Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

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