Description
Why the Epicure No. 2 Might Be the Most Underrated Cuban Robusto You’ve Never Tried
Look, I’m just going to say it: if you’ve been sleeping on the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, you’re missing out on one of the most approachable, consistently excellent Cuban cigars in production today. I know – Hoyo doesn’t get the same hype as Cohiba or even Montecristo. But here’s the thing – that’s exactly why this cigar is such a gem. While everyone else is chasing the famous names, those of us who know are quietly enjoying what might be the perfect everyday Cuban Robusto. This isn’t just marketing talk. I’ve been smoking these since the late 90s, and I’m about to walk you through exactly why the Epicure No. 2 deserves a permanent spot in your humidor.
The Hoyo Heritage and What Makes This Stick Special
Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865 – we’re talking old-school Cuban tobacco royalty here. The brand comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, which, if you know anything about Cuban tobacco, is like talking about Napa Valley for wine. The Epicure line? That’s where Hoyo shows off what it can really do.
Here’s what gets me about the Epicure No. 2: it’s basically the everyday cigar that smokes like a special occasion stick. The vitola is a classic Robusto – 4.9 inches with a 50 ring gauge – which means you’re looking at about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes of smoking time. Not too long that you need to block out your afternoon, but substantial enough that you actually get to experience the tobacco. And the construction? Real talk: I’ve had boxes where every single cigar burned perfectly. That kind of consistency from Cuba isn’t always a given, but Hoyo seems to have it figured out.
The target smoker here is someone who appreciates nuance over power. If you’re the type who thinks every cigar needs to knock you on your ass with strength, this probably isn’t your speed. But if you want complexity, balance, and flavors you can actually identify – yeah, this is your cigar. I’ve turned more new Cuban smokers onto this stick than any other. It’s mild to medium strength with enough character to keep experienced smokers interested.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban long filler blend |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What You’re Actually Going to Taste
Okay, so let’s talk about what happens when you actually light this thing up. The cold draw – before you even put flame to foot – gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s this subtle sweetness, maybe a touch of hay or dried grass. Nothing overwhelming. It’s understated, which is very Hoyo.
The first third is where the Epicure No. 2 establishes its personality. Right off the bat, you get this beautiful creamy smoke texture. I mean really creamy – like heavy cream, not milk. The dominant flavors are cedar and a light coffee note. Not espresso – more like a blonde roast. There’s also this underlying sweetness that I can only describe as… hmm, how do I put this… it’s almost like natural honey without being cloying. Some people pick up on cocoa here, and I get that maybe one out of every three cigars. The wrapper contributes a subtle earthiness that grounds everything. And the burn? Usually razor-sharp straight from the light. The ash holds for a solid inch, sometimes more, and it’s that light gray color that tells you the tobacco was properly aged.
Moving into the second third – and this is where things get interesting – the flavor profile deepens a bit. That cedar becomes more pronounced, almost like you’re standing in a humidor. The coffee notes develop into something richer, picking up some cocoa characteristics. There’s a gentle pepper that shows up on the retrohale – not aggressive, just enough to remind you this is premium tobacco. The creaminess persists throughout, which is part of what makes this cigar so smooth. I’ve smoked these down to the nub and never felt like I needed to take a break. The construction usually stays perfect through this section – even burn, cool smoke, no touch-ups needed.
The final third is where you really understand what aging does for these cigars. Wait, let me back up – if you’re smoking a fresh Epicure No. 2, the final third is pleasant but straightforward. But if you’ve got some age on it – we’re talking two, three, five years – this is where the magic happens. The flavors concentrate without becoming harsh. You get more pronounced leather notes joining the cedar and coffee. Sometimes there’s this toasted almond thing happening that I absolutely love. The pepper increases slightly but never dominates. And here’s the key: the aroma becomes almost sweet, with hints of dried fruit that weren’t present in the earlier thirds. The smoke stays creamy and cool right to the end, which speaks to the quality of the filler tobacco and the skill in the rolling.
Thing is, not every Cuban cigar improves dramatically with age, but the Epicure No. 2 absolutely does. Fresh, they’re good. With five years? They’re exceptional. I keep a box rotating in my humidor specifically for this reason.
How Does It Stack Up? The Honest Comparison
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild-Medium | 60-75 min | Daily smoking, morning to afternoon, beginners to experts |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 60-90 min | Experienced smokers, after dinner, when you want more punch |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills | Mild-Medium | 50-70 min | Similar profile but slightly shorter, good alternative |
I’ll be honest with you: comparing the Epicure No. 2 to the Partagás Serie D No. 4 is something people do constantly, and I get it – they’re both famous Cuban Robustos. But they’re really different animals. The Partagás hits harder, with more earth and leather right from the start. If you want power, get the Partagás. If you want finesse and complexity you can actually tease apart, the Hoyo wins every time. No contest.
The Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills is probably the closest competitor in terms of strength and flavor profile. Both are in that approachable mild-to-medium range with similar creamy characteristics. But here’s what gets me – the Epicure No. 2 has better construction consistency in my experience. I’ve had more draw issues with the RyJ than I’ve ever had with Hoyo. Your mileage may vary, but that’s been my experience across probably fifty cigars of each.
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
Look, you can pair any cigar with anything you want – I’m not the cigar police. But if you want my actual recommendations based on what I’ve found works? Here goes.
Coffee is the obvious morning pairing, and it genuinely works beautifully. A medium roast that’s not too acidic complements the cigar without competing with it. I’m talking something like a Colombian or a good Costa Rican. The natural coffee notes in the cigar create this echo effect that’s really satisfying.
For spirits, a light rum is probably my favorite pairing. Something like Havana Club 3-Year or even a decent añejo. The slight sweetness in the rum picks up on that honey character in the smoke. Scotch works too – go for a Speyside, nothing too peaty. A Glenlivet 12 or Glenfiddich works great. Between you and me, I’ve also had these with a good Spanish brandy, and that combination is underrated.
Beer? Yeah, actually. A Belgian Tripel or a lighter craft lager. Nothing too hoppy – IPAs just clash with the subtle flavors. And speaking of which – I had one of these with an oatmeal stout once, and it was surprisingly good. Anyway, back to the main point.
Time of day matters with this cigar. It’s perfect for morning or early afternoon smoking. The mild to medium strength means it won’t wreck your palate for the rest of the day. I’ve smoked these after breakfast on weekend mornings more times than I can count. Late afternoon works too. After dinner? Eh, you could, but there are stronger cigars better suited for that. Save your Epicure No. 2 for when you want to actually taste what you’re smoking.
Aging These Cigars: Worth It or Waste of Time?
Not gonna lie, this is where the Epicure No. 2 really separates itself from the pack. Fresh off the truck from Cuba, these are good cigars. Solid. Enjoyable. But with age? Man, they transform into something special.
Here’s the thing about aging Cuban cigars – not all of them benefit equally. Some vitolas peak early. Some need a decade. The Epicure No. 2 hits its sweet spot around the three to five-year mark. The harsh edges – and there are some subtle ones when they’re young – completely smooth out. Those cedar and coffee notes that were pleasant become rich and layered. The creaminess intensifies. New flavors emerge that simply weren’t there before.
I’ve got a box from 2018 right now that’s smoking better than any fresh box I’ve tried. The wrapper has this slightly oily sheen that aged Habanos develop. The flavors are more integrated – instead of distinct notes, everything flows together. And the aroma? The room note from an aged Epicure No. 2 is genuinely beautiful. My wife, who normally tolerates my cigar smoking, actually commented on how good it smelled. That never happens.
Storage is straightforward: keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70 degrees. I know some aficionados swear by lower humidity for Cuban cigars, and I’ve experimented with that. Honestly? Standard conditions work fine for these. Just keep them away from your stronger cigars – Hoyo’s milder tobacco can pick up flavors if you’re not careful.
Construction Quality and What to Watch For
I’m probably biased here, but the Epicure No. 2 has some of the most consistent construction I’ve encountered in Cuban cigars. That said – and I know this sounds dramatic, but hear me out – there are still things to check before you light up.
The wrapper should be smooth with minimal veins, displaying that classic Cuban colorado color. It’s not going to be perfect like some Davidoff, but it should be free of major blemishes. Give it a gentle squeeze along the length. You’re checking for hard spots or soft spots. Occasionally you’ll find one that’s rolled a bit tight, and those can be frustrating to smoke. I’ve probably had this issue with maybe five percent of the Epicure No. 2s I’ve smoked over the years.
The draw before lighting should have a bit of resistance but not too much. Think of drinking a milkshake through a straw – you shouldn’t have to work hard, but there should be some feedback. Too easy? The cigar might burn hot and fast. Too tight? You’re in for a struggle, and honestly, I’d just set it aside and try another one.
The cap is triple-capped, which is standard for Habanos. Make your cut clean and not too deep – about 2mm from the cap line. I use a straight cut for these, though a V-cut works fine too. Just don’t use a punch – the ring gauge is right at the threshold where punches start causing draw issues.
What strength level is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2?
The Epicure No. 2 sits firmly in the mild to medium strength category. It’s approachable enough for newer Cuban cigar smokers but has enough complexity to keep experienced aficionados interested. The nicotine hit is gentle – you can smoke one in the morning without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re used to full-strength Nicaraguans or even stronger Cubans like Partagás or Bolívar, this will feel mild by comparison. That’s not a criticism – it’s what makes the Epicure No. 2 perfect for situations where you want flavor without the knockout punch.
How long should I age Epicure No. 2 cigars before smoking?
You can smoke them fresh, and they’ll be good. But if you want my honest opinion? Give them at least six months to a year of rest after you receive them. The sweet spot is really around three to five years of aging. At that point, the flavors marry together beautifully, the cedar notes deepen, and you get these subtle complexities that simply aren’t present in younger cigars. I’ve smoked ten-year-old Epicure No. 2s that were absolutely phenomenal. The good news is they’re mild enough that they don’t become overpowering with age – they just get smoother and more refined.
What are the main flavor notes in the Epicure No. 2?
The dominant flavors are cedar, light coffee, and cream. There’s an underlying sweetness throughout – almost like natural honey – that keeps everything balanced. As you move through the cigar, you’ll pick up cocoa notes, some gentle pepper on the retrohale, and a pleasant earthiness from the wrapper. With age, leather and toasted almond characteristics emerge, especially in the final third. The overall profile is refined rather than bold. These aren’t flavors that hit you over the head – they’re subtle and layered, which is exactly what makes the cigar interesting to smoke.
Is the Epicure No. 2 good for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Absolutely, and I recommend it constantly for exactly this purpose. The mild to medium strength means you won’t get nicotine sick, which is a real concern with stronger Cubans if you’re not used to them. The flavor profile is complex enough to be interesting but not so challenging that a newer smoker can’t appreciate it. The construction is generally reliable, so you’re less likely to deal with the draw or burn issues that can ruin the experience for someone just getting into premium cigars. Real talk: I’ve probably turned twenty people onto Cuban cigars using the Epicure No. 2 as the introduction, and every single one of them loved it.
How does the Epicure No. 2 compare to other Hoyo de Monterrey vitolas?
The Epicure No. 2 is generally considered the flagship of the Hoyo de Monterrey line, and for good reason. It’s more flavorful and complex than the Epicure No. 1 (which is a Corona Gorda) while being more approachable than some of the larger vitolas like the Double Corona. The Robusto format seems to be the sweet spot for Hoyo’s blend – enough tobacco to develop the flavors properly but not so much that it overwhelms the milder character. The Le Hoyo series tends to be slightly stronger, while other Epicure vitolas share similar characteristics but with subtle differences based on size. Thing is, if you’re only going to try one Hoyo, make it the Epicure No. 2.
What’s the best time of day to smoke an Epicure No. 2?
Morning to early afternoon is ideal. The mild strength makes it perfect for a weekend morning cigar with coffee, or a lunch break smoke if you’re fortunate enough to have that option. I’ve probably smoked more of these before noon than after dinner. That said, they work fine in the afternoon too – the hour-plus smoking time makes it a good companion for relaxing without committing to a full evening. After dinner? You could, but there are stronger, richer cigars better suited for that time. Save the Epicure No. 2 for when you want to taste every nuance without overwhelming your palate.
Do Epicure No. 2 cigars come in limited edition releases?
The regular production Epicure No. 2 is not a limited edition – it’s a core line cigar that’s been in continuous production for decades, which is actually a good thing for consistency. However, Habanos does release limited editions and special releases from Hoyo de Monterrey periodically, though these are typically different vitolas. The advantage of the Epicure No. 2 being regular production is that you can usually find them, and the quality stays consistent year to year. You’re not chasing rare releases or dealing with the inconsistency that sometimes plagues limited runs. It’s a workhorse cigar in the best possible sense.
Why You Should Keep These in Your Rotation
After everything I’ve told you, here’s my bottom line: the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is one of those cigars that just works. It’s not flashy. It’s not the cigar you pull out to impress someone who doesn’t know cigars. But for people who actually smoke regularly and appreciate what good tobacco tastes like? This is the cigar that keeps showing up in the rotation because it delivers every single time.
The mild to medium strength makes it versatile enough for any time of day. The flavor profile is complex without being challenging. The construction is reliable enough that you’re not gambling every time you light one up. And with some age? They genuinely rival cigars with much bigger reputations. I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about these, but maybe that’s fine – keeps them available for those of us who know.
If you’re building a humidor and want a Cuban cigar you’ll actually reach for regularly – not just save for special occasions – get yourself a box of Epicure No. 2s. Let them rest for a few months if you can manage the patience. Then smoke one on a Saturday morning with good coffee and tell me I’m wrong. You won’t.
