About the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2
Hoyo de Monterrey traces its roots to 1865, when José Gener founded the marca in Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region. The Epicure No. 2 has become the brand’s most celebrated robusto, prized for the elegant, easygoing character that defines the house. Rolled with long filler and binder from Vuelta Abajo, this totally handmade vitola pairs approachable strength with genuine depth, which is why it remains a staple in countless humidors around the world.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third arrives mild in strength yet full in flavor, leading with clean tobacco and a gentle sweetness of cedar and honey. As the burn settles into the middle, a creamy texture takes hold and notes of cocoa, vanilla, and soft floral tones emerge alongside a whisper of cinnamon. By the final third the body climbs toward medium, with a touch of pepper and mineral-edged earthiness that keeps the smooth, lingering finish from ever feeling flat.
Pairings
- A lightly aged Cuban rum, whose caramel sweetness mirrors the cigar’s honey and vanilla.
- An espresso or unsweetened black coffee that frames the cocoa and cedar without overpowering them.
- A blanco or reposado tequila for a brighter, peppery counterpoint to the creamy core.
Aging and storage
This robusto smokes beautifully young, but a year or two of rest rounds the pepper and deepens its creamy, woody sweetness. Keep it in a seasoned humidor held around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The aluminum tubo offers extra protection if you carry one in a jacket pocket, though long term storage in a properly maintained box is always the safest path to graceful aging.
Who it is for
The Epicure No. 2 suits a wide range of palates. Newcomers appreciate that the strength never overwhelms, while seasoned smokers return for the balance and refined construction that have earned this vitola such a loyal following. It is an ideal daytime or after-dinner robusto for anyone who values complexity delivered with a light, civilized touch.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2?
It is a mild to medium cigar. The smoke starts mild in strength yet full in flavor and gradually builds toward medium body, making it friendly for newer smokers without boring experienced ones.
What size is the Epicure No. 2?
It is a robusto measuring 4.9 inches (124 mm) with a 50 ring gauge, the classic Cuban robusto format, and typically burns for around an hour or more.
What does the Epicure No. 2 taste like?
Expect cedar and honey sweetness up front, a creamy mid section of cocoa, vanilla, and floral notes, and a finish carrying gentle pepper and earthy minerality.
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.
Laura Bell –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) has good flavor – vanilla and spice – but didn’t wow me like other Cubans I’ve had. Construction was fine, burn was mostly even. It’s good, just not exceptional. Worth trying though.
Rebecca Cook –
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 No. 2 (Tubos). Rich flavor profile featuring mild spice and earth, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Raymond Morgan –
The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the caramel and tobacco notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Larry Barnes –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of mild spice and earth. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Helen Bennett –
Incredible cigar! The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) from Hoyo de Monterrey is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of honey and nuts throughout the smoke. Lasted about 78 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Kathleen Cooper –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of vanilla and spice. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Albert Ross –
Solid cigar from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) has nice flavors of caramel and tobacco and good construction. Enjoyed about 90 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Hoyo de Monterrey.
Angela Griffin –
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 No. 2 (Tubos). Rich flavor profile featuring caramel and tobacco, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Paul Price –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cream and cedar. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Joshua Clark –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cream and cedar. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Sarah Johnson –
Excellent cigar from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) has a refined flavor profile – lots of cream and cedar. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 63 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Jessica White –
A true masterpiece from Hoyo de Monterrey. This Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of vanilla and spice, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Howard Lynch –
Top-tier quality from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (Tubos) showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of caramel and tobacco. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!