Time travel in smoke: 22-year-old Hoyo des Dieux

I tested the legendary Hoyo des Dieux with boxing date February 2002. This cigar was smoked on 31 October 2024 at the exclusive Cuba cigar and vintage cocktail event organised by La Casa del Habano St. Gallen by Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG. Unfortunately, I was ill and couldn't attend. Thomas Portmann kindly sent me the two cigars from the event. Here is my test judgement of the cigar. I even still have a box like this from October 2013, I have just realised. This vitola was discontinued in 2014 and is a Coronas Grandes (155mm length, ring 42).

Ha! I even discovered a box at my place! Boxingdate OCT 13.

This vitola was discontinued in 2014. They only received the cigar ring (anilla) from around mid-2005; prior to this, the cigars did not have an anilla.

External impression before lighting

The cigars did not have a cigar ring (anilla) before 2005. The cigar has a very elegant and refined appearance. The wrapper is silky, finely oiled and evenly processed. The colour is a medium-brown, warm marron, which, in combination with a subtle marbling, is pleasantly eye-catching. The cold smell is earthy with a hint of cedar wood and slightly sweet nuances - a wonderful introduction.

Here it is, a 22-year-old „des Dieux“. If you look closely, can you recognise which series is currently playing in the background? Write it in the comments below 🙂

Lighting and the first 5 minutes

The cigar was easy to light and immediately offered an even burn. The draw was perfect - neither too light nor too heavy. A gentle, pleasant flavour with floral and woody notes developed within the first few minutes. Retronasal hints of cocoa and nut were present, opening up a rounded and harmonious flavour profile.

The ash is compact, but you shouldn't overdo it and leave it on the cigar for too long.

During the smoke

As it progressed, the intensity increased gently. The smoke was soft and creamy, the flavours became richer. Notes of coffee, cedar and leather dominated, accompanied by subtle hints of pepper. The room note was pleasant and subtly floral. The taste showed a clear increase: from initially mild to medium-bodied and finally more intense, full-bodied flavours. Retronasally, the cigar offered a rich variety that rounded off the enjoyment perfectly.

The progression was harmonious with slight up and down movements that made the smoke interesting and varied. Towards the end, the cigar became more intense without losing its balance.

A wonderful, elegant smoke right to the end.

Overall impression

An impressive cigar that impresses with its elegance and complexity. It is a prime example of how cigars are matured over two decades and proves that time and patience are rewarded with great enjoyment.

The combination of classic flavours, a perfect finish and a harmonious progression makes this cigar an experience that I would recommend to any aficionado.

Many thanks to Thomas Portmann for this unique opportunity. I will remember this cigar for a long time to come - a piece of Cuban history in a smoking experience.

What's your opinion on this post - and did you recognise the series that can be seen on the screen in the background? Leave us a short comment! Without registration, following this post.

Resources on the topic

La Casa del Habano St. Gallen by Urs Portmann

Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG

This might also interest you

To the event article from 31.10.24: Cuba Vintage Night with cigars and vintage cocktails

More smoke. With me.💨🤗

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