Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo Coronas (ORE JUL 03) : Ode to the 40 and 42 gauge review week

[Philc2001]

Hoyos to me are a little mysterious, they have mostly been elusive for me, yet when I do smoke Hoyos they have always been complex and pleasing cigars. I just haven't pursued them as much as I pursue other marcas, and I can't think of any specific reason why. 

This particular box was a split that Trent; a good FOH brother, found on the secondary market and I am so glad I participated in this share, it has been richly rewarding. The Hoyo Coronas are 42 ring gauge, 5.59" in length, dress boxed. Judging by the markings I think this box came from the French market but I know little else about its origins. I have smoked just 2 from this share, this is the third, and every one has been delicious to the last inch. 

For the pairing I chose a Guiness Golden Ale out of a 18-pack sampler, which I have been thoroughly enjoying. Cold draw was just as I like it - I actually like slightly loose draws so this was perfectly acceptable to me, but some might call it a bit loose. First warm draws produced volumes of rich and creamy smoke, slightly light bodied, and decadently aromatic. Essence of pumpkin spice, slightly sweet, poured forth and gave me a unique and delicious taste. This cigar has an unusual character and aroma, which I am immediately intrigued by. The first third is smooth, light and tasty, but just a bit light for an after dinner cigar. 

The second third continued to produce a slightly sweet and aromatic spicy aroma, and rich creamy smoke. Burn is near perfect and cool. There is a faint hint of baking spices in there I can't quite identify, sort of like nutmeg or cloves maybe. Very interesting and quite enjoyable. As I crossed over from the second to the last third, I drained the Guiness ale and opened another.

The final third remains a bit light to medium bodied, and the parade of baking spices continue; a touch of cinnamon, some raisin bread, nutmeg - honestly, I'm quite surprised by this complex nuanced journey this little corona is taking me on. Approaching the final stages of the cigar, the smoke remained cool and creamy, no harshness or bitterness, just rich and somewhat mellow body with a beautiful refined balance. What a delicious smoke. I could almost say this is a dessert cigar, and I bet these lovely vitolas would make a great morning smoke too.

Reluctantly I put the nub down to smolder in the ash tray. This was an impressive smoke, just as the first two it took me completely by surprise. I have to rate this a solid 9 out of 10 on my personal scale, a richly satisfying and memorable cigar that I will look forward to smoking again soon. Thank you Trent for sharing this gem with me.

[TheMonk]

Never smokes one of these, but very nice job!

[PigFish]

Nice review mate! -tP

[JohnS]

I've never smoked one of these either. Cheers for the review.

[Smallclub]

8 hours ago, Philc2001 said:

Judging by the markings I think this box came from the French market but I know little else about its origins.

DOM = Département d'Outre Mer

This box comes from a French overseas territory, probably Guadeloupe  (including St Marteen).

As for the Hoyo corona, I think its extreme mildness led it to the grave… It's one of the very few cigars that are trashed in MRN's Encyclopædia…

[Philc2001]

17 hours ago, Smallclub said:

DOM = Département d'Outre Mer

This box comes from a French overseas territory, probably Guadeloupe  (including St Marteen).

As for the Hoyo corona, I think its extreme mildness led it to the grave… It's one of the very few cigars that are trashed in MRN's Encyclopædia…

So far every one I've had from this box have been on the mild side of medium, but certainly not extremely mild, and they are loaded with rich and creamy flavor. I'm smoking a 2005 SCdlH La Fuerza at the moment, from the Legendary Box Split, and it is as mild or milder than the Hoyo Coronas.

I respect MRN, but respectfully disagree with that assessment. The Hoyo corona, like so many other coronas and lonsdales, are becoming extinct for a variety of reasons. Punch, Partagas, H. Upmann, Romeo Y Julieta, Ramon Allones... coronas of years past that Cuba has seen fit to kill across the board. Such a shame, the Lonsdale and Corona are my two most favorite size formats in CCs, so it is disappointing to see them go.

[JohnS]

3 hours ago, Philc2001 said:

I respect MRN, but respectfully disagree with that assessment. The Hoyo corona, like so many other coronas and lonsdales, are becoming extinct for a variety of reasons. Punch, Partagas, H. Upmann, Romeo Y Julieta, Ramon Allones... coronas of years past that Cuba has seen fit to kill across the board. Such a shame, the Lonsdale and Corona are my two most favorite size formats in CCs, so it is disappointing to see them go.

I remember reading from his 2003 tome that MRN's favourite marca was (and perhaps is still) Bolivar. So, I would understand that if he favours earthy, full-bodied cigars why he wouldn't go for something in the mild Hoyo de Monterrey range.