My Weekend Cigar Review: Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo

Rojo Line Signals a “New Beginning” for Hoyo de Monterrey

In June of this year, Hoyo de Monterrey cigars released the Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo and Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro, two new blends that “signal the storied brand’s new beginning,” says the company.

Made in three sizes at STG Danlí, Honduras, Rojo (red band) uses a Honduran Jamastran wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan fillers. The Oscuro (black band) features a dark Brazilian Mata Fina Oscuro wrapper—a first for Hoyo de Monterrey—with an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and identical fillers.

“The launch of these blends represents more than just new cigars,” said HDM senior brand manager, Ed Lahmann. “They are about honoring the brand’s deep-seated foundation in Honduras. As one of the first Cuban ex-pat brands available in the U.S., Hoyo de Monterrey laid the foundation for Honduran cigarmaking nearly 60 years ago . . . and 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.”

Cigar Details:

Factory: STG – Danlí, Honduras
Size: 4½”x50
Body & Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Honduran Jamastran
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan

Presented in boxes of 10

Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Rothschild Cigar Review

Construction-wise, this Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Rothschild is very well done. The wrapper is even in color throughout with a light oiliness, a faint reddish tint, and expertly rolled. The cap is a textbook triple seam that cut cleanly and issued an excellent draw with a dried apricot flavor.

Once lit, the first few puffs were spicy, but the cigar rounded out fairly quickly issuing early flavors of sweet tobacco, some nuttiness, and a semi-spicy finish. The burn got off to an even start revealing firm, light grey ashes. The body and strength were medium, and the ambient smoke was thick and cloudy.

By the first inch, the Rothschild continued to smoke smoothly, burn well and issued a well-balanced mix of natural sweetness, dried fruit tanginess, an almond-like nuttiness, and a hint of dry earth.

As the burn reached the halfway mark, the cigar was still chugging along smoothly with the same medium strength flavor profile. However, the spice was better defined offering more of a cinnamon flavor.

During the last two-and-a-half inches the cigar became a little earthier and spicier as some of the sweetness began to fade. Even with that, the strength didn’t increase. Leaving it with about an inch-and-a-half nub, the cigar finished up nicely and left me wanting more.

Was Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Weekend Worthy?

Rather than my usual solo effort, I smoked my second Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo Rothschild outside on the Famous Smoke Shop retail store’s patio with five regular customers whom I also happen to know. Good conversation ensued, and I think this social setting allowed me to examine the cigar in a more relaxed atmosphere. In any event, both of my Rojo samples were consistent in flavor, strength, and overall enjoyment.

As a fan of Honduran cigars and the Rothschild format I liked how the Jamastran wrapper stood up to a sunny, breezy, and fairly dry day without cracking. I also liked the balance between the different tobaccos and the flavor profile, which seems right in the pocket for most cigar smokers. This is a cigar you can smoke just about any time of day, and combined with its reasonable price, the Rojo is worth trying, and I would smoke the Rothschild again without hesitation.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.