Description
The Particulares: A Hidden Gem That Deserves More Love
You know what drives me crazy? When incredible cigars fly under the radar just because they’re not as flashy as their bigger siblings. The Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares is exactly that kind of smoke – and honestly, I think it’s one of the most underrated sticks in the entire Hoyo lineup.
I’ll never forget the first time a friend handed me one at our local lounge. “Try this,” he said. “Nobody talks about it, but trust me.” He was right. The Particulares isn’t gonna win any beauty contests with its modest size, but what it lacks in showmanship, it makes up for in pure smoking pleasure. If you’re tired of the same old recommendations and want something that’ll genuinely surprise you, stick around. We’re gonna talk about why this particular vitola (see what they did there?) deserves a permanent spot in your humidor.
What Makes the Particulares Special?
Here’s the thing: Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865, and they’ve built their reputation on elegance and refinement. Not brash, not overwhelming – just beautifully balanced Cuban tobacco that knows how to treat you right. The Particulares embodies everything that makes Hoyo great, but in a format that’s perfect for when you’ve got an hour to kill and want something genuinely satisfying.
This particular vitola (technically classified as a Corona Gorda) sits in that sweet spot between too quick and too long. It’s substantial enough to develop some real complexity, but it’s not gonna demand your entire afternoon. The tobacco comes from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region – and if you know Cuban cigars, you know that’s where the magic happens. The leaves are aged properly, rolled with care, and the result is classic Hoyo character through and through.
Who’s this cigar for? Look, if you’re chasing the strongest, boldest smoke on the market, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you appreciate nuance, if you love those subtle flavor shifts that keep things interesting, if you’re the kind of smoker who actually pays attention to what they’re tasting – then you need to try this. Period.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Particulares (Corona Gorda) |
| Length | 9.25 inches / 235 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Long Filler Blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What You’re Actually Getting
Alright, let’s talk about what this cigar actually tastes like. Because that’s what matters, right?
**The First Third: Setting the Stage**
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – there’s this gentle cedar note with just a whisper of sweetness. Not sugar-sweet, more like honey on the edge of your consciousness. Once you light it up (and take your time with the toast, please), the first few puffs are creamy. Really creamy. There’s a smoothness here that’s kind of remarkable for a cigar this length.
Within the first ten minutes, you’re getting classic Hoyo flavors: light wood, some hay, and this subtle nuttiness that I’ve always loved about this brand. The construction on these is pretty solid – I’ve smoked maybe a dozen Particulares over the years, and I can’t remember having a single issue with the draw or burn. That’s saying something for a longer vitola.
**The Middle Section: Where It Gets Interesting**
Ever noticed how some cigars just coast through the middle? Not this one. Around the halfway point, things start to shift. That creaminess is still there (it never really leaves), but now you’re picking up white pepper on the retrohale. Not aggressive, just present enough to keep you engaged.
Speaking of which, if you’re not retrohaling at least occasionally, you’re missing half the experience. The nose picks up these floral notes that your palate completely misses – almost like tea leaves or dried grass after rain. My friend Jorge (the one who introduced me to these) always describes it as “elegant,” and honestly, that’s not a bad way to put it.
The burn stays razor-sharp if you’re not smoking too fast. The ash holds on for a solid inch and a half, maybe two inches if you’re careful. It’s light gray, firm, and it tells you everything you need to know about how well this tobacco was aged.
**The Final Third: Sticking the Landing**
Here’s where some longer cigars fall apart – literally and figuratively. Not the Particulares. The last third brings a bit more intensity (still medium overall, don’t worry), with the wood notes becoming more pronounced. There’s this toasted almond flavor that shows up, and that subtle sweetness from the beginning makes a comeback.
Thing is, it never gets harsh or hot. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than I can count, and they stay smooth right to the end. The nicotine level is moderate – enough to know you’ve smoked a cigar, but you’re not gonna feel wobbly afterward.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Afternoon relaxation, refined palates |
| Romeo y Julieta Cedros No. 2 | Mild-Medium | 50-65 minutes | Beginners, morning smoke |
| H. Upmann Magnum 46 | Medium | 55-70 minutes | Balanced experience, any time |
Perfect Pairings: What to Drink with It
Look, you can pair this with whatever you want – it’s your cigar. But if you’re asking what works really well? I’ve got some thoughts.
Coffee. Specifically, a good Cuban espresso or a smooth Americano. The slight bitterness and roasted notes play beautifully with that nutty, woody profile. I’ve also had great experiences with a quality cognac – something like Rémy Martin VSOP brings out the sweeter notes without overwhelming the cigar.
If you’re more of a rum person (and with a Cuban cigar, who could blame you?), try a well-aged añejo. Zacapa 23 or a solid Cuban Havana Club Añejo 7 años will do the trick. The caramel and vanilla notes in the rum complement that creaminess perfectly.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I’ve paired this with everything from single malt scotch to espresso martinis. But here’s my honest recommendation: try it first with just mineral water or plain espresso. Get to know the cigar on its own terms. You can always experiment later.
Time-wise? This is an afternoon smoke for me. Maybe late morning on a weekend when you’ve got nowhere to be. It’s too refined for first thing in the morning, but it’s not intense enough to be my evening go-to.
Common Questions About the Particulares
How strong is the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares?
It’s solidly medium strength – not gonna knock you over, but it’s got more body than your typical mild Cuban. If you’re used to Connecticut-wrapped cigars, you’ll notice the step up. If you normally smoke Partagás or Bolivar, this’ll feel pretty gentle. Perfect middle ground, honestly.
Is the Particulares good for beginners?
Honestly? It depends on the beginner. The strength level is totally manageable, but the length might be intimidating if you’ve only smoked smaller cigars. I’d maybe start with a shorter Hoyo (like the Epicure No. 2) and work your way up. But if you’ve got the time and you’re not worried about the commitment, go for it – just make sure you’ve eaten something first.
How should I store the Particulares?
Standard Cuban cigar storage applies here: 65-70% humidity, around 65-68°F if you can manage it. I keep mine at 65% RH and they smoke beautifully. Some people go higher, but I’ve found these longer vitolas do better when they’re not oversaturated. Makes the draw easier and the burn more consistent.
Do these cigars need aging?
They’re perfectly smokeable right away, but – and here’s my take – they get noticeably better with a year or two of rest. The flavors integrate more, that creaminess becomes even more pronounced, and any rough edges (though there aren’t many) smooth right out. If you can be patient, it pays off. But I won’t judge you for lighting one up immediately because I’ve definitely done that.
What’s the best way to cut a Particulares?
Straight cut works great – just don’t take off too much. You want to open up the cap without unraveling the wrapper. I use a quality guillotine cutter and take off maybe 1/16 of an inch. Some folks like a V-cut on longer cigars, and that works too, but I’m old school. Whatever you do, don’t use a punch – these need good airflow given their length.
How does the Particulares compare to other Hoyo vitolas?
It’s got that classic Hoyo DNA – creamy, refined, elegant – but the longer format lets the flavors develop more gradually than, say, an Epicure No. 2. If you like the brand’s profile but want something with a bit more journey to it, this is your cigar. It’s less intense than the Double Corona but more substantial than the shorter vitolas. Right in the middle, which is kind of perfect if you ask me.
What time of day is best for smoking a Particulares?
Mid-afternoon is my sweet spot. You’ve had lunch (important with a cigar this long), you’ve got time to actually enjoy it, and the medium strength won’t overpower you but will give you that nice relaxed feeling. I’ve smoked these in the evening too, but they’re almost too refined for nighttime – I usually want something with more punch after dinner. Weekend mornings work if you’re the leisurely brunch type.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
The truth is, the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares isn’t for everyone. It’s not flashy. It won’t impress your friends with its size (well, the length is impressive, but the ring gauge is modest). It’s not the strongest smoke out there, and it’s not the most complex.
But you know what? Sometimes you don’t need all that. Sometimes you just want a really well-made cigar that delivers classic Cuban character without any fuss. The Particulares does exactly that, and it does it with style.
I remember sitting on my back porch last summer, working through one of these while reading a book I’d been meaning to finish for months. The cigar never demanded attention – it just sat there in my hand, delivering consistent, refined flavor every time I took a puff. That’s what Hoyo does best, and this vitola might be the best expression of that philosophy.
If you appreciate craftsmanship over hype, if you value consistency and elegance, if you’re looking for that perfect afternoon companion – grab a few of these. Let them rest for a month or two if you can manage the willpower. Then find yourself a quiet spot, clear your schedule, and just enjoy.
You won’t regret it. That’s not marketing talk – that’s just the truth from someone who’s smoked way too many cigars and keeps coming back to this one.
Ready to experience what you’ve been missing? The Particulares is waiting.
