Hoyo de monterrey portfolio, habanos

Found these in Colombia, these Elegantes are an LCDH exclusive. They come in a figurado format and are classified as medium strength with notes of vanilla and caramelized apple. These elegantes are intended for long term aging and they are very young as this box was from the SUL factory and rolled in NOV of 2025. I did have one just to get a baseline but it definitely was not showing full complexity yet and will be noticeably better in 3-5 years and outstanding in 8-10 years.

• Cigar Name: Elegante

• Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey

• Vitola: Figurado or "Tacos" as known in Cuba

• Length / Ring Gauge: 6 1/4" by 47

• Country of Origin: Cuba

• Cigar Construction:  Full Cuban construction

• Notes: Nutmeg, candied apple and vanilla

I consider these an everyday cigar, they deliver true cuban refinement without demanding a special occasion. While most Cubans are for long term aging and very special occasions, this one with its short vitola and mild to medium body, is an everyday companion. 

• Cigar Name: Flor Extrafina

• Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey

• Vitola: Petit Robusto

• Length / Ring Gauge: 101mm by 50

• Country of Origin: Cuba

• Cigar Construction:  Full Cuban construction

• Notes: Heavy on wood/cedar

I had the first one of these in Tangier, Morocco. I had taken a cab up to the Fairmont Tazi Palace Hotel from the train station and had became a friend to the driver over the course of my stay as I used him as a personal driver. He brought me some of these one evening to enjoy and I did exactly that.

I went to cafe baba where Anthony Bourdain went and I sat down and ordered a Moroccan mint tea and cut and lit this Epicure No. 2—Sweet, relaxed, and a smooth smoke as one would expect from a Cuban. I'll never forget the calm atmosphere with the windows open and everyone smoking and having tea/espresso. 

As I sat there, I noticed the pictures of Bourdain on the wall and was happy to be in the same place he was that I watched on his show, what a memorable moment.