Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey Cigar & Drink Pairings

November 19, 2018

When selecting a good drink to pair with the legendary Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar, in general, you should try to match the relative strength of both the beverage and the cigar so that one doesn’t overpower the other. However, before you can accomplish this task, let’s take a closer look at this famous Cuban heritage brand.  Before we begin, those new to the hobby should know that Hoyo de Monterrey has been producing comparably delicious handmade premium cigars in Honduras since 1970, but since its Cuban namesake is still illegal in the states, thanks to the Cuban embargo of 1962,  American smokers that travel abroad are always looking to smoke them there, or bring the legal limit of these famous cigars back home to enjoy alone or share with family and friends.

Founded in 1865 by Cuban tobacco grower José Gene, the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar remains one of the most sought-after premium brands in the world.  The Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar owes its origin to the town of San Luis y Martinez, which lies at the heart of the Vuelta Abajo region, an area far north of Havana highly regarded as the nirvana or rich fertile soil, and the perfect climate for growing tobacco. The Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar blend makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a medium to full-bodied blend that’s creamy textured on the palate and displays unrivaled complexity and balance.  Best described as an earthy sweet smoke, accented by hints of cocoa, leather, and baking spices, the Cuban Hoyo starts off very smoothly but slowly creeps up in strength, in a very rich way, and may be too strong for the unknowing novice, especially if smoked on an empty stomach.

That said, there are quite a few drinks that can stand up to this deceptively robust blend. Now that you know the flavor profile, some classic couplings with the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar are cognac, single malt whiskey, bourbon, rum, and rye. The rich, smoky sweetness of the above-mentioned drinks compliments the overall experience without negating each other. However, those taking the beer route for this pairing may want to start with a stout, a very dark, slightly spicy, and a chocolaty brew of Belgian origin which will complement the multi-layered nuances of the Cuban Hoyo. In addition, some of the seasonal craft beers, IPA’s, lagers, and fruity beers will further enhance the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey’s inherently sweet tobacco flavors.

For those planning to go the non-alcoholic route, a good cup of dark roast coffee, espresso, and even a cold glass of chocolate milk, or your favorite Cola can really make the flavors of the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar stand-out!

Pairing the above-mentioned drinks is just one part of the equation because even some red wines or ports provide a splendid companion for this luxury Habano. But in the end, your taste is the final judge as to what will work and what won’t.

Have fun testing out different combinations and develop your own perfect drink pairings to savor with the iconic Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey cigar.

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