Description
Why This Robusto Deserves More Love Than It Gets
I’ll be honest – I’m tired of watching people overlook the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 while they chase after the hyped releases. This cigar has been quietly sitting in humidors since its introduction, delivering a smoking experience that punches way above what most people expect from the Hoyo line. It’s a classic Cuban Robusto that somehow flies under the radar, and I genuinely don’t understand why more aficionados aren’t talking about it.
If you’re looking for a medium-bodied smoke that actually has complexity – not just marketing fluff about complexity – this is it. The Epicure No. 1 brings together everything that made me fall in love with Cuban cigars back in the 90s: traditional construction, tobacco from Vuelta Abajo‘s best vegas, and flavors that evolve without beating you over the head. What you’re about to read comes from years of reaching for this cigar when I want something reliable but interesting. No hype, just what’s actually in the box.
What Makes the Epicure No. 1 Stand Out
Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865, and they’ve built their reputation on elegance rather than power. The Epicure line – yeah, that’s where they show off a bit. These vitolas tend to have more presence than the standard Hoyo releases, and the Epicure No. 1 is the Robusto in this family.
Thing is, this isn’t your typical mild Hoyo. It sits firmly in medium territory with enough body to keep experienced smokers interested. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region – I’m talking about the same fields that supply the premium lines for every major Cuban marca. The wrapper is usually a beautiful colorado shade, though I’ve seen some boxes lean slightly darker depending on the year.
Who should smoke this? Honestly, it’s perfect for someone who’s moved past beginner cigars but doesn’t need every smoke to be a full-bodied monster. If you appreciate balance and you’re willing to slow down and actually taste what’s happening, this Robusto will reward you. I’ve handed these to friends who normally smoke Partagás and Bolívar, and they’ve been surprised by how much depth Hoyo packed into this vitola. The smoking time runs about 60-75 minutes if you’re not rushing it – which you shouldn’t.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 5.6 inches / 143 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Experience: What You’re Actually Smoking
Cold draw gives you hay and a hint of sweetness – nothing aggressive. The first few puffs after lighting bring cedar forward immediately, but there’s this underlying creaminess that keeps it from being one-dimensional. I remember the first time I smoked one of these at a lounge in Miami, I was expecting typical light Hoyo flavors. That cedar note hit me and I thought, “Wait, there’s actually something here.”
First third develops into this combination of wood, cream, and a subtle nuttiness that’s hard to pin down. Almonds maybe? The smoke production is generous without being excessive. Construction on most boxes I’ve tried has been solid – the draw is usually right in that sweet spot where you’re getting volume without working for it. Burn line stays pretty even if you’re not smoking in the wind.
Second third is where this cigar earns its keep. The flavors deepen and you start picking up leather notes mixing with that cedar base. There’s a slight spice that shows up on the retrohale – not pepper exactly, more like baking spice. The creaminess from the first third is still there, but it’s playing a supporting role now. The ash holds to about an inch and a half before dropping, nice light gray color that tells you the tobacco was aged properly.
Final third brings everything together in a way that some Cuban Robustos just don’t manage. The body increases slightly – you feel it more in your chest – but it never crosses into harshness. That leather note becomes more pronounced, and there’s an earthiness that wasn’t really present earlier. Some coffee comes through if you’re paying attention. The retrohale gets richer, almost chocolatey. And then it’s done, no bitterness, no weird finish that makes you wish you’d stopped sooner.
The construction quality I’ve experienced across multiple boxes has been above average for modern Cuban production. I’m probably biased here, but I think the larger ring gauge helps – there’s more tobacco to work with, more margin for error. I’ve had maybe one or two that needed a touch-up out of dozens smoked. The wrapper tends to be smooth with minimal veins, and I haven’t encountered the tight draws that plague some other current production Cubans.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 | Medium | 60-75 min | Balanced complexity, afternoon smoke |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild-Medium | 50-65 min | Lighter option, morning or lunch |
| Ramón Allones Small Club Coronas | Medium | 55-70 min | More earth and spice, bolder profile |
What to Drink With It
Coffee works brilliantly with this cigar – I’m talking about a good Cuban coffee or a medium roast espresso, not gas station drip. The cedar and cream notes play off coffee’s natural profile without either one dominating. I’ve paired it with a cortado on several occasions and it’s become one of my favorite mid-afternoon combinations.
For spirits, go with aged rum. Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva both complement the sweetness and spice without overwhelming the tobacco. If you’re a whiskey person, try a lighter Scotch – something from Speyside like Glenfiddich 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood. The honeyed notes bridge nicely with the cigar’s creaminess.
Timing-wise, this is an afternoon cigar for me. Too much body for early morning, not quite enough punch for after a heavy dinner. It’s perfect for that 3 or 4 PM window when you’ve got time to sit and actually focus on what you’re smoking. Pair it with good conversation or a book you’ve been meaning to finish.
How does the Epicure No. 1 compare to the more famous Epicure No. 2?
The No. 2 is more popular and it’s a great cigar, but it’s milder and shorter. The No. 1 gives you more smoking time and a step up in body and complexity. If you’ve been smoking the No. 2 and want something with more presence, this is the natural progression. I keep both in my humidor for different occasions.
What’s the ideal age for smoking these?
They’re good fresh if construction is solid, but 2-3 years of aging really smooths out any rough edges and lets the flavors integrate better. I’ve smoked some with 5+ years and they develop this honeyed sweetness that’s pretty special. That said, don’t feel like you need to wait years – smoke one fresh and see where it’s at.
Are these box-worthy or should I try singles first?
If you like medium-bodied Cuban Robustos, buying a box is pretty safe. The consistency has been good in my experience, and they age well if you want to stash some. But yeah, grab a five-pack first if you’re unsure – no shame in testing before committing to 25 cigars.
How should I store these for optimal aging?
Standard Cuban storage applies – 65-67% humidity and around 65-68 degrees if you can manage it. I keep mine toward the bottom of my humidor where it’s slightly cooler. Rotate the box every few months if you’re aging long-term. They’re not particularly finicky compared to some other marcas.
Is this a good cigar for someone new to Cuban cigars?
Honestly? Yes, but with a caveat. If you’ve been smoking quality non-Cuban premiums and you’re ready to explore Cubans, this is a solid choice. It’s got enough flavor to be interesting but won’t overwhelm you. If you’re brand new to cigars in general, maybe start with something milder and work up to this.
What’s the best time of day to smoke an Epicure No. 1?
Mid-afternoon is perfect. It’s got too much body for a morning smoke in my opinion, but it’s not heavy enough for after a big steak dinner. That 3-5 PM window when you’ve got an hour to kill – that’s when this cigar shines. Weekend afternoons on the patio with good coffee, that’s the move.
How does current production quality compare to older boxes?
Current production has been pretty solid from what I’ve seen in the last couple years. Construction is better than it was in that rough 2014-2016 period. Are they as good as boxes from the 90s? Probably not, but that’s true for most Cuban cigars. For what you’re getting today, quality is respectable and worth smoking.
Final Thoughts
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is one of those cigars that deserves more attention than it gets. It’s not flashy, it’s not the strongest thing in your humidor, but it delivers a refined smoking experience that reminds you why Cuban tobacco built its reputation in the first place. The balance between body and flavor, the construction quality, the way it develops over that hour-plus of smoking time – it all adds up to something worth keeping stocked.
If you’re expanding your Cuban collection beyond the obvious choices, add a box of these to your next order. Let a few rest if you’ve got the patience, but don’t be afraid to smoke one fresh either. Sometimes the best cigars aren’t the ones everyone’s chasing – they’re the ones that just quietly do everything right.
