The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is the Robusto format of the Epicure line and the Hoyo brand. Its production dates back to well before the Cuban Revolution. For the consumer, the choice of packaging is extensive: Slide Lid Box of 25 and 50 pieces, card box of 3 pieces, and with 3 metal tubes (in the latter type of packaging, the price is slightly higher).
The particular appreciation it has always found in the world led Habanos SA to present, in 2016, the Reserva version, made with tobaccos from the 2012 harvest (for more information and to read the review, click here).
Visually, the cigar is rolled in a shiny Colorado wrapper with reddish reflections. To the touch, it is smooth, with barely any veins present. The construction and filling are decent.
- Country of Origin: Cuba
- Size: 50 x 124 mm (4.90″)
- Wrapper: Cuba
- Binder: Cuba
- Filler: Cuba
- Price: $ N.A. – € 11.50
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2: unlit, a very intense aroma of nuts stands out, followed by notes of wood and spicy nuances.
From the very first puffs, the cigar shows itself in all its elegant sweetness, a distinctive trait. It develops notes of wood, honey, and nuts. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
In the central section, the perception is still sweet. The aromas of wood and nuts (peanut stands out) are still present, enriched with nuances of cocoa, dry flowers, and white pepper. Strength remains unchanged (2/5).
The final third turns completely towards sapidity with a light bitterness, which increases towards the end. It expresses aromas of wood, nuts, and white pepper. Strength becomes medium (3/5).
Ultimately, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is an elegant Robusto, able to surprise with uncommon aromas, supported by a contained strength. Sometimes it shows bitter notes, often associated with fresh cigars, which tend to even out with the right amount of resting time in the humidor.