Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.2

The Anticipation Game: Why the Epicure No.2 Still Gets My Pulse Racing

There’s something almost ceremonial about sliding an Epicure No.2 out of my humidor monterey setup. After twenty-three years of smoking cigars, you’d think I’d be jaded by now, but this particular stick still gives me that little flutter of anticipation. Maybe it’s because my first real Cuban was an Epicure No.2 back in ’03 during a trip to Montreal (long story involving a very persuasive hotel concierge and too much wine). Or maybe it’s because this cigar represents everything I love about Hoyo de Monterrey – elegant, approachable, but with enough complexity to keep things interesting.

The robusto format is perfect. Not too big that you feel like you’re committing to a three-hour marathon, but substantial enough that you can really settle into the experience. I’ve got a few aging in my humidor right now, and let me tell you – patience pays off with these beauties.

First Light: When Everything Clicks (Or Doesn’t)

Construction-wise, the Epicure No.2 is usually solid. I say usually because I’ve had the odd one with a slightly firm draw – nothing a draw tool can’t fix, but worth mentioning. The wrapper on a good one has this gorgeous golden-brown color with just enough oil to catch the light. Pre-light draw gives you hints of what’s coming: cedar, a touch of leather, maybe some dried fruit if you really concentrate.

Now here’s where I might ruffle some feathers – I think this cigar is often overhyped by newcomers to Cubans. Don’t get me wrong, it’s excellent, but I’ve seen people treat it like the holy grail when really it’s more of a fantastic daily smoker. That’s not a knock; hell, I’d rather have a reliable, well-made cigar than some inconsistent “legendary” stick that disappoints half the time.

The first puff always reminds me why I keep coming back. Clean. Creamy. None of that harsh bite you sometimes get from younger Cubans. If your humidor monterey conditions are dialed in (I keep mine at 65% RH, fight me), you should get an even burn from the start.

The Flavor Journey: Less Poetry, More Reality

Forget all that “first third, second third, final third” nonsense. Cigars don’t follow a script, and the Epicure No.2 is no exception. What I will say is this: the flavor development is gradual and natural, like a good conversation that slowly gets more interesting.

Right off the bat, you’re getting classic Cuban tobacco flavors. Cedar dominates – not surprising given Hoyo’s reputation for woody profiles. There’s a creaminess that coats your palate, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll catch subtle hints of white pepper. Nothing aggressive, just enough to let you know you’re smoking something with character.

About halfway through (and this is where a proper cut and light really matter), things start to deepen. The cedar remains, but it’s joined by notes that remind me of toasted nuts. Almonds, maybe hazelnuts. My buddy Carlos – who’s got a palate like a sommelier – swears he gets hints of honey, and honestly, on some smokes I can see what he means.

The final inch or so is where the Epicure No.2 either shines or falls flat, and it usually comes down to how you’ve treated it. Smoke too fast, and you’ll get harsh. Take your time (we’re talking maybe 75-90 minutes for the full experience), and you’ll be rewarded with richer, more concentrated flavors. The cedar becomes more prominent again, but now it’s accompanied by subtle coffee notes and just a hint of dark chocolate.

When Things Go Wrong

Let’s be honest – not every Epicure No.2 is perfect. I’ve had ones that tunneled (usually a humidity issue), ones that went out repeatedly (could be the cigar, could be the weather), and a few that just tasted flat. It happens. Cuban quality control isn’t what it used to be, and even within the same box, you can have variations.

My advice? Don’t write off the entire marca based on one bad experience. I’ve got a buddy who swears Hoyo is overrated because he had two plugged ones in a row. Meanwhile, I’ve been enjoying consistent performance from my humidor monterey stash for years.

What to Drink: Beyond the Obvious Choices

Everyone’s gonna tell you to pair this with rum or whiskey, and yeah, those work. But let me share what I’ve actually enjoyed with the Epicure No.2 over the years.

Coffee pairs beautifully – specifically a good Cuban coffee if you can get it, or a medium roast Colombian. The nutty notes in the cigar complement the coffee’s acidity perfectly. I’ve had some memorable morning smokes on my deck with a cup of Café Bustelo and an Epicure No.2.

If we’re talking alcohol, I’m partial to a good aged rum. Not the sugary stuff, but something like El Dorado 15 or Mount Gay XO. The rum’s sweetness balances the cigar’s earthiness without overwhelming it. Scotch works too – I’ve had great experiences with Highland malks like Dalwhinnie or Oban.

But here’s my controversial pairing: a good IPA. I know, I know – beer and cigars aren’t supposed to work together. Tell that to my taste buds. The hop bitterness and citrus notes create this interesting contrast with the cedar and cream flavors. Try it with something like Dogfish Head 60 Minute or Bell’s Two Hearted. You might be surprised.

Wine? Honestly, I haven’t found a wine pairing that knocks my socks off with this cigar. Red wines tend to clash, and whites get lost. Stick with spirits or coffee.

Who Should Smoke This (And Who Shouldn’t)

The Epicure No.2 is what I’d call an intermediate cigar. New smokers will appreciate its smoothness and lack of overwhelming strength, but there’s enough complexity to keep experienced palates engaged. It’s not gonna blow your mind if you’re used to smoking Liga Privadas or Padróns, but it offers a completely different flavor profile that’s worth exploring.

Perfect for:

• Someone transitioning from mild Dominicans to Cuban cigars
• Experienced smokers who want something smooth for a morning or afternoon smoke
• Anyone looking to understand what “classic Cuban” flavors taste like
• Golfers (the timing works perfectly for 18 holes)

Skip it if:

• You prefer full-strength, in-your-face cigars
• You’re looking for innovative or unusual flavor profiles
• You’re on a tight budget (there are better values in non-Cuban robustos)

Storage and Aging: The Long Game

Here’s where your humidor monterey setup really matters. These cigars benefit from proper aging, but they’re also perfectly smokeable young. I’ve got some from 2019 that are just hitting their stride now – the harsh edges have completely smoothed out, and the flavors have married beautifully.

Keep them at 62-65% humidity. Any higher and you risk burn issues; any lower and they’ll dry out faster than you’d like. Temperature should be stable around 68-70°F. I learned this the hard way when my humidor got too warm during a summer heat wave and some of my Hoyos started getting oily.

If you’re buying a box, try one fresh and then put the rest away for at least six months. The difference is noticeable, especially in terms of burn quality and flavor integration.

The Bottom Line: Honest Thoughts After Two Decades

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 isn’t going to change your life, but it’s a damn fine cigar that deserves its reputation. It represents Cuban cigar-making at its most consistent – not the most exciting, not the most innovative, but reliably excellent when you want something that just works.

At current prices (and Cuban prices aren’t getting any cheaper), it’s not an everyday smoke for most of us, but it’s worth having a few in your humidor monterey collection for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something genuinely well-made.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, with the caveats I’ve mentioned. Just don’t expect it to be the be-all, end-all of cigars. Think of it as the perfectly tailored suit of the cigar world – classic, reliable, and always appropriate, even if it’s not going to turn heads at the party.

A Few Quick FAQs

How long should I age these? They’re good fresh, better with 6-12 months, and excellent with 2-3 years. Beyond that, you’re into diminishing returns territory.

Are they worth the premium over non-Cuban alternatives? That’s subjective, but if you’re specifically looking for that Cuban tobacco character, then yes. If you just want a good robusto, there are cheaper options.

What’s the best time of day to smoke one? I prefer them in the afternoon or early evening. They’re a bit too mellow for after a heavy meal, but perfect with coffee or as a relaxing end to the workday.

How do I know if I got a fake? Buy from reputable sources, check the bands carefully, and trust your palate. If it tastes harsh or chemically, something’s wrong.

That’s my take on the Epicure No.2. Not perfect, but pretty damn good when everything comes together. And honestly, in a world full of overhyped releases and marketing nonsense, sometimes “pretty damn good” is exactly what you need.