Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Cigar Review

• Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey
• Length: 124 mm
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Score: Overall, draw 5/6, burn 5/6, flavours 4.5/6, aroma 4.5/6, strength 4/6

General Information

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is a popular Robusto - format cigar from Cuba. It's hand - made, with tobacco from the 2012 harvest. It costs £55 or $65 each.

Appearance and Aroma

The wrapper is Colorado shade, lighter than usual for a Reserva cigar. The outer leaf smells of chocolate, roasted hazelnut, and frangipane. The texture is smooth, and it feels firm when pressed.

Tasting

• First third: There's a slight draw resistance, producing thin smoke. The mouthfeel is buttery and savoury, with sweetness on the lips. It has caramel and coffee bean flavours, no bitterness, and a regular burn with consistent ash.
• Second third: The draw becomes loose, and smoke density increases. Herbaceous flavours of Hoyo emerge, and a nuanced saltiness lingers as an aftertaste.
• Finish: It combines sweet and vegetal flavours, bringing balance. The aftertaste is long - lasting and smooth, without dryness.

The tobacco's characteristics allow for smoking at any time of the day. This Reserva edition shows promise, and it's worth smoking soon after release.