For the discerning aficionado, few announcements generate as much anticipation as the release of a new Reserva from Habanos S.A. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 stands as a testament to the virtue of patience in tobacco production. By taking a staple of the modern cigar landscape and subjecting it to a rigorous aging process, the brand has transformed a familiar favorite into a complex, collector-grade experience. This cigar is not merely a commercial release; it is a snapshot of a specific agricultural year, captured in smoke and time.
The Significance of the Reserva Classification
The Reserva series by Habanos occupies a special niche in the premium cigar market. To qualify for this designation, a cigar must utilize tobacco that has been aged for a minimum of three years. However, the Epicure No.2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 goes a step further by exclusively featuring leaf harvested during the 2012 season. This "vintage" concept allows smokers to taste the specific climatic nuances of that year, offering a depth and smoothness that standard production runs rarely achieve. The result is a robusto that retains the core identity of Hoyo de Monterrey while presenting it through a lens of heightened sophistication and maturity.
Vitola Specifications and Construction
At the heart of this release is the Robustos vitola, a format revered for its perfect balance of smoking time and flavor intensity. The factory name remains Robustos, and the dimensions adhere to the classic standard, measuring 124 mm (approximately 4 7/8 inches) in length with a 50 ring gauge. Weighing in at 11.66 grams, the construction is a product of highly skilled torcedores, or rollers, who ensure that the draw and burn are flawless. Every cigar is handmade, a necessary requirement for a product of this caliber, ensuring that the precious 2012 leaf is handled with the utmost care from bunching to the final cap.
Visual Identity and Packaging
Habanos has ensured that the visual presentation of this release matches its premium status. The most immediate visual cue is the triple-band configuration. Smokers will recognize the traditional Epicure No.2 band, but it is now accompanied by a special combined band E and the distinct Reserva band that marks the cigar as part of this exclusive lineage. This layered branding creates a sense of occasion before the cigar is even lit.
The packaging further reinforces the luxury nature of the product. The cigars are housed in a boîte nature box with a sleek black lacquer finish. Each box is individually numbered, emphasizing the limited nature of the run, and contains 20 cigars. With only 5,000 boxes produced for the entire global market, the presentation is designed to appeal as much to the collector as to the smoker.
Market Availability and Collectibility
The journey of this cigar from the fields of Cuba to the consumer concluded in January 2018, when it was officially released to the market. This timeline allowed the 2012 harvest to undergo years of careful fermentation and quality control. Given the popularity of the standard Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2, which is often cited as one of the best-selling Cuban cigars, the Reserva version offers a unique contrast. It sits alongside other rare variations like the Epicure No.2 Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor and the Selección Robustos as a pillar of the brand's history.
Because production was capped at 5,000 units, securing a box has become a challenge for even the most well-connected enthusiasts. The combination of a high-demand format and a finite supply has solidified its status as a trophy cigar. For those lucky enough to acquire one, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 offers a rare chance to smoke history, experiencing the 2012 vintage in its most refined and elegant form.
