Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial

Size: 50 × 141 (5.6")

Shape: Robusto Extra
Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking Time: 1 hour

Beverage: Saison Dupont Ale

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial was re-released in 2008 after the popularity of the 2004 Edicion Limitada, and is considered by some to be the flagship of the Hoyo line.  It has received consistently good reviews by our fellow cigar reviewers and its flavors have been described as spicy, woodsy, cream, and leather.  Of all the popular Cuban cigar lines, Hoyo de Monterrey is one of the brands I have little experience smoking.  However, after sampling several well constructed, but poor tasting non-Cuban cigars on a recent trip to Anaheim I was looking forward to sampling the Epicure Especial.

This was actually the second time we've smoked an Epicure Especial.  The first was this past summer and neither of us could seem to remember much about the experience.  Something in the back of my mind told me that this was probably not a good thing as good cigars tend to be hard to forget and constantly capture your attention over and over again.  However, the Epicure Especial is a gorgeous looking cigar and its dark, oily wrapper and the fragrant smell of grass and cedar that emanates from the seemingly well-constructed tobacco leaves is certainly difficult to ignore.  I clipped the head and sampled the pre-draw – not a lot going on, but some nice subtle hints of tobacco and wood.

As I lit the foot of the cigar, I received some nice bursts of creamy smoke that initially tasted quite spicy, but not too powerful.  These notes of cream and spice continued for the first few puffs and the cigar seemed to maintain a medium-light bodied strength throughout.  I also detected strong notes of wood, roasted nuts, and a bit of sweetness that I enjoyed.  However, after only a few minutes I began to experience the first of several construction problems.  The draw on the cigar became quite tight, but this problem cleared up after the first third.  I also had several burn problems which were annoying and the wrapper began to unravel after the first half.  Furthermore, the cigar began to taste quite harsh after the first third and this continued throughout the rest of the smoke.  Some of these problems could have stemmed from the fact the cigar seemed over-humidified or perhaps it needed more time in the humidor to settle down.  Either way, neither of us particularly enjoyed the experience and I therefore give the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial two Castro heads out of five.