Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Epicure No. 1

I had been dissapointed in the past by some of the HdM Habanos, but this proved to be a treat. Perfect burn and a mild yet tasty cigar.

This corona gorda looks nice. A slightly toothy beautiful reddish Colorado wrapper with a very neat tripple cap and a great looking roll of tobacco at the other end gets my interest immediately. It smells a bit like it has a sweetness and as soon as I lit it I thought that was the case as I was hit with a sweet spiciness that was very smooth. The woodines came next and it was sweet and well aged tasting without a hint of any ammonia. This is one vitola that smokes great as soon as you receive it and can only improve in small increments I imagine with more aging so don't be bashful and go for it and save a few and see if these can get even better.

The burn lived up to the construction. Draw was right where I like it...Requires a pull, but nothing too much and keeps the fire when it rests wonderfully. The ash wasn't the whitest but it was a nice gray/white and it held just fine while burning even. Perhaps this is one of my favorite Cubans because it's on the mild side yet quite flavorful. Don't hesitate, highly recommended for a Cuban that really is world class smooth.

This 5 ½” x 44 stick with box code RPO JUN 01 came dressed in a Colorado wrapper with a reddish hue with minimal veins. Mild tooth was seen. A triple cap adorned the head. Construction was solid with no soft spots. Hefty in the hand. Easy light. Smooth draw. Even burn without the need for relights or corrections. Gray ash. Started immediately with cedar, spice, and a strong tannic quality. The tannic quality continued into the first part of the first third, but then gave way to flavors of wood, white pepper, grass, flora, and a hint of burnt cinnamon and ginger. By the end of the first third, the woody taste became noticeable sweeter and a light cocoa flavor was noted. In the middle third, wood and cream came to the forefront, with a hint of grass and licorice. A pleasant tangy flavor was also evident. In the last third, however, the tanginess turned into a bitter harshness, and charred wood was the only discernable flavor. All in all, this medium-bodied one hour 20 minute smoke was very nice in the first 2/3’s, but did not stick the landing. Still a nice cigar, though. Paired with water.

I received this stick from the Canadian Cigar Club. I let it rest for several months and when I noticed something growing on it (mold or blume, I don't know) I decided to smoke it. The stick was a little soft, but not so much that it was mushy. The construction seemed good and it had a nice draw. The burn was a little shakey, but the cigar self corrected after about halfway. This smoke had a flavor that is hard to identify. I tasted a little spice and some wood, but there were other flavors that were beyond my ability to state. Overall, the flavor was not bad and I smoked it to a nub. For a smaller cigar, I would say it was a decent smoke.

Had my first one tonight. Was more than I expected. Very nice! Creamy with some pepper building as it burned towards its end. Smooth as I could ask for. Nubbed it and layed it to rest.

My prior rating was based on an '02 SLB. A recent '05 issue is a little brash, but with greater spice and deep sweet fruity flavors. Well made. Good draw with mouthfuls of chewy smoke. This is great fresh, but will age well if I can restrain myself.

This is a well-crafted, golden brown corona gorda. It is mildy spicy, with sweet cinnamon and cedar notes, and a tangy finish. Reminiscent of the Upmann Mag46, but milder.

I had someone bringing me a cabinet of HdM #1 from Cuba. The #1 is not the strongest cigar around, but it is for sure one of the smoothest cubans and one of the easiest to smoke, without being dull. Flavours are there, burns well and looks good. A very good cigar for an afterlunch or after a light dinner.

SUA JUN00 box bo't in Turkey, this is on the top shelf -- flavor that doesn't quit (cedar/ leather/ chocolate/ cherry), smoke to blow rings all day long, medium bodied, these have a home in my house any time!

Purchasing these can be an adventure. I've a few sets of these, and each was quite different. Always enjoyable, some were dark and leathery (and a bit tight), some are peppery with a cuban bite.

Tasty and spicy mix of flavors in this little stick. Good balance and nice finish. Better than a #4 Montecristo.

Open the cabinet with 25 Epicures No 1 rounded with the famous yellow strip and you'll never forget the aroma and apperance of perfect habanos.

Inconsistent but very good when "on" Nice size ash falls off quickly. Full to medium body.e

I read your rating for this cigar and I was blown away. I received a box through the internet and they are awesome. The Series D #4 was my favorite, but this medium sized cigar is a powerhouse. The ash burn long and held up. The cigar also lasted a lo

An average looking tan, smooth wrapper .This cigar had a tight draw, but I decided to try it anyway. It took a little long to light

Burn was fairly even with a grey ash. The flavor was much lighter than I expected. I thought the flavor would build,

what a cigar should be!