Where Do Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars Come From?

Like many fine cigars that have been around many years, Hoyo de Monterrey cigars are originally from Cuba. Of course with the ban in place against the sale, trade and distribution of Cuban products in the United States, the makers of this brand ended up moving their production to Honduras. As a result, there are two companies that produce this line of fine cigars that share the same name.

Hoyo de Monterrey cigars got its start, thanks to a man named Don Jose Gener y Batet in 1831. After coming to Cuba from Spain, Gener used his experience from working at his uncle’s plantation to come up with his own cigar. With success in Britain, the company ended up owning one of the largest factories in Cuba. With Gener’s death in 1900, his daughter took his place at the head of the company and it remained a family business for 30 years. In the 1930s, however, the Hoyo de Monterrey brand was sold to another firm. 

The new owners ended up leaving Cuba for Florida when the Cuban government forcefully took over control of the company. Luckily, the Cuban seeds were successfully smuggled out of the country and found a home in Honduras, where production of tobacco for the Hoyo de Monterrey cigars continues to be produced for the American market.

In addition to the United States, this brand is also widely popular around the world. Over the years, the Hoyo de Monterrey brand has been known for its great balance of medium body with a creamy, solid flavor, which is due to its multi country blend.

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars

When it comes to fine cigars, the Rocky Patel brand stands out among the competition and is well known for its quality and design. Based in Florida, this line of cigars was brought to the masses thanks to the founder, Rakesh “Rocky” Patel. As a former entertainment lawyer, Patel left his business after coming across the opportunity to create his own line of fine cigars. This led him to seek the best materials and put together a product that he felt was missing from the industry. With the success of his Indian Tabac blend in the 1990s, Patel went on to create the Vintage line of Rocky Patel cigars in 2003.

This brand of cigars has continued to enjoy success around the world and consistently receives a top rating of 90 by Cigar Aficionado and other publications that specialize in spotlighting the best of the best in the cigar manufacturing industry.

In addition to the wide range of cigars available for retail, Patel’s company also produces special cigars for private label retailers. These include the Conuco, Cruz Real, Vibe, Reo, Chicago Reserve Torpedo and the Rocky Patel American Market Selection, Honduran Classic, Rosado, Fuma, Cuban Blend, and Ocean Club.

In terms of production, the company prefers to purchase its materials directly from growers instead of owning their own factories and plantations. Honduras is currently the main source of materials that are used to create the cigars. Mr. Patel himself makes it a point to be very hands-on with the entire process and regularly travels to oversee the process of drying, fermenting, aging and blending the cigars. Additionally, he travels around the world, promoting his brand and creating new waves of devoted followers.