What is the Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 and when was it produced?

The Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 was a machine-made regular production Cuban cigar manufactured from approximately 1960 until its discontinuation in the mid-1980s. It featured a 38 ring gauge by 5.5 inch length (140mm), placing it in the slender vitola category popular during that era. Unlike hand-rolled Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, this was produced using machine-bunching methods with short filler tobacco, making it more accessible price-wise while still bearing the prestigious Hoyo de Monterrey marca.

How does the Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 compare to other Cuban cigars from the same period?

The Cristales No.1 competed in the machine-made segment alongside other Cuban brands like Romeo y Julieta and Partagás, which also offered mechanized vitolas. Its 38 x 140mm dimensions matched the standard "cristal" format common across multiple marcas. While lacking the complexity of hand-rolled Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure series cigars, it delivered the brand's characteristic light-to-medium body with floral and cedar notes. Collectors now seek surviving boxes primarily for historical significance rather than smoking quality.

What makes the Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 collectible today?

Surviving boxes of Cristales No.1 command interest due to their scarcity and representation of Cuba's mid-century machine-made cigar industry. Authentic specimens feature pre-1985 packaging with distinct band designs and glass tube options that preceded the modern tubo format. Condition varies dramatically; properly humidified examples may still smoke, though the short filler construction limits aging potential compared to long-filler counterparts. Authentication requires examination of Habanos SA era markings and factory codes from the José Martí or Briones Montoto facilities.

What is the Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 and when was it produced?

The Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 was a machine-made regular production Cuban cigar manufactured from approximately 1960 until its discontinuation in the mid-1980s. It featured a 38 ring gauge by 5.5 inch length (140mm), placing it in the slender vitola category popular during that era. Unlike hand-rolled Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, this was produced using machine-bunching methods with short filler tobacco, making it more accessible price-wise while still bearing the prestigious Hoyo de Monterrey marca.

How does the Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 compare to other Cuban cigars from the same period?

The Cristales No.1 competed in the machine-made segment alongside other Cuban brands like Romeo y Julieta and Partagás, which also offered mechanized vitolas. Its 38 x 140mm dimensions matched the standard "cristal" format common across multiple marcas. While lacking the complexity of hand-rolled Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure series cigars, it delivered the brand's characteristic light-to-medium body with floral and cedar notes. Collectors now seek surviving boxes primarily for historical significance rather than smoking quality.

What makes the Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 collectible today?

Surviving boxes of Cristales No.1 command interest due to their scarcity and representation of Cuba's mid-century machine-made cigar industry. Authentic specimens feature pre-1985 packaging with distinct band designs and glass tube options that preceded the modern tubo format. Condition varies dramatically; properly humidified examples may still smoke, though the short filler construction limits aging potential compared to long-filler counterparts. Authentication requires examination of Habanos SA era markings and factory codes from the José Martí or Briones Montoto facilities.

Cigar Information

Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1

The Cristales No.1 represents a fascinating chapter in the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio—a machine-made vitola that catered to cigar enthusiasts during the mid-20th century before eventually being retired from production. This regular production cigar offers collectors and historians a glimpse into the brand's approach to accessible smoking experiences during a transformative era in Cuban cigar manufacturing.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Cristales No.1
Factory Name	Coronas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	142 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	9.29 g
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band B

Packaging Options

Hoyo de Monterrey Cristales No.1 packaging

The Cristales No.1 was offered in two distinct presentation formats, both emphasizing protection and elegance:

Dress box containing 25 cigars, each housed in individual glass tubes
Glass jar packaging holding 50 cigars

The glass tube presentation was particularly practical for the era, preserving freshness while offering an attractive display for retailers and consumers alike.

Production History

The Cristales No.1 entered the market prior to 1960, establishing itself as part of Hoyo de Monterrey's regular production lineup during a period when machine-made cigars held significant market share. The vitola remained available through the 1960s before being discontinued during the 1970s, making it a relatively short-lived offering in the grand timeline of Cuban cigar production.

As a machine-constructed cigar, the Cristales No.1 represented the brand's commitment to providing quality smoking experiences at accessible price points—a common practice among Cuban manufacturers during this era before the industry gradually shifted greater focus toward handmade premium offerings.

Collectibility

Given its discontinuation in the 1970s and its machine-made construction, the Cristales No.1 has become a noteworthy item for collectors specializing in vintage Cuban cigars. The distinctive packaging formats, particularly the glass jar presentation, make surviving examples especially desirable among enthusiasts of historical Hoyo de Monterrey releases.

Questions & Answers

Back to Encyclopedia