About the Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE
Founded in Havana back in 1865 by Jose Gener, Hoyo de Monterrey has long been the house cigar lovers turn to when they want refinement rather than raw power. The Grand Epicure was unveiled as the very first Edicion Limitada that Habanos released for 2013, sharing the spotlight that year with limited editions from Punch and Romeo y Julieta. Rolled in the Montesco factory format, this thick robusto measures 130 mm in length with a generous ring gauge of 55, and like every limited edition it uses specially aged wrappers and fillers drawn from the Vuelta Abajo region. The result is a cigar that wears the Hoyo name with quiet confidence, lighter in body than many of its peers yet layered with the kind of complexity that keeps collectors coming back.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans into the classic Hoyo signature, with cedar, a gentle sweet spice, and a creamy texture that coats the palate. As the burn settles into the middle, notes of toasted nuts, light coffee, and a touch of honeyed sweetness build alongside soft leather and a whisper of earth. The final third gains a little more presence, where black pepper and a perfumey, woody finish round things out. Throughout the smoke the dominant trait is smoothness, which is precisely what makes this format such a relaxing companion.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum or a lightly sweet anejo, which echoes the cigar’s honeyed and nutty character.
- A cup of freshly brewed espresso or a creamy cappuccino to lift the coffee and cedar tones.
- A glass of Cognac or a soft Speyside single malt for a mellow, after-dinner mood.
Aging and storage
Limited editions like the Grand Epicure are built to reward patience, and the 2013 vintage has already enjoyed more than a decade of bottle age. Keep yours stored at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius so the wrapper stays supple and the blend continues to marry. Cigars from a well rested limited edition tend to grow rounder and more harmonious over time, with any youthful edges softening into a seamless, mellow smoke. A seasoned humidor and a reliable hygrometer are all you need to protect the investment.
Who it is for
This cigar suits the collector who values provenance and the relaxed smoker who prefers elegance over intensity. Because it sits on the milder end of the spectrum, it works beautifully as a daytime smoke or an unhurried evening cigar, and it makes an approachable choice for someone moving up from entry level Cubans without overwhelming them. Enthusiasts who appreciate the Hoyo house style, all cedar, cream, and gentle sweetness, will feel right at home here.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE?
It is a thick robusto in the Montesco factory format, measuring 5.1 inches (130 mm) in length with a 55 ring gauge, presented in boxes of 10.
How strong is this cigar?
It is a mild to medium bodied smoke, in keeping with the traditionally elegant and lighter Hoyo de Monterrey blend, making it accessible while still offering plenty of nuance.
What makes it a limited edition?
The Grand Epicure was the first Edicion Limitada that Habanos released in 2013, produced in restricted quantities using specially selected and aged leaves, which is why it remains a prized find for collectors today.
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.
Janice Hart –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Hoyo de Monterrey really knocked it out of the park with the Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE. Rich flavor profile featuring honey and nuts, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Louis Webb –
Excellent cigar from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE has a refined flavor profile – lots of honey and nuts. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 54 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Russell Fox –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of wood and coffee. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Annie Griffin –
Exceptional cigar from Hoyo de Monterrey. The Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cream and cedar throughout the 88 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Margaret Butler –
Great cigar! Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of caramel and tobacco throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Linda Davis –
Five stars all the way! The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of honey and nuts. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!