This issue of Cuban Cigar News features another brand from Cuba.  Hoyo de Monterrey is another popular brand for Cuba with several real stand out cigars.

 

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 Hoyo de Monterrey owes its origin to the town of San Luis y Martinez, which lies at the heart of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco region. Here the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation, can be reached through a gate on the town's main square inscribed "Hoyo de Monterrey. Jos� Gener. 1860'.

"Hoyo" literally means a "hole' and in this case describes the low-lying position of the plantation on the fertile banks of San Juan y Martinez river.

Jos� Gener, a Catalan, first used the name of his vega on a brand of Habanos in 1865.

The flavor of Hoyo de Monterrey's blend makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a delicate yet aromatic Habano that is lighter to the taste but with great elegance and complexity.

The best-known sizes are the Double Corona and the Epicure Nos. 1 and 2 but there is also a range of standard and slender gauge vitolas.

 

 

  

The Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona is their flagship cigar.  A mild side cigar about 3 1/2 / 10 strength, it's large size offers cool smoke that smacks of fresh brewed coffee, light spice notes, some citrus and even a little fresh wood. Soft flavors with subtle undertones make this a cigar for the true Habanos lover.  Most say this double corona is the one all double coronas are measured by and I agree.   Cigar Aficonado Magazine gave this cigar a 92 rating in June 2011.

 

 

The Epicure No 2 robusto can be a little disappointing a times. A hit and miss cigar that has lost its way.  In the past this was a true cabinet cigar and offered consistent amazing flavors.  The past decade has been a decline in consistency, sometimes being a wonderful Habanos example and other times a little bitter and one dimensional.  It has seen improvement on the past year, as have many Cuban cigars, so hopefully it will level out near its premier days around 2003.

 

 

 

The Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto is a great addition to their line.  It has the woody characteristics Hoyo de Monterrey is know for with some real strength for such a little cigar.  When you want the draw and full flavor of a robusto but don't have time, this fits the need perfectly.

 

 

 This little cigar consistently rates in the 90s and is priced reasonably for a robusto diameter cigar. Every humidor should have a few of these for those times you really want to smoke a Habanos, but life just won't allow you the time to yourself to enjoy.

In fairness, she was a fan all those "Aint's" years, so she did deserve some time in the sun.  The fact she will only wear the one Saints Jersey (I have bought her about 10 over the years) during their playoff run is another matter.  I prayed for them to lose just so she would wash the darn thing and stop wearing it!

Last time the Giants won with a David Tyree miracle catch, which was fun to watch, but not how I want to see them win this time.  I prefer a decisive victory by either team, so you really know who was the better team that day.  I will grudgingly admit that Eli Manning has finally come of age and impressed me with his ability at Quarterback.  His accuracy is amazing and his ability to know when to get rid of the ball  is a wonder to behold, when compared to his days of old where he threw an interception or took the sack trying to make something out of nothing.

I find myself annoyed at Brady's coolness under fire.  I know he is facing the same onslaught that other QBs face, but does he have to look like he's waiting for a bus?  A little panic or at least some tight lipness would make it look more like he was working for it and cared.  I know, I know, he is the ultimate competitor and his guys know it, but he sure does not look the part, even with the Giants defense bearing down on him like a cement truck out of control.  I have never seen anyone stay so still in the pocket as Brady, with just the most subtle movements to avoid prying hands.

My Superbowl Cigars Pick:  Pregame will be a Trinidad Coloniales for sure.  Light and smooth, perfect after a late brunch.  Game cigar will be the Ramon Allones Gigante double corona.  It has a nutty dry walnut taste that goes great with even the lightest of beer.

 

 Just joking...