Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Tubed Cigar - 1 Single

A Tight draw is a consequence of the individual cigar roller and not the cigar it's self, any hand made cigar whether Cuban or Non Cuban can have a tight draw especially if the roller is inexperienced and the sad fact is that buying several single cigars especially at the same time will usually come from the same box and same roller so every body takes the same risk and the only indication your cigar may have a hard draw is feeling hard spots or knots especially around the band and cap area. HOW TO DEAL WITH A PLUGGED HARD TO DRAW CIGAR, When the cigar wrapper is applied starting at the foot and ending at the cap the wrapper is twisted like an old fashioned sweet wrapper, cut then pushed into the end to form a flat surface for the cap to be applied, if too much of twisted wrapper is pushed into the head of the cigar it can become plugged, SO HOW TO REDUCE / ELIMINATE HARD DRAW (1) Try rolling the head and band area between your thumb and four finger for about 30 seconds this may loosen the the plugged tobacco (2)Cut the cigar again further down the cap but above the cap rim (3)If (1) or (2) don't work get a needle (I use a terry nappy safety pin) and gently penetrate several holes to about 3/4 the length of the needle in the head parallel with the cigar. MAKE SURE YOUR CIGAR CUTTER IS SHARP so that it cuts the tobacco and not compresses it and KEEP YOUR CIGARS AT BETWEEN 65 to 70% HUMIDITY IN YOUR HUMIDOR.

I have enjoyed this fine cigar for many years and now reading this weekends supplements find it is also the favourite of Sir Terence Conran. As the story goes he smokes 4 per day - I wish I had the time (and money) to do the same. Great Cigar for anytime of the day or night. written by Graeme Walters

I like many of the reviews of the La Hoya de Monterray Epicure 2 - this must be one of the best cigars on the market. However, I have one problem that I get occassionally. When lit, the cigar quickly burns down the centre of the cigar, not lighting the outside of the cigar at all. The taste is unlike an Epicure 2 and the best is to dump the cigar and light another. Generally an excellent cigar. written by Keith Wishart

This cigar was soft and well rolled, cut and lit beautifully. First inch or so is smooth and mild. As it burns down more then the flavour starts to emerge. Creamy, vegetal and floral with a magnificent aroma. Slight taste of cocoa powder later on and it has a nice amount of spicyness to it. I really enjoyed smoking this after an early and light lunch, and if you enjoy Hoyo or the milder Havana this is one of the best you can get. written by A. Dyer