What is the history of the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon cigar and when was it discontinued?

The Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon was a regular production vitola that traced its origins to the mid-20th century, serving as a staple in the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio for several decades. This cigar measured 143mm x 16.67mm (5 5/8" x 42 ring gauge), classifying it as a Corona Grande. Production ceased in the early 2000s, making it a discontinued line that now exists primarily in private collections and occasional auction appearances.

What are the flavor profile and tasting notes of the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon?

The Odeon delivered the marca's characteristic light-to-medium body with pronounced floral and cedar notes, accompanied by subtle honey sweetness and toasted almond. The 42 ring gauge allowed the Hoyo blend's signature creaminess to dominate, with a clean finish lacking harshness. Compared to the Epicure No. 2, the Odeon offered more delicacy and less earthy depth, appealing to smokers preferring elegance over power.

How does the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon compare to other discontinued Cuban coronas?

The Odeon shares dimensions with the Punch Coronas and Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas, though it remained milder than both. Its 143mm length provided approximately 45-50 minutes of smoking time. Unlike the Partagás Coronas Junior or Romeo y Julieta Coronitas, the Odeon prioritized refinement over complexity. Current market values for aged examples typically exceed $50 per cigar, reflecting scarcity rather than inherent superiority to available alternatives like the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire.

What is the history of the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon cigar and when was it discontinued?

The Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon was a regular production vitola that traced its origins to the mid-20th century, serving as a staple in the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio for several decades. This cigar measured 143mm x 16.67mm (5 5/8" x 42 ring gauge), classifying it as a Corona Grande. Production ceased in the early 2000s, making it a discontinued line that now exists primarily in private collections and occasional auction appearances.

What are the flavor profile and tasting notes of the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon?

The Odeon delivered the marca's characteristic light-to-medium body with pronounced floral and cedar notes, accompanied by subtle honey sweetness and toasted almond. The 42 ring gauge allowed the Hoyo blend's signature creaminess to dominate, with a clean finish lacking harshness. Compared to the Epicure No. 2, the Odeon offered more delicacy and less earthy depth, appealing to smokers preferring elegance over power.

How does the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon compare to other discontinued Cuban coronas?

The Odeon shares dimensions with the Punch Coronas and Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas, though it remained milder than both. Its 143mm length provided approximately 45-50 minutes of smoking time. Unlike the Partagás Coronas Junior or Romeo y Julieta Coronitas, the Odeon prioritized refinement over complexity. Current market values for aged examples typically exceed $50 per cigar, reflecting scarcity rather than inherent superiority to available alternatives like the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire.

Cigar Information

Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon

The Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that enjoyed decades of production before eventually being retired. As part of the prestigious Hoyo de Monterrey marca, the Odeon embodied the traditional craftsmanship and elegant smoking experience that defined Cuban cigars throughout much of the twentieth century.

Historical Background

The Odeon was introduced prior to 1960, placing it among the classic Cuban releases that predated the nationalization of the cigar industry. This timing means the cigar was born during Cuba's golden age of premium cigar production, when the island's tobacco artisans were perfecting techniques that would become legendary among aficionados worldwide.

Production continued for several decades before the vitola was ultimately discontinued during the 1980s. While no longer available, the Odeon remains a point of interest for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the historical evolution of Cuban cigar formats.

Specifications

Factory Name	Laguito No.2
Ring Gauge	38
Length	152 mm (6 inches)
Official Weight	8.15 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band B
Packaging	Cajón of 100 cigars
Production Status	Discontinued (1980s)

Format and Character

The Odeon's dimensions place it firmly in the category of longer, slender panatela-style cigars. With a ring gauge of 38 and a generous six-inch length, this vitola offered smokers an extended, elegant experience typical of the era's preferences. The Laguito No.2 factory designation indicates it was produced at one of Cuba's most prestigious rolling facilities, known for crafting some of the island's finest cigars.

The slender 38 ring gauge would have delivered a focused, concentrated smoke that allowed the tobacco's nuanced flavors to shine through without the broader flavor canvas of thicker formats. This style of cigar was particularly popular among traditionalists who appreciated the refined smoking experience such dimensions provided.

Packaging

The Odeon was presented in traditional cabinet style, packaged in cajónes containing 100 cigars. This substantial presentation format was characteristic of premium Cuban cigars of the period, designed for serious collectors and establishments rather than casual retail display.

Legacy

Though the Hoyo de Monterrey Odeon has been absent from production for decades, it remains an important reference point for understanding the evolution of Cuban cigar offerings. The vitola represents an era when longer, thinner formats enjoyed greater popularity, and its discontinuation reflects the shifting preferences of the global cigar market toward progressively larger ring gauges.

For students of Cuban cigar history, the Odeon serves as a reminder of the rich variety of formats that have borne the Hoyo de Monterrey name over the brand's storied existence.

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