There’s no denying that Cuban cigars are getting thicker while thinner, traditional sizes are disappearing. The Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Río Seco is a perfect example. At a ring gauge of 56, it’s the thickest regular-production cigar to come out of Cuba. Habanos began fattening its Le Hoyo series in 2014 with the Le Hoyo de San Juan (54 ring). Four years later, it came out with this hefty smoke.
The Río Seco represents a modern way to experience Cuban cigars—one that allows for more tobacco and, ideally, more expression of Cuba’s terroir. Whether you like heavy ring gauges or not, the Río Seco inarguably delivers impressions of cinnamon, nutmeg, oak and caramel that are nuanced and delicious.