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 Oscuro.
Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro features a Brazilian Mata Fina Oscuro wrapper, a first for Hoyo de Monterrey. An Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and filler comprised of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco create a medium-plus smoking experience brimming with notes of cherry cola, cayenne pepper, white pepper, molasses and rye bread.
Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro Rothschild (4.5” x 50); SRP per cigar $5.99
Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro Toro (6” x 52); SRP per cigar $7.49 REVIEWED TODAY
Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro Gigante (6” x 60); SRP per cigar $8.49
The cigar is very dark and has a nice feel in the hand.
The test draw after cutting the cap was a little firm but I massaged around the cap and it became workable. The initial flavors at light up were a syrup mixture of citrus, apricot, brown sugar, a touch of citrus peel, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice, interesting start.
At the first third (42 minutes) it is obvious this is a slow burning cigar. The syrup sweetness has decreased. There was light apricot, citrus peel, a little brown sugar, earthiness, and black coffee. The black coffee is up. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is apricot with a touch of black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. For me, the cigar is not as good as it was at the light up. I rated the first third 92.
As I moved through the second third (1 hour 24 minutes) the black coffee is way up. The apricot, citrus peel, and light brown sugar is somewhat subdued. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 90.
The cigar lasted an impressive 1 hour 47 minutes. The cigar bounced back nicely in the final third. In fact, it surpassed the first third. There were nice citrus, apricot, brown sugar, earthiness, and black coffee. The black coffee pulled back. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is apricot and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 93. I'm not a fan of cigars that are their best in the final third but this one is just that. Both the Rojo and Oscuro toros scored the same score so give both a try.
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