Unlike most hand-rolled premiums, the Hoyo de Monterrey Humidor No.1 was a machine-made offering in the regular production lineup for several decades. This cigar, now discontinued, offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into the manufacturing practices and market preferences of mid-20th century Cuba.
Historical Background
The Humidor No.1 entered the market before 1960, making it one of the older releases in the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio. The cigar continued production through the early decades of the revolutionary period before being discontinued during the 1980s. Its lengthy production run speaks to its commercial viability and the demand for machine-constructed cigars during this era.
The factory name "Conservas" (designated as the old nomenclature) provides insight into how this vitola was classified within Cuban tobacco operations. Such factory names often reflected characteristics of the cigar or paid homage to historical naming conventions within the industry.
Construction and Presentation
As a machine-made cigar, the Humidor No.1 was produced using automated processes rather than hand-rolling techniques. This manufacturing method allowed for greater consistency and volume output, making quality Cuban cigars accessible to a broader market segment. The cigar featured the standard Band B designation, consistent with other offerings in the Hoyo de Monterrey range.
True to its name, the Humidor No.1 was presented in an elegant format—a dedicated humidor containing 50 individual cigars, each wrapped in protective cellophane. This packaging approach made it an attractive option for collectors and those seeking a substantial quantity of cigars stored in optimal conditions.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Humidor No.1 |
| Factory Name | Conservas (old) |
| Ring Gauge | 44 |
| Length | 145 mm (5¾″) |
| Official Weight | 9.57 g |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Band | Standard Band B |
| Packaging | Humidor of 50 cigars in cellophane |
| Release Date | Pre-1960 |
| Discontinued | 1980s |
| Status | Discontinued Regular Production |
Collectibility and Legacy
Given its discontinuation in the 1980s and its origins in the pre-1960 era, the Hoyo de Monterrey Humidor No.1 has become a sought-after item among serious cigar collectors. Surviving examples, particularly those still in their original humidor presentation, represent significant historical artifacts from Cuba's tobacco heritage. The combination of machine construction and the respected Hoyo de Monterrey brand name creates an interesting intersection of accessibility and prestige that defined much of mid-century Cuban cigar production.