In the ever-evolving landscape of Cuban tobacco, few things garner as much reverence among aficionados as a cigar that has ceased to exist. The Hoyo de Monterrey Short Hoyo Coronas stands as a prime example of this phenomenon. While many modern smokers chase the latest limited editions, seasoned collectors often look back with nostalgia at the vitolas that defined the golden age of Havana. This specific cigar, which enjoyed a production run spanning nearly half a century, offers a fascinating case study on how formats fall in and out of favor, leaving behind a legacy that is now accessible only through the secondary market.
The Architecture of a Corona: Understanding the Marevas
To truly appreciate the Short Hoyo Coronas, one must first understand its physical form. In the strict nomenclature of Cuban cigar factories, this vitola is identified by the name Marevas. This factory term refers to a specific set of dimensions that many purists consider the gold standard for tobacco appreciation. Measuring 129 millimeters (approximately 5 1/8 inches) in length and possessing a ring gauge of 42, the cigar falls squarely into the traditional corona category.
Unlike the thicker robustos or gorditos that dominate modern humidors, this format demands attention to the balance between wrapper and filler. With a standard weight of 8.46 grams, the construction was substantial enough to offer complexity, yet the ring gauge was slender enough to allow the distinct flavors of the wrapper leaf to shine through. It was a format designed for focus—a smoking experience typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, characterized by an intensity that larger ring gauges often dilute.
- Factory Name: Marevas
- Dimensions: 129 mm (5 1/8") x 42 Ring Gauge
- Weight: 8.46 g
- Band Style: Standard Band B
A Half-Century of Production History
The origins of the Short Hoyo Coronas trace back to an era before the 1960s, placing its birth in a transformative period for the island. Having survived the nationalization of the industry and the subsequent shifts in global distribution, this cigar served as a workhorse for the Hoyo de Monterrey brand for decades. It was a staple that carried the brand's reputation for mild-to-medium bodied elegance through some of Cuba's most celebrated production years.
However, all things must eventually come to an end. In 2006, Habanos S.A. made the decision to discontinue the Short Hoya Coronas from regular production. This removal marked a significant shift in the brand's portfolio, as the industry began moving away from smaller ring gauges toward the trend of "fat" cigars that persists today. The discontinuation turned a once-accessible daily smoke into an instant collector's item, signaling the end of an era for traditional corona enthusiasts.
Presentation and Collectibility
During its active years, the Short Hoyo Coronas was presented in a manner befitting a premium Havana product. The cigars were housed in dress boxes of 25, a traditional presentation that allowed the beautiful finish of the handmade construction to be admired. The use of Standard Band B provided a consistent visual identity with other offerings from the Hoyo de Monterrey line during that epoch.
Today, finding a box of these cigars is a challenge that goes beyond simple retail availability. Since production ceased in 2006, remaining specimens are highly sought after. Collectors often scour auction platforms and specialized vintage retailers in hopes of securing a box that has been properly aged. The rarity of the vitola is further compounded by its appearance in special releases, most notably within the Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor, which cemented its status among the "lost legends" of Cuban tobacco. For the modern smoker, lighting up a Short Hoyo Coronas is not just a tasting experience; it is an act of historical preservation.
