Description
The Particulares Story – When Hoyo Gets Special
I still remember the day Hoyo de Monterrey announced the Particulares. Must’ve been around 2001 – maybe 2002? Time blurs when you’re talking about limited edition releases. Thing is, this wasn’t just another cigar getting tossed into the marketplace. This was Hoyo’s way of saying “we know you think we’re the mild guy at the party, but watch this.”
The Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares represents something unique in the world of Cuban cigars. It’s part of the brand’s exploration into larger ring gauges and bolder profiles, while still maintaining that classic Hoyo elegance. If you’ve only experienced the regular production Hoyo lineup, this limited edition release will surprise you. Not shock you – Hoyo doesn’t do shock – but it’ll definitely make you reconsider what this historic brand can do.
What Makes This Hoyo Different From Your Father’s Epicure
Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865. Let that sink in for a second. Civil War was just ending in the States, and José Gener was already rolling cigars in Cuba that would become legendary. The brand built its reputation on being the gentleman’s cigar – refined, subtle, perfect for a morning smoke.
But the Particulares? This is Hoyo with confidence. The vitola itself is a Double Corona format, which gives you this massive canvas for the tobacco to express itself. We’re talking about genuine Vuelta Abajo wrapper from Cuba’s premier growing region – the same leaf that makes Cohiba worship-worthy. And before you ask, yes, the binder and filler are also pure Cuban tobacco. No compromises here.
Who’s this cigar for? I’ll be honest: if you’re new to Cubans, maybe start elsewhere. This is for the smoker who’s worked their way through the Hoyo lineup, who knows what a regular Epicure tastes like, and who’s ready to see what happens when the blending team gets a little more ambitious. It’s also perfect for collectors who chase limited edition releases – and trust me, these bands are gorgeous enough to frame.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Particulares (Double Corona format) |
| Length | 9.3 inches / 235 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Buckle Up, This Takes Time
Right off the bat – and I mean this – make sure you’ve got at least two hours. Maybe two and a half if you’re the type who likes to really savor things. This isn’t a quick smoke. The length alone guarantees that, but there’s also this complexity that develops slowly, like watching a sunset instead of flipping a light switch.
The cold draw gives you hay and honey. Light barnyard notes, but in a good way – like walking into a well-maintained stable, not a neglected one. Once you toast the foot and get it going, the first third opens with this beautiful cedar profile. That’s classic Hoyo right there. But then you get these undertones of cream and white pepper that tell you this isn’t your standard morning Epicure. The construction on mine was flawless – which, given that this is a limited edition release with presumably extra attention from the rollers, makes sense. The burn line stayed sharp without any corrections.
Second third is where things get interesting. The cedar mellows out – doesn’t disappear, just steps back – and you start getting these roasted coffee notes. Not espresso sharp, more like a medium roast. Some leather comes in too. My buddy Carlos says he tastes nuts here, like roasted almonds, but I’ve never gotten that. Maybe my palate’s off. The retrohale at this point is smooth, with just enough white pepper to remind you you’re smoking a cigar, not sipping tea.
The final third – oh man – this is where you earn your money. Actually, scratch that, we’re not talking about money. This is where the cigar earns your time. The strength kicks up a notch, getting into that medium-full territory that might surprise Hoyo loyalists. You get earth, dark chocolate, and this lingering sweetness that’s hard to pin down. The ash held to about an inch and a half before dropping, nice and solid, gray-white color. No bitterness at all in the finish, which for a cigar this long is honestly impressive. Some big ring gauges turn acrid near the nub, but not this one.
How It Stacks Up Against The Competition
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares | Medium to Medium-Full | 90-120 minutes | Experienced Hoyo fans seeking complexity |
| Punch Double Corona | Medium | 90-110 minutes | Those wanting classic Cuban profile |
| Partagás Lusitania | Medium-Full | 100-120 minutes | Smokers who prefer bolder flavors |
What To Drink With It – And When To Light Up
This isn’t a morning cigar. I don’t care what anyone says. The size alone makes it impractical unless you’re taking a very long breakfast, but the flavor profile really shines in the afternoon or evening.
For pairings, I’ve had great success with aged rum – think Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. The sweetness in those rums plays beautifully with the honey notes in the first third, and they’re substantial enough to handle the stronger finish. If you’re a whisky person, go with something lightly peated – a Highland Park 12 works surprisingly well. The subtle smoke complements without overpowering.
Coffee? Absolutely, but make it a good one. This deserves better than your office break room brew. A Cuban coffee if you can find it – Cubita or Serrano – keeps the theme going. And honestly, sometimes just water is the move. Lets you taste the tobacco evolution without any interference.
Occasion-wise, this is a celebratory cigar. Wedding went well? Promotion came through? First grandkid? This is that cigar. It’s also perfect for those lazy Saturday afternoons when you’ve got nothing but time and a good book.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares still in production?
No, the Particulares was a limited edition release, which means once the production run was complete, that was it. You can still find boxes floating around at reputable retailers, but they’re becoming harder to source as collectors snatch them up. If you see one and you’re a Hoyo fan, I’d grab it while you can.
How does the Particulares compare to regular Hoyo de Monterrey cigars?
Think of it as Hoyo with the volume turned up – not blasting, just louder. Regular production Hoyo cigars are known for being elegant and mild, perfect morning smokes. The Particulares keeps that elegance but adds more body, more complexity, and definitely more strength. If you love Epicures but wish they had a bit more oomph, this is your answer.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these cigars?
I keep mine at 65% humidity and around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people go higher, but I find that these limited edition releases with their special packaging and bands can get a bit soft if you push humidity above 68%. The tobacco’s already got plenty of natural oils – you’re not trying to add moisture, just maintain what’s there.
Can a beginner smoke the Particulares, or is it too strong?
Technically, sure, anyone can smoke anything. But would I recommend it? Probably not. The strength builds to medium-full, and the smoking time alone can be overwhelming if you’re not used to longer sessions. I’d suggest working your way up through the regular Hoyo lineup first – try an Epicure No. 2, maybe a Double Corona from another marca. Get your palate calibrated, then come back to this.
What makes the bands and packaging special on these limited editions?
The bands on the Particulares are absolutely stunning – they feature special artwork that distinguishes them from regular production Hoyo cigars. The box itself has unique design elements and typically includes information about the limited edition release. Collectors go crazy for this stuff, and honestly, I get it. There’s something satisfying about owning a piece of cigar history that won’t be repeated.
How long should I age the Particulares before smoking?
At this point, given when these were released, any boxes you find have already been aging for years. That said, if you somehow snag a recently-purchased box, I’d give them at least six months to a year to settle down from shipping and any temperature fluctuations. These cigars improve with age though – I’ve smoked some with 5+ years on them, and they were singing. The harsh edges smooth out, the flavors integrate better.
Are there any similar limited edition Hoyo releases I should try?
If you’re chasing that Hoyo limited edition dragon, keep an eye out for other releases in their special series. Each year brings different vitolas and blends, but they all share that commitment to quality that makes the Particulares special. The key is finding retailers who specialize in Cuban cigars and getting on their notification lists – these releases don’t sit on shelves for long.
Final Thoughts From The Ashtray
The Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s not competing with Behike for power, and it’s not trying to out-elegant the Epicure line. It sits in this sweet spot where classic Hoyo refinement meets modern expectations for complexity and body.
If you’re lucky enough to find a box, don’t let it sit too long thinking you’re waiting for the “perfect occasion.” Life’s short. The perfect occasion is when you’ve got two hours, good weather, and the desire to smoke something special. This limited edition release represents Hoyo at their most ambitious, and it deserves to be enjoyed, not just collected.
Whether you’re adding this to your rotation or your collection, you’re getting a piece of Cuban cigar craftsmanship that won’t come around again. The Vuelta Abajo tobacco, the careful construction, the thoughtful blend – it all comes together in a cigar that reminds you why people have been obsessing over Habanos for over a century.
Ready to experience what Hoyo can do when they push beyond the expected? Add the Particulares to your humidor. Your future self, sitting on that perfect afternoon with two hours to spare, will thank you.
