José Gener, a Spanish immigrant from Tarragona, had a keen eye for quality back in 1860! He was one of those who recognised the unique quality of the tobacco leaves grown around the small village of San Luis y Martínez, amidst the exceptional vegetation of the Vuelta Abajo growing region – which today enjoys protected designation of origin status.
He was particularly taken with the filler and binder leaves for his Hoyo de Monterrey brand, named after the valley in which the plantations stretch right down to the banks of the River San Juan y Martínez – the Monterrey Valley.
The pioneer Gener not only named the entire plantation Hoyo de Monterrey, but from 1865 onwards also his finest Habanos brand, which still exists today. The plantation, with its administrative buildings and factory, is situated in the heart of the tobacco-growing village of San Luis y Martínez – it is one of the few ‘Vegas de Primera’, where only the finest leaves grow, some of which are also used for Cohibas. The entrance to the plantation is adorned by an imposing gate bearing the inscription ‘Hoyo de Monterrey. José Gener. 1860’. It has made a name for itself worldwide, particularly amongst Habanos connoisseurs who prefer a mild flavour whilst also demanding high standards of aroma and complexity. With its refined blend, it is equally popular with discerning beginners.
All sizes are ‘totalmente a mano, tripa larga’ – long-fillers made entirely by hand, with filler and wrapper leaves from the Vuelta Abajo.