When was the Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisito discontinued and why?

The Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisito was discontinued in 2003, ending a production run that spanned over four decades. As a machine-made vitola measuring 125mm x 33 ring gauge, it fell victim to changing market preferences and Habanos S.A.'s strategic shift toward premium hand-rolled cigars. The discontinuation aligned with broader industry trends phasing out machine-made Cuban cigars in favor of higher-margin artisanal products. Collectors now seek remaining boxes, particularly those with pre-2003 date codes.

What are the dimensions and smoking time of a Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisito?

The Exquisito measured 125mm (4.9 inches) in length with a 33 ring gauge, classifying it as a small panetela format. Typical smoking duration ranged 25-35 minutes, making it suitable for brief occasions. Its compact dimensions distinguished it from larger Hoyo de Monterrey offerings like the Epicure No. 2. The slender 33 ring gauge required careful handling to avoid overheating, a common characteristic of machine-made cigars from this era with tighter draws than contemporary hand-rolled equivalents.

How does the Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisito compare to other discontinued Cuban machine-made cigars?

The Exquisito shared manufacturing lineage with other discontinued machine-made Cubans like the Montecristo Mini and Cohiba Mini, though it predated many as a pre-1960 release. Unlike mass-market minis, the Exquisito maintained Hoyo de Monterrey's characteristic floral and cedar profile despite mechanized production. Its tobacco composition utilized short filler rather than long-filler leaves reserved for premium hand-rolled cigars. Collectors generally regard the Exquisito more favorably than comparable machine-made vitolas from Romeo y Julieta or Partagás due to its longer aging potential and more complex flavor development.

Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisitos

The Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisitos represents a chapter in Cuban cigar history that has since closed. This machine-made vitola was part of the brand's regular production lineup for decades before being discontinued in 2003. As a pre-1960 release, the Exquisitos served as an accessible entry point into the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio for generations of enthusiasts.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Exquisitos
Factory Name	Petit Cetros
Ring Gauge	40
Length	129 mm (5⅛″)
Official Weight	7.75 g
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band B

Packaging

The Exquisitos was presented in dress boxes containing 100 cigars total. These were arranged as 20 cardboard packs, each holding 5 cigars—a practical packaging format that made the cigar convenient for both retailers and consumers.

History and Status

Originally released prior to 1960, the Exquisitos enjoyed a lengthy run as part of Hoyo de Monterrey's standard offerings. The cigar remained in production for over four decades before being officially discontinued in 2003. Its machine-made construction positioned it as a more affordable option within the brand's range, making the distinctive Hoyo de Monterrey flavor profile accessible to a broader audience.

Legacy

Though no longer in production, the Exquisitos remains a point of interest for collectors and those studying the evolution of Cuban cigar portfolios. The discontinuation of machine-made vitolas like this one reflects the industry's gradual shift toward hand-rolled premium offerings.

See also: All Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars

Hoyo de Monterrey Exquisitos