Description
The amber glow of the lounge’s table lamp caught the oily sheen of the wrapper as I lifted it from the box. That familiar weight—heavier than expected for something so elegant—settled into my palm like a promise. The pre-light aroma rose immediately: rich tobacco wrapped in hints of barnyard earthiness, with something sweeter lurking beneath.
I’d been curious about this particular stick for months after reading forum discussions praising its balance. Now, holding it in that quiet moment before the first cut, I understood why enthusiasts rate this one so highly among finestcigars in the robusto category.
Construction and Appearance
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial showcases exceptional Cuban craftsmanship from wrapper to foot. Its colorado wrapper gleams with natural oils, displaying the characteristic smoothness that comes from premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The construction feels solid—no soft spots or irregularities that sometimes plague lesser Cuban cigars.
What strikes me most is the attention to detail in the rolling. The seams are nearly invisible, and the cap shows the precise triple-wrap technique that Cuban torcedores have perfected over generations. The band combination—the classic Hoyo de Monterrey band paired with the special “Epicure Especial” secondary band—adds visual elegance without overwhelming the cigar’s natural beauty.
At 141mm long with a 50 ring gauge, this robusto extra feels substantial in hand. The draw resistance checks out perfectly during the pre-light test, suggesting the filler tobacco was packed with just the right density for an even burn.
Flavor Profile Through the Smoke
First Third: Gentle Introduction
The opening draws deliver classic Hoyo characteristics—woody tobacco flavors that feel familiar yet refined. There’s an immediate sweetness that builds gradually, never overwhelming the fundamental tobacco taste. I picked up subtle honey notes in the cold draw, and they carry through beautifully once lit.
The smoke production starts thick and creamy, with waves rolling off the foot in the still lounge air. No harsh edges here—just smooth smoke that coats the palate without any bite. The retrohale reveals gentle vanilla undertones that complement rather than compete with the primary flavors.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
This is where the Epicure Especial truly shines. The body develops into a genuine medium strength without losing the refined character of the opening. Earthy tones emerge alongside the woody base, while maintaining those attractive sweet berry hints that make Hoyo de Monterrey cigars so approachable.
Coffee notes begin appearing, not aggressive espresso but more like a smooth morning blend. The leather flavors that some reviewers mention started showing up here for me—subtle and well-integrated rather than dominant. The construction continues performing flawlessly with an even burn line and solid ash formation.
Final Third: Sustained Excellence
Many cigars falter in the final stretch, but this classic Cuban robusto maintains its composure beautifully. The complexity remains enticing without developing the harsh spice or overwhelming strength that can ruin a good smoke. The tobacco flavors deepen while keeping those flowery hints that appeared earlier.
What impressed me most was how very rich the experience remained without ever requiring a purge or rest. The cigar is very well-balanced right through to the final inch, making every minute of the smoking time worthwhile.
Specifications
| Length | 141mm (5.6 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Strength | Light to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Wrapper | Colorado Cuban |
| Weight | ~13.3 grams |
Perfect Pairings
The medium-bodied profile of this cigar opens up numerous pairing possibilities. I’ve found it pairs exceptionally well with a quality aged rum—something like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva complements the sweet undertones without masking the tobacco complexity.
For whiskey enthusiasts, a smooth Highland Scotch like Glenlivet 15 creates beautiful harmony with the woody notes. The honey characteristics in both the cigar and whiskey create wonderful synergy. Coffee lovers should consider a medium roast Colombian or Guatemalan brew—the shared earthiness enhances both experiences.
Wine pairing works surprisingly well too. A medium-bodied Rioja or even a quality port brings out the sweeter elements while respecting the cigar’s refined character. For non-alcoholic options, try it with premium dark hot chocolate or a well-crafted espresso.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
This cigar deserves proper preparation to showcase its construction quality. Use a sharp guillotine cutter to remove just enough of the cap—about 2mm—to open the draw without damaging the wrapper. The triple-cap construction holds together beautifully when cut cleanly.
For lighting, I recommend a butane torch rather than matches to avoid flavor contamination. Toast the foot evenly while rotating the cigar, then draw gently while continuing to apply flame. The premium tobacco responds well to patient lighting—rushing this step can create burn issues later.
Once lit, resist the temptation to puff aggressively. This medium bodied cigar reveals its best qualities when smoked slowly, allowing the complex flavors to develop naturally. Proper Cuban cigar smoking technique will maximize your enjoyment of this exceptional smoke.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Epicure Especial excels as both an introduction to premium Cuban cigars and a satisfying choice for experienced smokers. Its light-to-medium strength makes it accessible to newer enthusiasts without boring seasoned palates. I’d particularly recommend it to anyone transitioning from milder smokes who wants to explore more complex flavors.
This isn’t the cigar for someone seeking powerful, full-bodied intensity. Instead, it rewards those who appreciate subtlety and balance. The 60-90 minute smoking time makes it perfect for leisurely occasions—weekend mornings, quiet evenings, or celebrating special moments that deserve proper attention.
Business settings work well for this cigar too. The refined character and moderate strength won’t overwhelm conversation or leave you feeling overpowered during daytime smoking. It’s sophisticated enough for important occasions while remaining approachable for regular enjoyment.
Authenticating Your Purchase
Given the popularity of this cigar, counterfeit versions unfortunately exist in the market. Authentic Epicure Especiales feature the distinctive dual band system—the traditional Hoyo de Monterrey band plus the special “Epicure Especial” secondary band. Both should show crisp printing with no smudged edges or color variations.
Examine the box carefully. Genuine boxes display proper Habanos authentication features including holograms, serial numbers, and “Hecho en Cuba” stamping. The cigars themselves should show consistent construction quality—no obvious variations in size or wrapper color within the same box.
The tobacco aroma provides another authenticity check. Real Cuban tobacco has a distinctive earthy sweetness that’s difficult to replicate. Fake cigars often smell harsh or artificially flavored. When in doubt, purchase from established dealers who guarantee authenticity and can provide proper documentation.
Stock availability varies by region, so verify your retailer’s shipping policies and authentication guarantees before purchasing. Reputable Cuban cigar dealers will provide detailed authenticity information and proper storage until shipping.
Storage Requirements
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality that makes this cigar special. Maintain your humidor at 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) for optimal preservation. The colorado wrapper is particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations, so invest in a reliable hygrometer to monitor conditions.
These cigars benefit from aging when stored properly. I’ve found that six months to a year of proper storage can enhance the integration of flavors, making the sweet and woody elements even more harmonious. The current pre-revolution brand quality of Hoyo de Monterrey means these cigars are built for long-term storage when conditions are right.
For those new to cigar storage, proven preservation techniques can prevent the disappointment of dried-out or over-humidified cigars. Cedar aging boxes work particularly well for this marca, adding subtle wood notes that complement the natural tobacco flavors.
Consider the proper humidor setup essential for protecting your investment in premium Cuban cigars. Temperature stability matters as much as humidity—avoid storage areas with frequent temperature swings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to other Hoyo de Monterrey vitolas?
The Epicure Especial offers more complexity and smoking time than the smaller Hoyo vitolas while maintaining the brand’s signature refinement. It’s richer than the Petit Robusto but more approachable than the Double Corona. The 50 ring gauge provides the perfect balance between flavor concentration and smoking comfort.
What’s the difference between this and the regular Hoyo Robusto?
The Epicure Especial is actually a robusto extra format (141mm vs 124mm) with enhanced tobacco selection and blend complexity. It features more developed sweet and earthy notes compared to the standard robusto, justifying its premium positioning within the Hoyo lineup. The smoking time is notably longer, making it better suited for extended relaxation sessions.
How long should I age these before smoking?
These cigars smoke well immediately but truly shine with 6-12 months of proper aging. The integration between the sweet berry notes and woody tobacco becomes more seamless over time. Beyond two years, some of the vibrant complexity may mellow too much for some preferences, though others enjoy the increased smoothness that comes with extended aging.
Are these available in different box sizes?
Yes, the Epicure Especial comes in slide-lid boxes of 10, 25, and 50 cigars. The smaller boxes are perfect for trying the vitola, while the 25 and 50-count options provide better value for regular smokers. All authentic boxes feature proper Habanos packaging with authentication features and serial numbering.
What makes this cigar worth the premium price?
The combination of exceptional construction quality, complex flavor development, and the heritage of Vuelta Abajo tobacco justifies the investment. The consistent performance, lengthy smoking time, and sophisticated flavor profile provide excellent value compared to other premium Cuban cigars. The plantation-to-perfection process ensures each cigar meets the high standards expected from this marca.
