Description
A Robusto That Deserves More Love
I’ll be blunt: the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. While everyone’s chasing after the Epicure No. 2, this vitola sits quietly in the humidor, waiting for someone to appreciate what it brings to the table. And what it brings is substantial – we’re talking about a 5.5-inch smoke with a 50 ring gauge that delivers everything I love about the Hoyo brand without the fuss.
I smoked my first Epicure Especial at a small LCDH in Varadero – must’ve been 2007, maybe 2008. The guy behind the counter kept pushing me toward the No. 2, but something about the Especial caught my eye. That afternoon on the beach changed my perspective on what a medium-bodied Cuban could be. Not every cigar needs to punch you in the face to be memorable, you know?
This is what you need to know: if you appreciate elegant construction, nuanced flavors that actually evolve, and a smoke that doesn’t demand your entire afternoon, you’re in the right place. The Epicure Especial is handmade with that signature Cuban craftsmanship from the Vuelta Abajo region, and it shows in every puff.
What Makes This Hoyo Special
The Hoyo de Monterrey marca has been around since 1865 – yeah, you read that right. José Gener founded it in Cuba, naming it after his plantation in the Vuelta Abajo region. The Epicure line came later, targeted at aficionados who wanted something refined without venturing into full-bodied territory.
The Especial sits in an interesting spot. It’s bigger than your typical Robusto but shorter than a Corona Gorda. Some folks call it a Robusto Extra, and honestly, that fits. The 50 ring gauge gives you enough tobacco to develop complexity, while the 5.5-inch length keeps the smoking time reasonable – we’re talking about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes if you’re not rushing.
Who’s this cigar for? If you’re the type who reaches for a Montecristo No. 4 but wishes it had a bit more room to breathe, this is your answer. If you find yourself gravitating toward medium-bodied smokes with character – not just bland mild cigars, but genuinely interesting medium-strength profiles – pay attention. And if construction matters to you (and it should), the Epicure Especial rarely disappoints. The wrapper from Vuelta Abajo shows that beautiful Cuban tobacco leaf quality, and the handmade construction is typically flawless.
Real talk: this isn’t a beginner’s cigar, but it’s also not going to overwhelm someone who’s still developing their palate. It’s that perfect middle ground that experienced smokers appreciate and intermediate smokers can learn from.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Extra |
| Length | 5.5 inches / 140 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
How It Actually Smokes
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – there’s this subtle sweetness mixed with hay and a touch of cocoa. Not overpowering, just enough to get you interested. The construction on these is usually spot-on, which makes sense given Hoyo’s reputation. I’ve smoked maybe twenty of these over the years, and I can count on one hand the ones that had draw issues.
Light it up, and the first third introduces itself with creamy smoke and cedar notes. That cedar – it’s not the aggressive kind you get from some Nicaraguan puros. It’s refined, almost like the inside of a well-kept humidor. There’s also this subtle nuttiness, maybe almond or walnut, that weaves through everything. The burn line stays remarkably even if you’ve stored it properly. And the ash? Compact and white, holding on for a solid inch before you need to tap it.
Around the second third, things get more interesting – which is exactly what should happen but doesn’t always with Cuban cigars at this strength level. The cream develops into more of a coffee with milk character, and there’s this emerging leather note that I love. Not harsh leather, more like a well-worn wallet or jacket. Some light spice starts tickling the back of your palate through the retrohale, but we’re talking white pepper, not the black pepper bomb you get from fuller cigars. The flavors balance beautifully here, none of them fighting for dominance.
The final third is where the Epicure Especial either wins you over or leaves you wanting more punch. For me, it wins. The sweetness returns – think honey or caramel – while the wood notes become more pronounced. There’s a touch of earthiness that wasn’t there before, grounding everything nicely. The strength picks up slightly but never crosses into full-bodied territory. I can smoke this down to the nub without any harshness or bitterness, which says something about the quality of tobacco in the blend. The smoke stays cool and the flavors remain distinct right until the end.
One thing worth mentioning – and this goes for most Cuban cigars from Hoyo – these benefit tremendously from proper aging. A box with a year or two on it will smoke noticeably smoother than fresh ones. If you can resist diving into a fresh box immediately, your patience will be rewarded.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial | Medium | 60-75 mins | Afternoon smoke with complexity |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 45-60 mins | Classic Cuban experience |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill | Medium | 75-90 mins | Longer, richer session |
What to Drink with It
This cigar plays well with coffee, especially a Cuban espresso or cortadito if you’re smoking it in the morning or early afternoon. The coffee’s slight bitterness complements the sweetness in the cigar without overwhelming the more delicate notes.
For spirits, I’m reaching for a lighter rum – something like Havana Club 7 Year or even a good añejo tequila. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum mirror what’s happening in the second and final thirds beautifully. If you’re a whisky drinker, go for something smooth and slightly sweet – maybe a Speyside single malt. Skip the peaty Islay stuff; it’ll bulldoze right over this cigar’s more subtle characteristics.
Wine people, try a medium-bodied red. A good Rioja or even a Pinot Noir works surprisingly well. The key is avoiding anything too tannic or heavy. And honestly? Sometimes just water is perfect. Let the cigar speak for itself without any competing flavors.
Time of day matters here. This is my go-to afternoon smoke – after lunch but before dinner. It’s substantial enough to feel like an event but won’t knock you on your ass like some of the full-bodied monsters out there. Weekend mornings with coffee? Perfect. After a heavy meal? Maybe reach for something stronger instead.
How does the Epicure Especial compare to the Epicure No. 2?
The No. 2 is more compact and slightly fuller in body. The Especial gives you more length and a gentler, more nuanced experience. I think of the No. 2 as the bolder younger brother – great in its own right, but the Especial has more elegance. If you prefer refined over robust, the Especial is your pick.
Do these cigars need aging before smoking?
They’re smokable fresh, but they really shine with at least a year on them. The harshness smooths out and the flavors integrate better. I’ve had five-year-old boxes that were absolutely stunning. If you’re buying a box, smoke one now and stash the rest for a year – you’ll taste the difference.
What’s the best way to store Hoyo de Monterrey cigars?
Keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F. Cuban cigars, especially from Hoyo, don’t like being too wet – they can get musty and lose their refinement. I keep mine at 65% and they smoke beautifully. Don’t overthink it, just maintain consistency.
Is this a good cigar for someone new to Cubans?
Absolutely, but with a caveat. If they’ve been smoking cigars for a bit and understand what to expect from a medium-bodied smoke, this is an excellent introduction to Cuban elegance. Complete beginners might not appreciate the subtlety yet. I’d recommend they cut their teeth on a few New World cigars first, then come to this.
Where should I buy authentic Epicure Especial cigars?
Stick with authorized LCDH retailers or reputable online dealers who specialize in Cuban cigars. Counterfeits are unfortunately common with popular marcas like Hoyo de Monterrey. Check the box codes, verify the bands, and if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Better to pay fair market from a trusted source than gamble on fakes.
How many of these come in a box?
The standard presentation is a box of 25 cigars. Sometimes you’ll find them in boxes of 10, especially at LCDH shops in Cuba, but 25 is the typical configuration. They come in the dress box style with that classic Hoyo de Monterrey presentation.
Can I smoke this cigar right out of the box from Cuba?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you just traveled with them. Let them rest in your humidor for at least a week or two to recover from the journey and adjust to your storage conditions. Cigars are like people – they need time to acclimate after traveling. Give them that courtesy and they’ll reward you with a better smoking experience.
Final Thoughts
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial isn’t trying to be the boldest cigar in your humidor. It’s not competing for attention with full-bodied powerhouses. What it does is deliver a refined, elegant smoking experience that showcases what Cuban tobacco can do when treated with respect and blended with skill. The construction is reliable, the flavors are complex without being overwhelming, and the smoking time hits that sweet spot between quick smoke and major commitment.
If you appreciate cigars that reveal themselves slowly, that reward attention and patience, add a box to your collection. These age beautifully, smoke consistently, and represent everything I love about the Hoyo brand. You won’t regret it.
