Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Epicure No. 2

Although flawless in construction, this cigar had a bitter and grassy taste. It hung around for quite some time after smoking.

My old standby Cuban, I've been smoking HDM Epi #2's for the last couple years. Consistently very good. Smooth, spicy & sweet (almost like honey) all at once. Has the expected Cubano taste.

Good solid habana. Very nice burn and usual cuban spicy taste. Not as good as the Cohiba Robusto I smoked earlier in the week, but still a good cigar

A creamy smooth smoke with just enough earth and spice to keep the palate interested while the main attraction is playing: the aroma. Truly an exquisite scent. Sweet wood, honey, floral things, and I don't know what else. Lots of complexity in this department, but not so much on the palate. It gets bitter a little too quickly (well, in the last inch and a half, which is reasonable I guess) but I was really enjoying this cigar and hoped it wouldn't end. Almost perfect construction sealed the deal. A fantastic afternoon smoke.

overall a rich smoke with good burn. Average for the most part but a nice finish- hints of wood and a delicious cream. Great aroma. Add 3 to 5 years to this cigar in the humidor and it should be a 9.9

This was a good smoke, but somewhat disappointing. It's not that there was anything wrong with it, it's just that it never developed to its full potential. The whole time, I could taste hints of the brillance I remember from the petit robusto I tried a few weeks ago, but this one never really opened up. I'm sure I'll give it another go because this was an enjoyable cigar, but it could have been so much better.

This baby started out very nice with a great bouquet of honey, vanilla type flavors. It was great while it lasted but the problem I had was it didn't last through the first half. The burn was uneven, draw was firm but not tight. Flavor kinda got lost midway through as I think the uneven burn started to take it's toll. The other reviewers are right about the harshness towards the end.

Mighty fine smoke with loads of smooth sweet and earthy flavors all the way. The easy draw and good burn don't hurt either.

Beautifully sized for an afternoon smoke with friends, good draw with perfect resistance. Smoke it slowly so that it doesn't get too hot and enjoy mouthfulls of thick creamy smoke with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Thankfully this cigar exhibits no sign of being "spicy", very smooth.

Draw was tight. Toasty, wheaty flavors with hints of ginger. Short finish.

I tell you what what, these burn a little hot but are a symphony of creamy, subtle flavor with a hint of spice. Medium-bodied at most, these caramel-colored beauties have an oily wrapper, look great and burn straight. Smoke past the band. My advice is to smoke it slow or it will get hot and it will ruin the taste of the cigar. If it takes you an hour to finish this cigar, it will have been a very enjoyable hour indeed.

Smooth, unique flavors greet you with this one. In the middle third, it was so sweet, creamy I thought I was in smoking heaven. I'd say this is a medium smoke and highly recommend it. It's somewhat underrated, but a must try.

Perfection. cubas most under-rated smoke, especially when shadowed by the PSD4 or Cohiba. this just out performs, stick after stick. its thin supple wrapper is very attractive, its flavor is med-full bodied with a more medium delivery. rich habano flavor tickles your palate like crushed velvet.
my G.O.A.T.

This is a mild to ..maybe medium..cigar. But talk about smoooooth. The flavors are somewhat complex and good and the construction flawless. The burn is good and so is the draw. If you want a mild easy robusto, this is your cigar.

The Epi 2s I just got ( from '04 ) are all that I hoped they'd be: great performers with a perfect draw and amazingly straight burn to the end; produce copious full bodied smoke with a creamy "twang", lots of sweet spice and a rich earthy character throughout. It's hard to put them down.

well, this was my 1st crack at a REAL ISOM....

construction is very good... not flawless due to small crack in foot...
the first 1/4in of the cigar was sharp, with lots of woody peppery taste.
i thought to myself.. Gee, these habanos are strong.. im not dissappointed one bit, but i am a bit suprised at the sharpness.

at the 1/2 inch mark the flavors mellowed out, now it was very smooth with a woody and slightly peppery taste.

at the 1inch mark the entire flavor profile changed 180 degrees. it was now Creamy, smooth and sweet. I was BLOWN AWAY at how this cigar tasted, like nothing i have ever had before. it was so smooth, and almost milky, with the wood flavor lingering in the background. the finish on the pallet was medium, lasting just long enough to really savor the flavors.
these fantastic flavors lasted until the final 1/3 of the cigar, when it turned darker with perhaps coffee flavors, still smooth and creamy, but with perhaps a plesant dark coffee taste.

the ash held on like a champ, and the burn was excellent, i only had to touch it up once towards the end.

overall a fantastic cigar, with sweet creamy flavor . (it actually tastes like sweet cream!! not smoke)

Such a smoooooth cigar. After taking a good solid draw I can taste the smooth flavor rolling around my tastebuds. I have never yet had a hoyo that had a tough draw. Most hoyos burn really even too. Not to long ago I had a strong solid t-bone steak. I decided to lite a hoyo with it and it was perfect! What I also like about hoyos is when it starts to burn down towards the foot of the cigar it still hangs on to it's taste. Not all ciagrs still keep there taste near the foot of the cigar so that's another big reason I like sparking a hoyo up everyday.

When their good their really good, but when their bad their nothing short of nasty. I've smoked them in the past and they were really special, but i burned one last week which i realised afterwards was just 6months old and the flavours were bitter and twisted. If you ever want proof that aging sticks brings out the best in them try one fresh and one a couple of years old and you'll never look back

A little less than halfway through a box from March 05. I really, really like these smokes. Medium body, smooth and quite complex. At varying times, tastes of cream, leather, soil, wood and coffee creep in, never overpowering and always pleasant. Draw and burn have been fine on every one that I've smoked.

I had a pen and paper near by when I smoked this one, so I was able to take a lot of notes. In general, it was quite a sweet smoke, with heavy cream notes at first, then caramel, chocolate and finally coffee. The aroma, which was very pleasant, changed throughout the smoke as well. It was very sweet at the beginning, had a cologne-like quality around the middle and then smelled quite a bit like Skoal at the end. The burn was o.k. overall, but several touch-ups were required as well as two re-lights. This led to some bitter notes popping up for a minute or two, but they always went away. All in all, a good cigar; I’d definitely try one again. However, for some reason I’m just not that excited about it as I think back on the experience. I tend to like spicier cigars, so that probably has something to do with it. This cigar had no spice to speak of, just sweetness. It was almost like smoking dessert! For the same money, I’d go with an Upmann Mag 46.

I haven't tried every Cuban robusto there is but I've had a few, this one was purchased and smoked in TJ at LCDH, I had bought it and a Uppman mag 46, and the epicure#2 blew it away, billows of smoke, creamy, slow burning and enough complexity to keep it interesting, the best part was it burned perfecly and never got harsh, these are awesome when on!

Looks are clean and neat but nothing special. Its well constructed with a nice even, hassle free burn but this cigar is all about flavour. The first puff is like drinking rich, creamy coffee out of a leather cup then flavour profile swings around this creamy-coffee leather and smooth earthy tobacco with just hints of cedar all the way to you fingers. Beautiful. I smoked a San Cristobal an hour before this one and the Hoyo made it seem a total waste of time and money.

I believe I have just experienced "the perfect morning", and just had to share it with all of you.

Woke up late (9:30 a.m. - late for me, anyway), perused the forums, and then headed to the humis to pick out a Sunday morning smoke. I settled on an old standby, and pulled out an HdM Epi#2 SUA 5/04. I made the right choice.

This stick was draped in a khaki-colored wrapper with mild veins. Solid in the hand, with excellent construction without soft spots. Rich barnyard prelight aroma. Easy light, perfect draw, and even burn without the need for corrections or relights. Gray-black ash. Started with cedar and white pepper. The first third brought the classic notes of wood, cream, and worn leather. The middle third added a richness and a medley of woody flavors, as well as mild coffee. A "twang" seemed to dance in and out, as well. The last third continued with wood and cream - so noticeable you could almost sip it.

Although this stick was not filled with nuances and notes typical of other more complex cigars I have smoked, its consistency and flavor were extraordinary. Perhaps it was the "perfect storm" of circumstances - a beautiful Dallas Sunday morning, an incredible cigar, a light breeze, a cup of Roman's (DocRKS) 100% organic home-roasted Kona, and the right "mood" - I don't know. All I can say is that it was perhaps one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had. I was sad that my one hour glimpse into heaven on earth ended with the extinguishing of the nub before it burnt my fingertips. This stick is "on" right now, there is no question. It has solidified its place as the "perfect morning smoke" in my book.

I dont think there is a better robusto made in Cuba. Its flavor is so dimensional and yet it remains easy on your stomach. Such a size allows for mushroom clouds of rich habano flavor that only a robusto can have and its tastey in the morning or at night. Good Form!

One of my favorite sizes to smoke. Very consistant flavor and burn rate. A medium to full bodied smoke which is a finger burner

What a difference 15+ days in a humidor made for this cigar. I reached in the other night to grab an ERDM Choix Supreme and 20 minutes into smoking it looked at the label and was shocked to see it was my remaining Hoyo. The cigar had mellowed out and was smooth and creamy and simply excellent. Had to update my previous rating in fairness to what this cigar turned into in just over two weeks... guess they had a rough trip over and the humidor time was just what the Dr. ordered. Would not hesistate to grab more of these when they are on sale again, very flavorful and creamy. Very good Habanos.

This is a very tasty smoke! Nice smooth brown wrapper with minimal veins. Solid construction without soft spots or voids. Nice prelight aroma. Easy light. Smooth draw. Even burn without the need for relights or corrections. Gray-white ash. Lots of creamy smoke. Started with tobacco, wood, and a mild nutty nuance. The melange of woody flavors maitained a dominant presence throughout the smoke. A hint of sweetness was detected, as well, that was noticeable during the entire 1 hour 15 minute experience. This was a fairly one-dimensional cigar, in my opinion, in that the flavor profile really didn't change as it was smoked, though it did get smoother and more creamy. Nonetheless, it was very tasty and most enjoyable. Paired wonderfully with a cup of Killer Beans. One of the best morning smokes I have had. Bought a cab.

Received a sample pack of 5 different vitolas the other day, no clue what factory or date codes are, unfortunately. Typically I enjoy a nice full-bodied cigar paired with the right drink. Had this with California Cabernet. Cigar totally over powered the wine, one of the strongest cigars I have ever had (Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Machito Robusto is another that was so strong as to be unenjoyable). Well made and fine appearance, just that I found it to have been far too strong. The flavors did not develop or change at all. I did not enjoy this cigar. I still have one more and will let it sit who knows 3 6 9 months and if it is improved will definately update this review as I may simply have smoked one that was in its dead period.

really liked this cigar. the construction had no flaw in draw or burn. fruity flavor really stood out. no complaints.

This cigar started off with a mild sweetness of assorted fruits and tons of smoke. Even at the start, my mouth is full of pleasant aftertaste. Draw is effortlessly after sitting in my humidor for only one month. Smooth with a subtle hint of harshness. Short term aging of 1 year is most likely all it need.

indeed, no special look, but the taste... do you know food that tastes that good?

I bought five different Cuban brands while recently visiting the Caribbean: Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Hoyo de Monterrey, and H Upmann.

The Hoyo and H Upmann were by far my favorites and I snuck a box of each back to the States. The dealer recommended the Hoyo, which was interesting to me given that it was much cheaper than the others (same price as the the H Upmann).

Anyhow, the cap was perfect but I was surprised that the rest of the appearance wasn't anything special. The draw was easy and the smoke a delight, but the burn wasn't anything special either. However, the flavor was unlike anything I've ever tasted. I like more complex, earthy cigars. The Hoyo fit the category and then created its own. I've never smoked a cigar with such flavors that ended with a perfectly smooth finish. I was truly astounded. The box indicated that it was only about a year old.

If you can get your hands on Cubans, give this one a try. I wouldn't have paid a buck for another Cohiba, but I would have paid Cohiba prices for another Hoyo. The H Upmann torpedos were just as fantastic. I don't know what the heck I'm going to do when I run out of these. I had a top of the line special edition Dominican H Upmann the night after smoking it's Cuban cousin and I ended up putting it out. And prior to my visit to the Caribbean I thought the Dominican special edition H Upmann was a 5-star stogie.

Smooth, lite to medium bodied. Very rich in flavors with a lot of smoke. This is my go to cigar when I don't want to take a chance on not liking my smoke.... Also have never given one away that the recipient didn't comment on how much he or she enjoyed it.

This cigar bore a lovely silky wrapper, and was very well constructed. One of the most flavorful cigars I've ever smoked. Started out with a nice wood and spice taste, which stayed pretty much constant throughout most of the smoke. From time to time there were hints of mild leather, quite subtle though. The last inch was my favorite. I thought the cigar would finish with this same wood/spice flavor, but then turned into an amazingly fresh roasted coffee flavor that sent my taste buds soaring. Hated to put this one down. Highly recommend!

This is one tasty mo fo! Excellent burn, construction and ash. Unique flavors that are hard to discern given I only had one stick. Medium bodied with hints of leather and some sort of spice. I can't say enough on the tasty tobacco taste.

Well...I suppose it could have been worse. This cigar is well constructed. Good looking with few veins. It has notes of cedar and cream with hints of leather which become more pronounced towards the end. It has a good draw but burns slightly uneven. It's not very complex and finishes short. If you prefir cigars that aren't too strong this may be a good one to consider.

Ditto what ElkTwin said. Awesome cigar, power evident, draw and burn perfect, started off with smooth habano taste, middle and last third had loads of sweet ceamy cedar and leather. What a great smoke. Great value.

great light tan coloring. No veins with a sheen of oil and a nicecap. Lots of flavor that continued throughout the cigar. This one is a mouthful. A medium cigar that cuban through and through. I ordered a box today...

I tilted the bundle forward and slipped a stick from the yellow ribbon and was greeted by a light colored cigar with a velvety smooth wrapper. Impeccably constructed with a beautiful cap, this beauty was straight and stout with slight mold marks along its side from the roller’s press. Large in girth, the impressive cigar felt great in the hand and mouth. I held it in my mouth while I lit the evening fire, and although dry to the tongue there was a surprising amount of pre light bite – all the way to the back of the throat.

Took to the fire willingly, and burst forth with an astringent, teeth rattling blast of flavor. Tannin and alkali hit first, but were buffered with a smooth chalky citrus overtone. There was a slight tan cast to the solid ash, and what appeared to be a fold in the filler left a line down the side of the ash as it grew. After an inch and a half of slightly uneven burn I knocked it off to reveal a slightly off center cone. The finish was attention getting with a puckering bite that grabbed the sides of the tongue and cheeks.

I enjoyed this cigar in the cool afternoon with the storm clouds scudding across the sky. It was a good accompaniment to my chores, following me with an aggressive, sharp and highly pitched aroma. The big cigar had and imposing girth and after the halfway mark the only adjective that can apply is powerful. Wave upon wave of big, bold Havana flavor washed over me as I worked.

Overall this is a big, bold Havana with a certain sophistication. The assertive flavors make your mouth dry and pull your cheeks in tight, and the kick is impressive. Even with the tempered edge this cigar is very edgy. With this much power I estimate that it can age gracefully for at least a few more years. Recommended.

A full bodied cigar with an escalating spice to it the full way through. Notes of cedar and cream evolved to a more powerful tanned leather taste beginning at the end of the second third. The cigar began to burn unevenly around halfway through, but had a beautiful oily wrapper that stayed firm through the entire smoke. It is quite like an opus x in that if one smokes it too quickly or without a beverage the taste will quickly become overpowering. A relaxing experience.

Great looking wrapper, smooth & silky. The cigar bured even until the end which didn't bother me much. Medium body (on the lighter side of medium) and smooth draw.

heres my "mainstay". pronounced taste that i can identify immediately, not strong but smooth as a supermodels belly. i love these cigars always, anytime. when i get to the end, i want to bury the stub, hold a quiet cermony and eulogize the life of the fine cigar.

Brought my first batch in Spain two summers ago & had the penultimute one last week by the riverbank, with a coffee. Perfect for a short contemplation. Not to be compared with stronger after dinner brands like big Monte's or Cohibas. Match the cigar for the occasion & unless you get a duff batch (as mentioned by other reviewers) you shouldn't be disappointed.

what a beautiful looking cigar! perhaps a bit too mild for my taste, also considering a robusto. had lots of trouble near the end keeping it lit. maybe it was a bit young. plan on aging my other one for another year or so.

Not bad at all - nice draw, loads of smoke, good flavours, but poor-ish construction and occasional burn problems. Would have another, though, and have one ageing in the humi.

One of, if not the finest wrappers I have ever seen or felt. The wrapper was so silky soft and smooth. The draw was firm and the burn was fairly even. The smoke was creamy with some dull spice that really picked up in the second half. One of the finest smokes I have had.

Medium to full bodied, complex, fresh and spicy. Generally good construction. Always great to smoke this. Benchmark cigar.

I have a SLB aging...a must in any humidor. It's one of my fav robustos. Firm construction, a slightly tight draw (but I don't mind), medium-full bodied...I always taste some almonds/liqorice?...full of flavor and aroma.

A slightly tight draw, but mellow and delightful and always rewarding. A slight spicy twang tantalises the palate as you are seduced by the sheer smoothness of the smoke, and kissed into heady bliss. A must for any humidor.

Looks like bad luck. I had two Epicure No 2. Both were too tight, had a really bad draw and burned uneven till I gave up.
Very nice flavor as much as i was able to get to it.
Big dissapointment cause of the burn problems.

Purchased a single in a small smoke shop in Schwabisch Gmind Germany in the winter of 1999. Aged until March 2002, smoked with a great bourbon. Yumm! What a great looking cigar...I could barely bring myself to light it. Awesome!

It's medium light but oily silk skin. Earthy and woody flavor.

Incredible smoke. If anyone has the chance to smoke one they should not pass it up!!

The cigar smokes incredibly well, has an excellent construction.

Even with some youth a very good smoke of light-bodied complexity. Light cocoa, coffee, with hints of cinnamon and some spice. Good draw and burn with a good aroma. Nice smooth finish. Should be excellent with age.

An overall winner; in Spain this kind
of cigar is rather common, and its
quality is outstanding.
Smoking the first cigar of a box makes
you forget about milder dominicans, and
also of Cuban Cohibas. The Epicures are
tightly packed, flavorful and g

Heavy heavy heavy smoke, especially the last third. Mindblowing complexity, shows up Cohiba for the crude,overhyped stick that it is.

A very very smooth smoke. Medium to full bodied, full in flavor with no harsh after taste. Perfect!!

Nutty flavor and great with a cup of coffee. Not incredibly strong, but a beautiful cigar to relax with.

perfect balance between strength and flavour

Only my second Cuban Hoyo, and my first Hoyo Epicure #2. Quite a different taste than the double corona. Very clean wrapper and cap. Supple to the touch. Draws slightly tight, maybe because I used a punch. Pretty even burn. Strong white ash fleckd with