What is the history of the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire?

The Le Hoyo du Maire is a historic Cuban cigar that has remained in continuous production since its debut prior to 1960. While marketed under the Hoyo de Monterrey brand, it holds a distinct identity and was historically known within the factory by the unique vitola name "Entreactos." This designation refers to its specific dimensions and role within the brand's portfolio. It represents one of the older, established formats in the Cuban cigar industry, surviving various nationalization changes and market shifts to remain a staple for aficionados of traditional Havana cigars.

What are the size and flavor profile of the Le Hoyo du Maire?

This cigar features a slender Parejo format with specific dimensions of 100mm (3.9 inches) in length and a 30 ring gauge (11.26mm diameter). Its thin profile concentrates the smoke, delivering a distinctively medium-bodied flavor profile. Smokers will detect prominent grassy and herbal notes, typical of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco used by Hoyo de Monterrey, accompanied by hints of honey and floral sweetness. The finish is generally creamy and mild, making it an elegant choice for those who prefer nuanced, delicate flavors over heavy spice.

How long does a Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire last?

Due to its diminutive dimensions—a 100mm length and a slender 30 ring gauge—the Le Hoyo du Maire offers a concise smoking duration. Enthusiasts can expect a smoking time of approximately 20 to 35 minutes. This makes the "Entreactos" format an ideal choice for a brief interlude or a "in-between" smoke, as its factory name suggests. It pairs well with a light morning coffee or an espresso, providing a complete flavor experience without requiring the hour-long time commitment demanded by thicker Robusto or Churchill-sized cigars.

What is the history of the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire?

The Le Hoyo du Maire is a historic Cuban cigar that has remained in continuous production since its debut prior to 1960. While marketed under the Hoyo de Monterrey brand, it holds a distinct identity and was historically known within the factory by the unique vitola name "Entreactos." This designation refers to its specific dimensions and role within the brand's portfolio. It represents one of the older, established formats in the Cuban cigar industry, surviving various nationalization changes and market shifts to remain a staple for aficionados of traditional Havana cigars.

What are the size and flavor profile of the Le Hoyo du Maire?

This cigar features a slender Parejo format with specific dimensions of 100mm (3.9 inches) in length and a 30 ring gauge (11.26mm diameter). Its thin profile concentrates the smoke, delivering a distinctively medium-bodied flavor profile. Smokers will detect prominent grassy and herbal notes, typical of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco used by Hoyo de Monterrey, accompanied by hints of honey and floral sweetness. The finish is generally creamy and mild, making it an elegant choice for those who prefer nuanced, delicate flavors over heavy spice.

How long does a Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire last?

Due to its diminutive dimensions—a 100mm length and a slender 30 ring gauge—the Le Hoyo du Maire offers a concise smoking duration. Enthusiasts can expect a smoking time of approximately 20 to 35 minutes. This makes the "Entreactos" format an ideal choice for a brief interlude or a "in-between" smoke, as its factory name suggests. It pairs well with a light morning coffee or an espresso, providing a complete flavor experience without requiring the hour-long time commitment demanded by thicker Robusto or Churchill-sized cigars.

Cigar Information

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire

The Le Hoyo du Maire stands as one of the most distinctive offerings in the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio, a cigar that has remained in continuous production since its debut before 1960. Known internally at the factory by the name "Entreactos," this slender vitola represents the elegant, refined side of Cuban cigar craftsmanship.

Specifications

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire packaging

Name	Le Hoyo du Maire
Factory Name	Entreactos
Length	100 mm (3⅞″)
Ring Gauge	30
Official Weight	3.27 g
Construction	Handmade
Status	Current Regular Production
Release Date	Pre-1960

Packaging and Bands

The Le Hoyo du Maire has seen several packaging configurations throughout its long history. The cigar was originally sold in slide-lid boxes containing 25 cigars, and this format remains available today. Additional presentations included cardboard packs of five cigars and slide-lid boxes of 50 cigars, though both of these options were discontinued around 2006.

Band configurations have evolved over time. Slide-lid boxes carried no bands prior to approximately 2005, after which the standard band E was applied. The five-pack cardboard presentations featured standard band C.

Flavor Profile

This slender cigar delivers a surprisingly nuanced smoking experience, with vanilla and cocoa notes emerging as the most frequently cited characteristics among reviewers. Wood and spice elements provide a structural backbone to the flavor profile, while cedar contributes aromatic depth.

The Le Hoyo du Maire exhibits moderate intensity across all measured characteristics, earning mid-range scores for elegance, balance, strength, complexity, and aftertaste. With an overall rating of 3.59 out of 5 based on 49 reviews, the cigar appeals to smokers seeking a refined, approachable smoke rather than overwhelming power.

Tasting Notes

The following flavors have been identified by reviewers, listed in order of frequency:

Vanilla (24 mentions)
Cocoa (21 mentions)
Wood (19 mentions)
Spice (18 mentions)
Cedar (10 mentions)
Cinnamon (7 mentions)
Tobacco (7 mentions)
Clove (5 mentions)
Baking Spice (4 mentions)
Coffee (3 mentions)
Milk Chocolate (3 mentions)
Cream (2 mentions)
Berries, Dark Chocolate, Earth, Floral, Grilled, Hay, Leather, Pepper, Perfume, Toast (1 mention each)

Related Releases

A special edition of this vitola was produced for the Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor, representing a commemorative interpretation of the classic Le Hoyo du Maire format.

Questions & Answers

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