Description
Why the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares Deserves a Spot in Your Humidor
Look, I’m gonna be straight with you – when someone brings up Hoyo de Monterrey at the lounge, most folks immediately think of the Epicure No. 2 or maybe the Double Corona. But here’s the thing: the Particulares is one of those cigars that flies under the radar, and honestly? That’s kind of a shame. I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars for about 16 years now, and this particular vitola has this way of surprising people who think they’ve got Hoyo all figured out.
The Particulares sits in that sweet spot – not too big, not too small, and it’s got this elegant character that makes it perfect for when you want something refined without being, well, boring. You know what I mean? It’s a cigar that rewards patience and attention, but it doesn’t demand that you clear your entire afternoon. In this article, I’m gonna walk you through everything that makes this cigar special – from its construction and flavor profile to when you should reach for one and what you should pair it with.
What Makes the Particulares Stand Out
Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865, which is wild when you think about it. The brand was actually named after a plantation in Vuelta Abajo – the tobacco-growing region in Cuba that’s basically the promised land for cigar tobacco. And the Particulares? It’s one of those classic vitolas that embodies everything the marca stands for: elegance, balance, and that refined Cuban character that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The first time I tried one of these, I was with a buddy who’d just come back from Havana. He handed me this cigar and said, “Trust me on this one.” Thing is, I was skeptical – I’d been on a Montecristo kick at the time, and Hoyo seemed almost too gentle for my palate back then. Boy, was I wrong.
What really gets me about the Particulares is how it manages to be approachable without being simple. It’s a medium-bodied smoke that’s perfect if you’re transitioning from milder cigars or if you just don’t feel like having your palate knocked around by a full-strength powerhouse. The wrapper – sourced from Vuelta Abajo, naturally – has this beautiful golden-brown color with just a slight oiliness that catches the light. And that aroma? Sweet tobacco with hints of cedar. Gets me every time.
This is a cigar for the smoker who appreciates nuance. If you’re someone who smokes to actually taste the tobacco rather than just to fill time, you’ll get what the Particulares is about. It’s refined without being pretentious, which is a balance that’s trickier to achieve than you might think.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Particulares |
| Length | 9.25 inches / 235 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Alright, here’s where it gets interesting. The Particulares is a long cigar – we’re talking over nine inches here – so you’re committing to a proper session when you light one up. Not a quick smoke by any stretch. But that length? It’s not just for show.
Before you even light it, take a cold draw. You’ll get this lovely combination of wood and hay with just a whisper of sweetness underneath. The draw itself is usually spot-on – not too tight, not too loose. I’ve found that Hoyos are pretty consistent when it comes to construction, and the Particulares is no exception.
When you toast the foot and get that first puff, the initial flavors are gentle. Creamy smoke with notes of cedar and a light sweetness that reminds me of honey or maybe almond. There’s this subtle white pepper on the retrohale – nothing aggressive, just enough to let you know there’s some complexity hiding in there. The burn line usually starts out razor-sharp. The ash? Light gray and holds on for a good inch or more before it drops.
Ever noticed how some cigars just kind of stay the same throughout? The Particulares isn’t one of those. As you move into the second third – and remember, with nine-plus inches, each third is a journey on its own – things start to develop. The sweetness becomes more pronounced, and you’ll pick up hints of coffee and cocoa. Not bitter coffee, mind you. More like a café con leche kind of vibe. The cedar stays consistent in the background, providing this woody foundation that keeps everything grounded.
Now, here’s where your patience pays off. The final third is where the Particulares really shows its character. The strength picks up slightly – still firmly in medium territory, but with more presence. The flavors concentrate, and you get this beautiful interplay between leather, earth, and that persistent sweetness. The retrohale becomes creamier, almost buttery. But here’s the catch: if you smoke too fast or let it get too hot, you’ll lose that balance. This is a cigar that rewards a slow, contemplative pace.
Construction-wise, I’ve rarely had issues with the Particulares. The draw stays consistent throughout, the burn line might wander occasionally (it’s a long stick, after all), but it corrects itself without needing constant touch-ups. The ash stays sturdy and that classic light gray color. Honestly, Hoyo de Monterrey’s quality control is pretty solid across the board, and the Particulares benefits from that attention to detail.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares | Medium | 90-120 minutes | Long, contemplative sessions |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 45-60 minutes | Classic robusto experience |
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Traditional Churchill lovers |
| H. Upmann Sir Winston | Medium | 90-110 minutes | Special occasions |
Perfect Pairings and When to Smoke It
The truth is, the Particulares is versatile when it comes to pairings, but there are some combinations that just work better than others. My go-to? A good single malt Scotch – something like a Glenfiddich 15 or maybe a Balvenie DoubleWood. The sweetness and oakiness of the Scotch plays beautifully with the cedar and honey notes in the cigar.
Coffee works too, especially if you’re smoking in the morning or early afternoon (yes, some of us do that on weekends – don’t judge). A smooth medium roast complements the creamy smoke without overwhelming it. I’ve also paired it with aged rum – think Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva – and that combination is pretty much heaven if you’re into sweeter spirits.
Speaking of which, when should you reach for a Particulares? Here’s my take: this is a weekend cigar. It’s for those lazy Saturday afternoons when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing pressing to do. Maybe you’re sitting on the patio with a good book, or you’re at the lounge catching up with friends. The length alone means you can’t really rush it, so save it for when you’ve got time to properly appreciate it.
The medium body makes it approachable at almost any time of day – it’s not gonna knock you over like a Partagás Lusitania might. But honestly? Late afternoon into early evening is when I find myself reaching for one most often. There’s something about that time of day that pairs perfectly with the Particulares’ refined character.
Common Questions About the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares good for beginners?
Yes and no. The medium strength makes it approachable, and the flavors aren’t going to overwhelm a newer smoker. But here’s the thing – the length might be intimidating if you’re just starting out. It’s a two-hour commitment, and if you’re not used to longer smoking sessions, you might find yourself fatigued before you finish. I’d say if you’ve worked your way through some robustos and feel ready to step up in both size and complexity, go for it. Just make sure you’ve got the time to dedicate to it.
How should I store the Particulares?
Like any Cuban cigar, you’ll want to keep it in a properly maintained humidor at around 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F. Because of its length, make sure your humidor can actually accommodate it – some desktop humidors won’t fit a nine-inch cigar. I’ve found that Hoyos tend to smoke well with a bit of age on them, so if you can resist the temptation, letting them rest for six months to a year can really pay off. The flavors mellow and integrate beautifully with some time.
What’s the difference between the Particulares and other Hoyo de Monterrey vitolas?
The Particulares is essentially a Grand Corona – long and relatively slim at a 47 ring gauge. Compared to something like the Epicure No. 2 (robusto), it’s a longer, more drawn-out experience with more opportunity for the flavors to develop and evolve. The Double Corona is thicker and a bit shorter. The Particulares gives you that elegant, refined smoking experience that’s characteristic of longer, slimmer vitolas. If you prefer shorter, punchier smokes, stick with the Epicure. If you want something contemplative and sophisticated, the Particulares is your cigar.
Can I smoke half and save the rest for later?
Look, I know nine inches is a commitment. Technically, you can put it out and relight it later, but honestly? It’s not gonna be the same. The flavors will be harsher, and you’ll lose a lot of the nuance that makes the Particulares special. My advice? Either plan for the full session or pick a shorter vitola if you’re pressed for time. The beauty of this cigar is in the complete journey from start to finish. Don’t shortchange yourself.
How does the Particulares compare to other Cuban brands in the same size?
Compared to something like the Montecristo A, the Particulares is milder and more approachable. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill is probably the closest comparison – both are medium-bodied, elegant smokes. But the Particulares has a bit more sweetness and that characteristic Hoyo refinement. If you want something with more punch in a similar size, check out the Partagás Lusitania. But if elegance and balance are what you’re after, the Particulares is hard to beat. In my experience, it’s one of the most consistently good long-format Cubans you can find.
Do I need to cut it differently because it’s so long?
Nope, just use your regular cutter or punch. The cap is constructed the same way regardless of the cigar’s length. I typically use a straight cut about 1/16 of an inch from the cap, which gives me a nice open draw without unraveling the wrapper. A V-cut works well too if that’s your preference. The length doesn’t really affect how you prep the cigar – it just affects how long you’ll be smoking it and how the flavors develop over time.
Is aging recommended for the Particulares?
Not gonna lie – aging definitely helps. Fresh Particulares can be good, but they tend to have some rough edges that smooth out beautifully with time. I’ve found that anywhere from six months to two years of proper aging really allows the flavors to integrate and that sweetness to come forward. If you can get your hands on a box, my suggestion? Smoke one fresh to establish a baseline, then tuck the rest away and revisit them every few months. You’ll be amazed at how they transform. But if you can’t wait (and I get it – patience isn’t always easy), they’re still enjoyable right out of the box.
Final Thoughts on This Classic Vitola
The Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares isn’t trying to be the biggest or the boldest cigar in your humidor. It’s not gonna compete with those full-strength monsters for intensity. And you know what? That’s exactly what makes it special. This is a cigar for those moments when you want refinement over power, when you’ve got time to really pay attention to what you’re smoking.
I remember about three years ago, I was going through a phase where I was only smoking heavy-hitting Nicaraguans and Cuban powerhouses. My palate was shot, honestly. A friend suggested I take a step back and try the Particulares, and man, it was like rediscovering why I fell in love with cigars in the first place. That balance, that elegance – it reminded me that complexity doesn’t require overwhelming strength.
If you’ve never tried one, grab a few and dedicate an afternoon to the experience. Make sure you’ve got the time, get yourself a good drink, find a comfortable spot, and just let the cigar do its thing. The Particulares rewards patience and attention. It’s a cigar that speaks softly but says plenty if you’re willing to listen. And honestly? We could all use more of that in our smoking rotation.
