Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Cigar - 1 Single

Its difficult to come up with any more superlatives for this cigar than have already been used. So, so satisfying... The aroma is sensational. Sweet honeyed woodsmoke that should be used as incense in heaven. The taste builds slowly from ordinary to sublime. Never over-strong it has savoury flavours in the finish that defy description. A truly amazing smoke

Reviewed by Robert C May (June 2000) As you know I received three examples of the HDM Epi #2, two of these were nearly identical in appearance with a reddish wrapper (rosado?) while the other had more of an "EMS" color. All three cigars featured excellent, even superb, construction. There was a big difference in how they smoked however. Cigar #1: One of the reddish ones. I smoked this cigar on a sunny morning while drinking a root beer and running some errands. The errands took a while as I could not put the cigar down to get out of the car. This cigar had excellent construction with a very nice rosado shaded wrapper, a truly beautiful cigar. Upon lighting the draw was perfect, producing ample volumes of smoke. The burn was also perfect for the first two thirds of the cigar, the burn became a little uneven the last third. The flavor and aroma could best be described as mild, the body light. This is not to say the cigar was not rich in its flavor and aroma. Indeed, the character of this cigar displays the same delicate strength as that of a Jean Patou perfume. Overall a superb cigar that should be tried by all, a perfect late morning or early afternoon smoke, I would recommend the morning. Cigar #2: The other reddish one. This one I can't explain. I probably did smoke it too soon after a late (heavy) lunch. Having said that this was a terrible cigar. The burn was one of the worst I have ever experienced, H2000 perhaps? Not to mention that when I could get it to burn the smoke was harsh and thin. Who knows? Cigar #3: The "EMS One". Nice construction perfect draw. Smoked this one in the afternoon of a pleasant day. Exhibited many of the same qualities of #1. I have to confess I may have been a little critical of this cigar because of cigar #2. I would say it probably was as good as #1, with the same flavor profile, aroma, burn and smoke volume.

Reviewed Jason Maceyko (January 2001) I received my three cigars in perfect condition, just after the New Year. I immediately noticed that they had a beautiful "natural" wrapper and looked quite oily (for a natural). As I picked up the first one, I noticed that it was solid and smooth in structure. I would say perfect in design. The cap was also constructed beautifully. I felt the cigar for bumps and soft spots and found none. Out of curiosity, I checked the other two and didn't find any flaws in those either. By this time, I was excited and already had my punch out to make a perfect circular cut into the nicely flattened cap. I lit my cedar match and "went to work" on this beauty. The initial draw was so easy and effortless that I actually had to look to see if it were lit. Just as I looked, I could taste the smooth, leathery smoke and there was plenty of it. The smoke became even more smooth and leathery, with a nice hint of earthiness, after the next couple of puffs. It was obvious that this was a exceptionally crafted cigar, made with choice tobacco leaf and filler, for a medium body effect. The cigar continued to have a silky smooth leathery taste throughout, and about 1/3 of the way through the cigar, developed a profound earthy taste to accompany the leatheriness. The draw was still very easy and effortless. This cigar is listed as mild to medium flavor but really has a brilliant full flavor taste, disguised by smoothness. I first ashed the Epicure after about 1/4 of the way through and it held nicely. The cigar also burned evenly throughout, never even got hot (as I smoke my cigars ALL the way down). The finish was perfect as well. The flavor of earthiness and leather intensified and left my mouth and throat with a satisfied feeling. I found myself licking my lips a lot with this cigar, and really enjoyed the smooth, leathery taste. Did I mention how easy the draw was on these beauties?? The consistency with all three cigars were the same. I really like that in a cigar. You know what you're getting. THIS IS A GREAT ANYTIME CIGAR!!!! I will be adding these to my purchase list. Thank you to all our friends at C.Gars LTD. for this great opportunity to taste a world great! Jason Maceyko

Reviewed by Drew Rayman (February 2004) My box of Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 was certainly well traveled. Born in Cuba, raised in London. 3 days later: I opened the humidor and remove my first Epicure #2. Looks fine if a bit flat, not the shiny maduro coat of the Hoya Pyramids, rather a dryish natural brown. First thing I usually check is the firmness, especially after a short stay in the box, these were rather solid, about 70% as tight as the the Partagas LE Robusto (which is like a brick). I have a rather unique "cutter"... a friend of mine honed and sharpened a brass 44 caliber bullet (shell) and it punches the most perfect, beautiful hole I've ever seen. Time to light up! Right off the bat, this cigar delivers. Not a hint of bitterness, it was lovely. First third was just a hint of spice, a touch of mocha. The construction was perfect, the draw was full with and easy burn. you will find the second third simply intensifies all the great flavors from the first. Way more earthy and a bit more floral. Right off the bat, this cigar delivers. Not a hint of bitterness, it was lovely. First third was just a hint of spice, a touch of mocha. The construction was perfect, the draw was full with and easy burn. you will find the second third simply intensifies all the great flavors from the first. Way more earthy and a bit more floral. I continued the smoke as I got in the car with a "lady friend" and this is where the cigar distinguishes itself from all others (get your mind out of the gutter all you Bill Clinton fans!). She actually turned to me and said "wow, that cigar smells fantastic!". High praise indeed! And it does. The aroma of the Epicure #2 is the crowning achievement of this cigar. sweet and floral and ALWAYS a pleasure. It got embarrassingly small, and was perfect till the NON-bitter end. I have smoked about 15 of these fine cigars, and here is one last important insight. I guesstimate that 10% of these cigars are rolled too tightly. There's no denying that the tobacco in the product is always exceptional, but my theory is that there is one or two less-skilled workers in the factory that are producing these over rolled cigars. I am not the first to comment on this. And when they are plugged, they're plugged. Mash it, smash it, it's not going to draw. So, in conclusion... a well constructed E2 is my favorite "anytime" cigar. It gets a solid 4.8 out of 5. If its plugged, dump it and light another. HdM Epicure No 2. This I thought was the best review for the month. The author told me what I had already knew. The HdM Epi #2 is a great little powerhouse. I felt that I was enjoying one of these with his words. This gets my vote for Top February review. Score 9/10 Reviewed by FBCoacho The review of the cigar is very good. The reviewer describes the overall flavor well. I dont like the little rant at the end about how 10% of the cigars per box are plugged. Sounds like he needs to get a current production box. Either way it was a downpoint at the end of a great review..... Score: 9/10 Reviewed by ChrisECheck A very short cut and dry story with not much review of the cigar's flavor. Which is a shame as I happen to think this is a great cigar and to not talk about any of its true flavor characteristics is a shame. I realize there is some mention of hints of flavors and hints of aroma; but it seems that the smoker is a bit shy in describing the cigar itself with conviction. Score 6/10 Reviewed by Ted Hood OVERALL SCORE: 24/30

Reviewed by Ian Hodgkiss (March 2004) I received one of these as part of a Seleccion Robusto sampler for Christmas. Having been dragged around the New Year sales (which seem to start earlier each year!!) by my wife, I decided that I needed some serious "quiet time" and settled down to watch the horse racing, after a light lunch, with my Epicure No.2 and a glass of Port. Enough preamble, and down to business. The first thing to hit you about this cigar is the flawless construction - a dark, chocolaty brown, oily wrapper with wonderful veining, a lovely sheen and a perfectly uniform thickness the whole length of its body. It feels very firm, but has enough "spring" in its feel to negate any worries about problems with the draw. This is a cigar that screams "Smoke me! You won't be disappointed". I clipped the cap with "V" shaped cutter, and there was absolutely no flaking or shredding of the cap. The pre-light draw confirmed that this was a wonderfully constructed example of this vitola, and already I could pick up an enchanting hint of cedar with a sweet edge to it. Having warmed the foot, I lit the cigar with a match and immediately I was hit with an enormous flavour of cedar and leather, but with a subtle sweetness that remained throughout the entire smoke. I had read previously that Hoyo's are, by their nature, among the milder brands and indeed there was certainly no hint of harshness with this beauty, but you could never accuse it of lacking flavour. After about the first half inch, the smoke is infused with lovely taste of hazelnuts, followed by coffee, but all the time with that underlying hint of fresh leather and sweet cedar. There was never any hint of bitterness or harshness even though I smoked this down to within its last inch. The ash is an even dark grey, and stays on forever (I only had to part the ash once during the whole smoke, and that was only because I didn't think it could possibly stay in place any longer), and the burn is slow and even. The cigar did not need relighting once!!. I would rate this cigar as 19 1/2 out of twenty, and it only loses the 1/2 mark because the 55 minutes it lasted wasn't long enough. I cannot rate this highly enough, and if the rest of the selection is anywhere near as good as this one, I will be a very happy man indeed. I am now actively saving for a box of these. Oh yes, and Tony McCoy one the big chase at Cheltenham - life really doesn't get much better than this! Great review, we are given point-by point notes on how it tasted as he smoked through it. Gives nice references to the ash, wrapper and a little note on his surroundings and drink. This is what a cigar review should look like. Reviewed by Michael L Rating: 8.5/10 This review hit all the bases. Look, feel, pre-light and the experience itself. I could taste that Epi 2 from the words (but I'd rather have the cigar) very good job. Reviewed by Michael L Score 9/10 Yes, another lovely review although I personally hate V cutters and would never use one on a robusto nor do I care what colour the ash is as it is immaterial. As before I detect "nuttiness" in a cigar but could never identify it to a particular nut. Call me old fashioned but a Havana cigars usually tastes of tobacco to me(!) Reviewed by Smokeymo Rating: 8/10