Description
Why This Robusto Deserves More Love Than It Gets
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’96, and I’ll be honest with you: the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial is one of those sticks that never gets the credit it deserves. Everyone’s talking about the Epicure No. 2, right? That’s the one on every “top cigars” list. But here’s the thing – the Especial is sitting there in the shadows, just quietly being exceptional. It’s a Robusto Extra format that delivers everything I love about the Hoyo de Monterrey brand: elegance, complexity, and that signature mild-to-medium character that doesn’t beat you over the head. This is the cigar I reach for when I want something refined without the intensity of a Bolivar. By the end of this, you’ll understand exactly why this belongs in your humidor and how it stacks up against its more famous siblings.
What Makes the Epicure Especial Stand Out
Hoyo de Monterrey has been around since 1865 – think about that for a second. That’s over 150 years of tobacco expertise flowing through this cigar. The brand was named after José Gener, whose plantation was situated in the fertile Vuelta Abajo region, and it’s always been positioned as the gentleman’s smoke. Not aggressive, not trying too hard. Just… sophisticated.
The Epicure Especial came onto the scene in 2008 as part of the Epicure line, and I remember thinking it was a smart move by Habanos SA. They took that classic Hoyo character – cedar-forward, creamy, elegant – and put it in a format that gives you more time to enjoy it than the smaller vitolas. This is a cigar for the aficionado who appreciates subtlety. If you’re the type who likes to actually taste the tobacco rather than just get hit with strength and pepper, this is your wheelhouse. The target smoker here? Someone who’s moved past the “stronger is better” phase and wants nuance. Someone who pairs their cigars thoughtfully instead of just lighting up whatever’s closest.
And I know this sounds dramatic, but the Especial might be the most underrated cigar in the entire Habanos SA portfolio. There, I said it.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Extra |
| Length | 5.0 inches / 127 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Third by Third
Okay, so let me walk you through what actually happens when you light one of these up. Because the specs are one thing, but the experience? That’s what matters.
First off, the cold draw gives you this amazing preview – cedar and a hint of cocoa. Not overwhelming, just… present. The wrapper itself is usually pristine, that classic Colorado color with a slight oiliness that tells you it’s been properly aged at the factory. Construction is typically flawless because, well, it’s coming from the El Rey del Mundo factory where they know what they’re doing.
The first third hits you gently. And I mean that as a compliment. You get this immediate cedar note – like opening a Spanish cedar drawer – along with cream and a whisper of white pepper. Thing is, it’s not trying to impress you with complexity right out of the gate. It’s establishing its character. The burn is almost always razor-sharp (assuming you’ve stored it properly at around 65-70% humidity), and the ash builds up in that light gray color that just looks elegant sitting there.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. The second third is where the Especial really opens up. That initial cedar backbone stays, but you start getting these layers of coffee – not espresso, more like a smooth café con leche. There’s this creamy texture to the smoke that coats your palate. I’ve also picked up subtle cocoa notes here, almost like dark chocolate that’s not too sweet. The pepper from the first third mellows out even more, and you get this beautiful balance. Real talk: this is the section where I always slow down because I don’t want it to end. The retrohale – if you’re into that – gives you more of the cedar and a touch of earth without burning your sinuses.
The final third is where some people get disappointed because it doesn’t ramp up dramatically. But hear me out: that’s not a flaw, it’s the design. The Especial maintains its elegance all the way through. You get a bit more earth, maybe some leather joining the party, and that coffee note intensifies slightly. But it never gets bitter or harsh if you’re smoking at the right pace – which, by the way, should be slow and deliberate with this one. Rush it and you’ll miss everything that makes it special. The aroma around you during this final stretch is gorgeous – other people in the lounge will notice. I’ve had strangers ask me what I’m smoking based purely on the smell drifting past them.
The ash? Rock solid until you tap it off around the inch mark. No constant relights needed, no tunneling issues. This is why I love Cuban craftsmanship when they get it right – the filler blend is packed perfectly, neither too tight nor too loose.
How It Compares to Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial | Mild-Medium | 60-75 minutes | Morning to afternoon smoke, excellent for beginners transitioning to Cubans |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild-Medium | 45-60 minutes | Shorter time commitment, slightly less complexity but more accessible |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 40-50 minutes | Those wanting more intensity in a smaller package, classic Cuban profile |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills | Mild-Medium | 60-80 minutes | Similar elegance with slightly different flavor direction (more floral notes) |
I know some aficionados will disagree with me here, but I actually prefer the Especial to the more famous Epicure No. 2. The extra length and ring gauge give the flavors more room to develop, and that additional smoking time means I’m not rushing through it. The No. 2 is excellent – don’t get me wrong – but the Especial feels more… complete? Like it’s telling a full story rather than giving you the abbreviated version.
What to Drink With It
Between you and me, pairing is where a lot of people overthink things. But with the Epicure Especial, you’ve got options because its mild-to-medium profile plays well with others.
Coffee is the obvious choice – specifically a smooth café cubano or even a good cappuccino. The coffee notes in the cigar mirror what’s in your cup, and it creates this harmonious loop of flavor. I’ve also had phenomenal experiences with aged rum. A Havana Club 7 Year or a Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva works beautifully because the sweetness complements the creamy smoke without overwhelming it. Speaking of which – actually, wait, let me finish this thought about rum. The caramel notes in a good rum pull out those subtle cocoa flavors in the second third.
If you’re a whiskey person, go with something mellow. A Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie or even a smooth bourbon – nothing too peaty or aggressive. The cigar’s elegance gets lost if you pair it with an Islay Scotch. Save the Laphroaig for a Partagás or something with more backbone.
Occasion-wise? This is my go-to morning cigar, honestly. Late morning with coffee after I’ve gotten some work done. It’s also perfect for afternoon golf or sitting on a patio when the weather’s nice. Not too heavy for daytime, but substantial enough that you feel like you’ve had a proper smoke. Evening works too, especially as a first cigar before you move on to something stronger.
Aging Potential and Storage Notes
No joke, the Epicure Especial ages like a dream. I’ve got some from 2012 in my humidor right now, and they’ve developed this incredible depth. The cedar mellows out, the coffee and cocoa notes intensify, and you get more of that signature Cuban twang that only comes with time. If you can afford to buy a box and forget about it for five years, do it. Your future self will thank you.
Storage-wise, keep these at 65-68% humidity and around 65-68°F if you can. Too humid and they get spongy; too dry and you lose those delicate flavors. I learned this the hard way back in – I think it was 2003? Maybe 2004. Doesn’t matter. Point is, I had a box stored at 72% humidity and they smoked wet and needed constant relights. Now I’m religious about keeping things in the sweet spot.
Who Should Skip This Cigar
Look, I’m not going to pretend this is everyone’s cigar because it’s not. If you’re chasing strength and pepper, this isn’t your stick. Go grab a Bolivar Royal Corona or a Partagás Serie D No. 4 instead. If you need constant flavor transitions and dramatic changes, you’ll probably find this too subtle. This is a cigar that reveals itself slowly, and some people just don’t have the patience for that.
Also – and I’m probably biased here – but if you’re brand new to cigars, maybe start with the Epicure No. 2 before jumping to the Especial. It’s a bit more forgiving and shorter, so you can gauge whether you like the Hoyo profile without committing to 75 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Epicure Especial and Epicure No. 2?
The Especial is longer (5.0 inches versus 4.9 inches) and has a thicker ring gauge (50 versus 50 – wait, actually they’re the same ring gauge. The key difference is really the length and the slightly different blend that gives you more smoking time and complexity. The Especial develops more in the second and third thirds because you’ve got more tobacco to work with. Think of the No. 2 as the concentrated version and the Especial as the full experience.
How long should I age an Epicure Especial before smoking?
Here’s the thing – you can smoke them fresh from the store if they’ve been properly humidified, but they really shine with at least 6-12 months of rest in your own humidor. The flavors integrate better and the harshness (if there is any) completely disappears. I’ve found the sweet spot to be around 3-5 years of aging, where the cedar mellows and the coffee and cocoa notes really pop. But honestly, if you’ve got one in hand right now, don’t wait – they’re good fresh too.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial good for beginners?
Absolutely. This is actually one of the best Cuban cigars for someone transitioning from milder smokes. The mild-to-medium strength means you won’t get overwhelmed or nicotine sick, and the flavors are clear enough to identify without being too subtle. The construction is reliable, so you’re not dealing with burn issues while you’re still learning. My only caveat is the smoking time – 60-75 minutes is a commitment, so make sure you’ve got the time to enjoy it properly.
What humidity level is best for storing Epicure Especiales?
I keep mine at 65-67% humidity, which is slightly lower than the traditional 70% you’ll hear about. Cuban cigars in general smoke better at lower humidity – the draw is easier, the flavors are cleaner, and you don’t get that ammonia taste that over-humidified cigars sometimes have. Temperature should be stable around 65-68°F. If you’re storing for long-term aging, you can go even lower, around 62-65%, but that’s getting into advanced territory.
Why is my Epicure Especial burning unevenly?
Nine times out of ten, this is a humidity issue. If your cigar is too wet, one side will burn faster than the other. If it’s too dry, you’ll get tunneling. Make sure you’re storing at the right humidity and give new cigars at least a couple weeks to acclimate to your humidor. Also – and I can’t stress this enough – smoke slowly. Puffing too frequently heats up one side and causes uneven burns. The Especial is meant to be savored, not rushed. If you’re outdoors in wind, that can also cause issues, so try to find a sheltered spot.
Can I smoke an Epicure Especial right after a meal?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it after a really heavy meal. The mild-to-medium profile can get overshadowed if your palate is still coated from rich food. This cigar shines on a cleaner palate – morning, mid-afternoon, or after a light lunch. If you do want to smoke it after dinner, maybe have it with dessert and coffee rather than immediately after a steak. That said, everyone’s palate is different, so experiment and see what works for you.
Are there any limited edition versions of the Epicure Especial?
Not that I’m aware of. The Epicure Especial itself is a regular production cigar, which honestly is great because it means you can actually find them consistently. Hoyo de Monterrey has released various limited editions over the years – the Double Corona from 2013 comes to mind – but the Especial has remained in the standard lineup since 2008. That consistency is actually a good thing because you’re not hunting down unicorns or paying inflated prices for limited edition versions.
My Final Take
I’ll be blunt: if the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial doesn’t become one of your regular rotation cigars after you try it, you’re probably chasing the wrong things in your smokes. This is everything a Cuban cigar should be – elegant, complex without being overwhelming, impeccably constructed, and consistent. It’s not trying to be the strongest or the most intense. It’s just… refined.
The cedar and cream flavors, that beautiful coffee note in the middle section, the way it maintains its character from start to finish – this is cigar smoking at its most civilized. It’s the cigar I recommend to people who think they want power but actually need finesse. And for those of you already in the mild-to-medium camp, this should be at the top of your list.
Do yourself a favor: grab a few, let them rest in your humidor for a month or two, and smoke one on a weekend morning with good coffee. No distractions, no rushing. Just you and 75 minutes of what Vuelta Abajo tobacco can do when it’s blended properly. You’ll get it then. And if you’re smart, you’ll go back and buy a box before they get harder to find.
Trust me on this one. This is the cigar that deserves more love than it gets, and now you know why.
