For the discerning aficionado, few items hold as much allure as a limited edition release from Cuba, particularly when it is designed exclusively for the travel retail market. Hoyo de Monterrey, a brand synonymous with rich history and delicate flavor profiles, solidified its commitment to this exclusive sector with the launch of the Double Epicure Travel Humidor. This distinctive offering stands as the fifth installment in the brand's prestigious Duty Free series, creating a "must-have" scenario for collectors worldwide who are eager to obtain unique vitolas unavailable in standard storefronts.
The "Dobles" Vitola: A Unique Format
At the heart of this release lies the cigar itself, a format known by its factory name, Dobles. This specific vitola was engineered solely for this special edition, bridging the gap between two of the most popular cigar sizes in the world. While many brands stick to standard Robustos or Churchills, Hoyo de Monterrey charted a middle path, offering a smoking experience that promises doubled pleasure through its generous proportions.
The technical specifications of the Double Epicure highlight its substantial yet balanced construction:
- Factory Name: Dobles
- Dimensions: 155 mm (6 1/8 inches) in length
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Official Weight: 14.58 grams
By falling comfortably between the shorter Robusto and the longer Churchill, this size offers a cool draw and a burn time that suits the traveling smoker—long enough to satisfy, yet manageable enough to finish before the journey ends. Every cigar in the box is handmade, ensuring the level of craftsmanship expected from a top-tier Cuban marque.
Presentation and Global Exclusivity
The packaging of the Double Epicure is as thoughtfully designed as the cigar itself. Hoyo de Monterrey housed this limited run in an elegant brown travel humidor, a choice that serves both form and function. The design aligns seamlessly with the brand’s traditional aesthetic while providing a practical vessel for protecting cigars during transit. Inside the humidor, collectors will find a total of 15 cigars, each meticulously arranged.
Scarcity is a defining characteristic of this release. The production was strictly capped at just 4,000 units worldwide. This finite number guarantees the item's status as a genuine exclusive, ensuring that only a select group of enthusiasts will ever possess this specific edition. To further distinguish these cigars from the regular production line, each one features a dual-band configuration. The standard Hoyo de Monterrey Band E is accompanied by a distinctive second band, clearly marking the cigar as part of this special Double Epicure release.
A Release Defined by Anticipation
The journey of the Double Epicure to the consumer shelves is a story of patience. While the release carries the official designation of a 2010 product—specifically dated January 1, 2010—it did not actually reach retail shelves until late 2011. This delay between the official announcement and the physical availability served to heighten the sense of anticipation among the cigar community.
As the fifth release in Hoyo de Monterrey's ongoing Duty Free and Travel Retail Series, this humidor represents a continuation of a tradition that offers unique smoking experiences through special sizes. Because these formats are unavailable through standard retail channels, every release in this series becomes a notable event, driving demand among those who seek out the rarest expressions of Cuban tobacco. For the collector, the Double Epicure Travel Humidor is not just a box of cigars; it is a tangible piece of the brand's evolving legacy in the global market.
