About the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004
Hoyo de Monterrey has long been celebrated for some of the most graceful smokes in the Cuban portfolio, and the Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 stands as a memorable chapter in that story. Released as an Edición Limitada in 2004, this double robusto arrived dressed in a wrapper that had been matured for roughly two years, giving it the darker, more seasoned character that defines the EL program. The format proved so well liked that the Epicure Especial later entered regular production in 2008, yet the original 2004 release remains a sought after piece for collectors. Rolled in the Gorditos factory vitola and presented in slide-lid boxes of 25, it carries the relaxed sophistication that makes the marque a favorite among those who prefer flavor over force.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third opens gently, leading with toasted coffee and a soft cedar sweetness that sets a refined tone. As the cigar moves into the middle, the body fills out and cocoa powder joins the mix, layered over a clean earthy core and a faint note reminiscent of graham cracker. The final third gathers a touch more depth and richness, with the coffee turning slightly espresso-like while the earth and wood notes linger on a smooth, lasting finish. Throughout, the smoke stays balanced and never aggressive, which is exactly what one expects from a well-aged Hoyo.
Pairings
- A cup of dark roasted coffee or espresso to echo the cigar’s own bean-forward character.
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak tones complement the cocoa and cedar.
- A glass of tawny port for those who enjoy a sweeter contrast against the earthy core.
Aging and storage
Because this is an aged Limited Edition, careful storage matters more than ever. Keep the cigars resting at around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature near 18 degrees Celsius, or roughly 64 to 68 Fahrenheit, inside a well-seasoned humidor. The Epicure Especial already shows the mellow depth that comes from time, yet further rest tends to round the edges even more, knitting the coffee, cocoa, and cedar into a seamless whole. Rotate the cigars occasionally and avoid sudden swings in conditions to preserve the construction and the integrity of that matured wrapper.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who values nuance and balance over raw strength. Newcomers stepping up from milder blends will find it approachable, while seasoned aficionados will appreciate the extra complexity that the aged Edición Limitada wrapper brings. It suits an unhurried afternoon or a relaxed evening, paired with a quality drink and time to let the flavors unfold. Collectors, in particular, will treasure it as a discontinued release that captures Hoyo de Monterrey at a refined moment in its history.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004?
It measures 5.5 inches, or 140 mm, with a 50 ring gauge, placing it in the Robusto Extra category and built on the Gorditos factory vitola.
How strong is this cigar?
It sits in the mild to medium range. The flavors are rich and layered, yet the body stays smooth and balanced rather than overpowering, which is typical of the Hoyo de Monterrey style.
Is the Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 still produced?
No. It was a 2004 Edición Limitada and is now discontinued, though the Epicure Especial later joined the regular Hoyo de Monterrey line in 2008, making the original 2004 release a collector’s piece.
Explore more
Browse all Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, see our Hoyo de Monterrey price guide, or try the Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.2 and Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Río Seco. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
Amanda Phillips –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Hoyo de Monterrey really knocked it out of the park with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004. Rich flavor profile featuring cream and cedar, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Kathleen Cooper –
Great smoke for the price. This Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 offers excellent value for a premium Hoyo de Monterrey cigar. Good flavor with notes of vanilla and spice, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Rose Martinez –
Exceptional cigar from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of vanilla and spice throughout the 70 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Mildred Pierce –
Really enjoyed this Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004. Hoyo de Monterrey consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of vanilla and spice. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Carl Chapman –
Great smoke for the price. This Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 offers excellent value for a premium Hoyo de Monterrey cigar. Good flavor with notes of honey and nuts, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Jennifer Brown –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of vanilla and spice. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Donald Long –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Hoyo de Monterrey really knocked it out of the park with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004. Rich flavor profile featuring honey and nuts, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Brandon Wright –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of mild spice and earth. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Douglas Wells –
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004 is a respectable cigar. Nice notes of caramel and tobacco, decent construction. However, I found it a bit one-dimensional compared to other Hoyo de Monterrey offerings. Not bad, but there are better options in this price range.
Kimberly Roberts –
Absolutely love this Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004! Hoyo de Monterrey continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with caramel and tobacco, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!