JC Newman

July 27, 2024

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Toro (6” x 52)





Video review HERE.


(Description provided by General Cigar)

Hoyo de Monterrey will mark its evolution with the launch of two new collections, Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo and Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro. The distinctive blends embody the heart and soul of Central American cigar culture ignited by the iconic brand in the mid-1960s.

Senior Brand Manager Ed Lahmann said, “The launch of these blends represents more than just new cigars. They are about honoring the brand’s deep-seated foundation in Honduras. As one of the first Cuban ex-pat brands available in the US, Hoyo de Monterrey laid the foundation for Honduran cigarmaking nearly 60 years ago and has become a living legend in the world of premium cigars. With the launch of ‘Rojo’ and ‘Oscuro,’ the brand’s journey is reflected in its commitment to balancing traditional Honduran craftsmanship against the handmade cigar category’s ever-changing tides.”

Crafted at the esteemed HATSA factory in Danli, Honduras, Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo and Oscuro are rooted in Honduras’ rich volcanic soil and are unified by elements that represent the desires of the modern-day smoker. The blends are layered and dynamic, the formats represent best-selling sizes, the box counts accommodate cigar smokers who seek variety and flexibility in their smoking occasions and the price points ensure accessibility among those who covet the tradition of Honduran-crafted cigars.

Today we look at the Rojo.

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo is a sophisticated, yet unpretentious blend made with a rich Honduran Jamastran wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Medium in body, the experience delivers notes of cinnamon, toasted marshmallows and grilling spices. The line is available in three sizes, each presented in elegant ten-count boxes.


Available vitolas:

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Rothschild (4.5” x 50); SRP per cigar $5.99

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Toro (6” x 52); SRP per cigar $7.49 REVIEWED TODAY

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Gigante (6” x 60); SRP per cigar $8.49


The cigar is a reddish brown and has an average feel in the hand.




The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were citrus peel, cedar, brown sugar, and earthy leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.



At the first third (26 minutes) the ash was still intact and the cigar is burning evenly. The cigar has gotten a little sweeter due to the entrance of orange citrus. A little cinnamon is popping up. There is a lot of earthiness with an average amount of leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The sweet notes are working well and there is a lot of earthiness but the sweetness is a little ahead. I rated the first third 93.




Moving through the second third (57 minutes) the earthiness is up. I had the same sweet notes but the earthiness is up. The leather is manageable. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is unchanged. The earthiness is taking away a little. I rated the second third 91.




The cigar lasted 1 hour 26 minutes. The cigar did not change in the final third. The sweet notes are nice but the earthiness gets in the way. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. This is a nice "comeback" cigar from Hoyo de Monterrey and well worth trying. It also has a nice price point. I rated the final third 91.




Overall Score: 91.67

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