What are the dimensions and ring gauge of Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi?

The Le Hoyo du Roi measured 140mm (5.5 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge, classifying it as a Corona Gorda. This vitola featured the classic Le Hoyo series band with its distinctive red and gold coloring, distinguishing it from the standard Hoyo de Monterrey line. The cigar was entirely hand-rolled using long-filler tobacco from Cuba's Vuelta Abajo region.

When was Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi discontinued and why?

Habanos S.A. retired the Le Hoyo du Roi in 2009 as part of a broader rationalization of the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio. The elimination affected several Le Hoyo series sizes, consolidating the brand's offerings around more commercially viable vitolas. Collectors and enthusiasts now seek remaining boxes, particularly those with pre-2009 date codes, as the cigar has become increasingly scarce on the secondary market.

How does Le Hoyo du Roi compare to other Hoyo de Monterrey cigars in flavor profile?

The Le Hoyo du Roi delivered the brand's characteristic light-to-medium body with pronounced cedar, cream, and subtle floral notes. Compared to the Epicure No. 2, it offered greater refinement and complexity, while remaining more accessible than the fuller-bodied Double Coronas. The 42 ring gauge provided concentrated flavor delivery, rewarding patient smoking with developing sweetness and toasted almond characteristics in the final third.

What are the dimensions and ring gauge of Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi?

The Le Hoyo du Roi measured 140mm (5.5 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge, classifying it as a Corona Gorda. This vitola featured the classic Le Hoyo series band with its distinctive red and gold coloring, distinguishing it from the standard Hoyo de Monterrey line. The cigar was entirely hand-rolled using long-filler tobacco from Cuba's Vuelta Abajo region.

When was Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi discontinued and why?

Habanos S.A. retired the Le Hoyo du Roi in 2009 as part of a broader rationalization of the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio. The elimination affected several Le Hoyo series sizes, consolidating the brand's offerings around more commercially viable vitolas. Collectors and enthusiasts now seek remaining boxes, particularly those with pre-2009 date codes, as the cigar has become increasingly scarce on the secondary market.

How does Le Hoyo du Roi compare to other Hoyo de Monterrey cigars in flavor profile?

The Le Hoyo du Roi delivered the brand's characteristic light-to-medium body with pronounced cedar, cream, and subtle floral notes. Compared to the Epicure No. 2, it offered greater refinement and complexity, while remaining more accessible than the fuller-bodied Double Coronas. The 42 ring gauge provided concentrated flavor delivery, rewarding patient smoking with developing sweetness and toasted almond characteristics in the final third.

Cigar Information

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi

The Le Hoyo du Roi represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that traced its origins to the pre-1960 era before eventually being retired in 2009. As part of the esteemed Hoyo de Monterrey brand, this cigar carried forward the legacy of one of Cuba's most respected marcas, offering enthusiasts a classic Coronas format that embodied traditional Cuban craftsmanship.

History and Background

The Le Hoyo du Roi entered the market sometime before 1960, making it one of the older established releases within the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio. The cigar enjoyed decades of production before being discontinued in 2009, marking the end of an era for this particular vitola. During its production lifespan, the cigar underwent several packaging transitions and band changes that reflect the evolution of Cuban cigar presentation standards.

Specifications

Factory Name	Coronas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	142 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	9.29 g
Construction	Handmade
Status	Discontinued (2009)

Band and Packaging Evolution

The Le Hoyo du Roi experienced notable changes in its presentation throughout its production run. Early slide lid boxes (SLBs) contained no bands on the cigars until approximately 2005, after which the standard Band E was applied. The cardboard packs of five cigars featured both standard bands B and E. This evolution in banding reflects broader changes in Habanos presentation standards during the early 2000s.

Packaging Formats (All Discontinued):

Slide lid box of 25 cigars (discontinued 2009)
Cardboard pack of 5 cigars (discontinued 2006)
Slide lid box of 50 cigars (discontinued c.2003)
Cajón of 100 cigars (discontinued pre-1960s)

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on enthusiast reviews, the Le Hoyo du Roi delivered a sophisticated smoking experience characterized by medium strength and notable complexity. The cigar earned consistently strong ratings across multiple categories, with an overall score of 4.25 out of 5 from 8 reviews.

Average Ratings:

Elegance	4/5
Balance	4/5
Strength	3/5
Complexity	4/5
Aftertaste	4/5
Overall	4.25/5

Detected Flavor Notes:

The Le Hoyo du Roi offered a diverse aromatic palette that included prominent notes of mastic and pine, complemented by spice undertones. Additional complexity came from bitter herbs, cardamom tea, cedar, and cream. More subtle characteristics included forest floor, leather, peach, sweet herbs, tobacco, and vanilla.

Legacy

While the Le Hoyo du Roi is no longer in production, it remains a sought-after find for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the classic Hoyo de Monterrey profile. Its nearly five-decade production run speaks to the enduring appeal of this Coronas-format cigar, and surviving examples continue to provide insight into the traditional Cuban cigar experience that defined an earlier era of Habanos production.

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