really discontinued?
Yes, unfortunately. Habanos S.A. phased out several vitolas in this series over the years, and the complete Serie Le Hoyo line is no longer in regular production. You can still find them from specialty retailers who have old stock or collectors selling from their personal reserves, but they’re becoming increasingly rare. If you find them, grab them – they age beautifully if you’re into that.
What makes Serie Le Hoyo different from regular Hoyo de Monterrey cigars?
The Serie Le Hoyo was designed as a more compact line with slightly different blending – still that classic Hoyo elegance, but in smaller formats that smoke quicker. The flavor profile is similar to the main Hoyo line but tends to be a touch more concentrated given the smaller ring gauges. The packaging was also distinct, with its own band design that set it apart from the flagship Hoyo releases.
How should I store these cigars if I find them?
Same as any Cuban – 65-70% humidity, around 65-68°F if you can manage it. With discontinued cigars, you need to be extra careful about where you’re buying from because you don’t know how they’ve been stored. I always inspect the wrapper carefully for cracks or discoloration. If they’ve been sitting in someone’s desk drawer for five years at 40% humidity, no amount of rehumidification is going to bring them back properly.
Are these cigars good for beginners?
Absolutely, and I wish more people started with something like this instead of jumping straight into full-bodied monsters. The mild-to-medium strength means you can actually taste what Cuban tobacco is supposed to taste like without getting lightheaded. They’re forgiving if your smoking technique isn’t perfect yet, and they give you a baseline for understanding what “Cuban character” means before you explore stronger options.
What’s a good alternative now that Serie Le Hoyo is discontinued?
If you’re looking for that same elegant, mild-medium Cuban profile in smaller formats, check out the H. Upmann Half Corona or the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (though that’s a robusto, so longer smoke time). The Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas also hit that sweet spot of refined flavor without overwhelming strength. None are exact matches, but they’re in the same family of sophisticated, approachable Cuban cigars.
Do these cigars age well?
They do, actually. I’ve had Serie Le Hoyo cigars with five years of age on them, and the flavors mellow even further – the cedar becomes more refined, you get more of those honeyed notes. That said, they’re also excellent young, so don’t feel like you need to sit on them for years. If you find a box and want to age half of it while smoking the other half, that’s a solid approach. You can compare and see how they develop.
How can I tell if I’m getting authentic discontinued Serie Le Hoyo cigars?
Check the band carefully – authentic Hoyo bands have specific details that are hard to fake well. The box codes are crucial if you’re buying a box; you can cross-reference those dates with known production periods. Buy from reputable sources only, and if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve seen fake discontinued Cubans floating around because scarcity creates opportunity for counterfeiters. When in doubt, ask for provenance and don’t be shy about walking away if something feels off.
The Bottom Line on a Disappearing Classic
The Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo represents what I love about Cuban cigars – restraint, elegance, and tobacco quality over gimmicks. Yeah, it’s discontinued, which is frustrating. But if you stumble across these at a shop or see them in someone’s collection, they’re worth seeking out. They’re a reminder that not every great cigar needs to be full-bodied or two hours long.
For collectors, these have become interesting pieces of Habanos history. For smokers, they’re just damn good cigars that deliver that classic Cuban experience without demanding your entire afternoon. If you find them, try at least one before deciding whether to stock up. My guess? You’ll want more than one.
