Hoyo de Monterrey Souvenir de Luxe
The Hoyo de Monterrey Souvenir de Luxe represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a machine-made vitola that served the brand's portfolio for several decades before eventually being retired. As part of the extensive Hoyo de Monterrey lineup, this cigar offered enthusiasts an accessible entry point into one of Cuba's most storied marques.
Historical Background
The Souvenir de Luxe entered the market prior to 1960, positioning it among the earlier releases in the Hoyo de Monterrey catalog. The cigar maintained regular production status throughout its lifespan, serving smokers for more than two decades before being discontinued during the 1980s. This timeline places the Souvenir de Luxe firmly within the pre-Revolution and early post-Revolution era of Cuban cigar manufacturing.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Souvenir de Luxe |
| Factory Name | Petit Coronas |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Length | 129 mm (5⅛″) |
| Official Weight | 8.46 g |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Band | Standard band B |
| Packaging | Aluminium pack of 5 cigars in cellophane |
| Status | Discontinued (1980s) |
Construction and Presentation
Unlike many of Hoyo de Monterrey's premium hand-rolled offerings, the Souvenir de Luxe was produced using machine-made construction methods. This manufacturing approach allowed for greater production efficiency and consistency, making the cigar more widely available to consumers seeking the Hoyo de Monterrey experience at a more modest price point.
The cigar featured the brand's standard B band design, maintaining visual continuity with other releases in the portfolio. Its presentation was distinctive: packaged in aluminium packs containing five cigars, each individually wrapped in cellophane. This packaging format offered practical protection and portability, making the Souvenir de Luxe a convenient option for travelers and casual smokers alike.
The Petit Coronas Format
Under its factory designation of Petit Coronas, the Souvenir de Luxe measured 129 millimeters (approximately 5⅛ inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge. This classic format delivered a balanced smoking experience—substantial enough to provide satisfying flavor development while remaining approachable for shorter smoking sessions. The 8.46 gram weight reflects the compact yet well-proportioned construction typical of this vitola category.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the Hoyo de Monterrey Souvenir de Luxe exists only as a discontinued reference in cigar history. Having exited production during the 1980s, remaining examples have become increasingly scarce. For collectors and historians of Cuban tobacco, this machine-made release offers insight into the broader production strategies employed by Hoyo de Monterrey during a transformative period in Cuba's cigar industry.