Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial – Robusto Cuban Cigar

Description

Imagine it is late afternoon on a Sunday, the kind where the sun hangs low and turns the room a dusty gold while the rest of the house is quiet. You pour a drink, settle into the worn leather of your favorite chair, and realize you have ninety minutes of absolute silence ahead of you to burn.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: When you first put a flame to the foot of the Epicure Especial, do not be surprised if it greets you with a little attitude. Many smokers expect that famous Hoyo creaminess right out of the gate, but this stick often starts with a snap of spice that tingles on the lips like mild chili heat. It is a wake-up call that lasts for about half an inch before settling down. Once that initial zest fades, the smoke cools significantly. You start tasting dry cedar and a distinct earthiness, similar to the smell of a forest floor after rain. The draw is usually open and generous, producing thick clouds of white smoke that hang heavy in the air.

Mid-Section: As the burn line progresses past the first inch, the cigar finds its real character. The texture of the smoke changes completely here, shifting from dry to oily and coating the palate with a velvety sensation. This is where the flavors get interesting. You drop the heavy wood notes and move into warmer territory, tasting roasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds. There is often a faint note of vanilla bean lurking in the background, mixed with unsweetened cocoa powder. It is not a sugar bomb, but there is a definite richness that develops. The strength stays manageable, hovering comfortably in that light-to-medium range, so you never feel like the cigar is fighting you.

Final Third: Heading into the last thirty minutes, the intensity picks up just enough to keep you paying attention. The heat rises slightly, bringing out a savory, leathery quality that replaces the earlier nuttiness. Surprisingly, this is often where the sweetness peaks. You might detect notes of burnt caramel or honey cutting through the tobacco core. It remains smooth to the very end, avoiding that harsh, tarry bitterness that plagues lesser blends. You can easily smoke this one down until it burns your fingers, leaving you with a clean, savory impression rather than a heavy nicotine buzz.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Hoyo de Monterrey

Founded in 1865 by Jose Gener, this brand has deep roots in the actual soil of Cuba. The name literally refers to the “Hoyo” or basin of Monterrey, a particularly fertile depression in the Vuelta Abajo region known for growing some of the finest wrapper leaf on the planet. While many Cuban brands chased power and strength over the decades, Hoyo de Monterrey stuck to its guns, focusing on aromatic, lighter blends that prioritize flavor over brute force. The Epicure Especial was introduced initially as a limited edition before becoming a standard production offering in 2008, proving that the modern smoker still craves elegance.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Flor de Caña 18 – The dry, oaky finish of this Nicaraguan rum complements the cedar notes in the cigar without drowning out the delicate vanilla flavors.
• Whiskey: Highland Park 18 – The subtle heathery peat and sherry sweetness of the scotch wrap perfectly around the roasted nut character of the mid-section.
• Coffee: Turkish coffee – The intense, unfiltered body of the coffee stands up to the earthiness of the tobacco while the sludge at the bottom mimics the cocoa texture.

Ideal For

This is a fantastic choice for the morning smoker who wants a large format cigar with their coffee but does not want to be wrecked for the rest of the day. It is also perfect for connoisseurs who appreciate nuance and evolution over raw power. If you are new to Cuban cigars, the Epicure Especial is a forgiving and rewarding place to start your education.