Beneath the Band: Hoyo de Monterrey le Hoyo de San Juan

[El Presidente]

This series seeks to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy.

Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts.  This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away 

Today: Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan 54 × 150 mm (5⅞″)

Big fan of the San Juan. This Double Robusto is jam packed full of flavour. It is suave yet complex delivering  spiced cream, almonds, sweet tea notes, touch of cedar.

I have had a few in 2026 that pushed above 95 points and none that went under 92. I find them consistent and immensely satisfying. Only the Rio Seco on the Hoyo de Monterrey Marque run it close for best in class. Yes, I am a fan 

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan: Let us know your thoughts! 

 

[Li Bai]

Big fan here also, despite its big RG. Full of flavour and always delivers.

I haven't been so lucky with its brother the Rio Seco, this one's my favourite fatty by far 👍

[JohnS]

Very, very good. So consistent, whether aged or young. I'm quite satisfied. If only the current prices weren't what they are, I'd eagerly buy more. Perhaps I still will!

[joeypots]

I got a '14 box of the San Juan in trade with an esteemed member of this forum. Once the box was cracked they went fast and that says it all. I still remember giving one to an old dear friend at a beach bonfire who tossed it after he smoked a third of it. I'm far less generous these days. Are they up there with the HU Connoisseur B? They aren't too far off for sure. Value wise I'd maybe splurge on a box of SJ but probably not on the Conni B.

I got over thinking 52RG was too fat with the Siglo VI, I'm wrestling with the idea that I could actually approve of a cigar with a 56 RG like the Rio Seco.

[Lucas Buck]

Instantly fell in love with the first one I smoked just last year. In fact it was my cigar of the year which took me by surprise. Great to hear new production is smoking 90+. Easily my favorite of the 52+ brigade. 

[Chibearsv]

7 hours ago, joeypots said:

Once the box was cracked they went fast and that says it all.

San Juans and Rio Secos tend to both go this way for me as well. Now that I'm down to around 5 each, I've slowed it down, but they still call to me regularly.

[BrightonCorgi]

Big fan of all new R&J releases. My favorite is the Cedro Deluxe, but San Juan is a winner too.

[Ford2112]

Last one I smoked was so good I can still taste it. Unfortunately I lost the final third when it dropped in the river while fishing ! Love the blend, prefer the size to the Rio Seco.

[Çnote]

I was shocked to like this fatty so much, also more than the Rio Seco as others have mentioned.

[Shakey]

I'm not generally a fan of Hoyo but this is one of the exceptions and my personal favorite from the brand.  

[Allroz]

I have tried, but I just don’t get this cigar. I would grab a Seco over this any day, or really anything else in the HdM portfolio. 

[thecrowder]

I’m a big fan. In my opinion, might be one of the best cigars being made today. I especially love the tubos…just haven’t run across them much lately. 

[westg]

For me the perfect format. Love the size. A great balance of spice and gingerbread sweetness. I fell in love with them when they were first released. I can't remember having a construction or blend issue. I am a huge fan.