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Posted

Finally some nice sunny days in NYC and had the afternoon off so decided to test out the HdM Epicure No. 2. I picked out the ugliest stick I could find, but it still smelled fantastic. Smelled of cedar and cocoa and prelit draw revealed similar.

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My newly acquired torch wouldn't work, so I had to make do with a 7-11 lighter and the wind wasn't helping. I was also fumbling with my cup of coffee, so I couldn't really pay attention to the first few draws. I do remember it was very mild bodied, however the flavor was there. Mostly of toasty tobacco and hint of spice. While I was trying to get a creative shot of my first 1/3, I spilled my coffee and dropped my cigar :covereyes: but luckily it didn't get on my clothes and the cigar was fine, although I couldn't get a picture of it.

After I finally settled down, I was able to really pay attention and found the second 1/3 to be much better than the first. Mild body became medium, and the flavor went into vtec. I was getting loads of nutty flavor now. Also, as some of you may remember, I had some burn issues with my Monte 2's, but not this one. Perfect burn throughout until the nub. Also, the draw with the punch just wasn't doing it for me so I clipped the cap and the draw was perfect. I was noticing little white dots on the ash as well. I was really enjoying this cigar.

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Pretty steady throughout until the end of the last 1/3. Rich nutty flavor still, and great even burn. It did feel as if everything intensified slightly as the cigar burned closer to its end, but that's probably normal. First cigar that I actually enjoyed til the nub, although by this time it was dying and didn't burn too well. Since this is only my second CC, I can't really compare to others, but it really is the best I've had so far. I would easily give it a 94-95. Loved the bands as well. The lesson here is that the ugliest stick doesn't necessarily mean it'll smoke bad. And I finally understand what makes CC's so great. :2thumbs:

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Posted

Love the Epicure no 2' just got a box from Cuba. Smooth cigar, perfect length for when you don't have time to smoke a big one. Can't wait for them to age a bit, they'll be fantastic!

Posted

Agreed - the whole Epicure series is killer. I just finished an Ep. 2 myself and the flavours are always consistent, not to mention perfect burn, perfect draw, and beautiful white ash.

Glad you had a chance to partake in one of these.

Posted

Yep!!! Gotta go get one out of the box tonight...So glad you didn't mess up the stick. I got anxious just reading about it. I would have dropped the stick, and as I pick it up I would have spilled my coffee on it.... Thanks for the good review....

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

The Epi 2 was my first Habano and I was hooked! It was given to me by a friend, and he had aged it for quite some time. Since then I have had both aged and non-aged, and the age definitely makes this a more refined and complex smoke, but is still quite fantastic young! Might have to grab me a box o' these

Posted

The Hoyo Epi #2 is part of my regular rotation. They're great with 3 years age on them but also very enjoyable young. For me it's the perfect lazy afternoon smoke. For an evening smoke I'd recommend something a bit stronger, if you like the robusto format, then it's the Partagas Serie D No 4. Some of the PSDN4 have been inconsistent lately, so i'd recommend an HQ box if you decide to buy.

Posted

I smoke the ugliest sticks and trade/give away the pretty ones. I have always had great luck with ugly cigars tasting amazing and surprising me with how good they are. I COVET THEM!

Posted

Lol you may be right! I find usually I pick out the ugly ducklings when I first receive a box and enjoy the car very much. Then each one after that looks better but doesn't smoke as well...maybe a coincidence?? :thinking:

Posted

Lol you may be right! I find usually I pick out the ugly ducklings when I first receive a box and enjoy the car very much. Then each one after that looks better but doesn't smoke as well...maybe a coincidence?? :thinking:

Ha ha!! That sounds very familiar!!

I need to grab some more Epi 2's haven't had that many but the ones i have have been seriously unforgettable... for all the right reasons! :2thumbs:

Posted

I had a box of VR Famosos from 08 that had bumps on the ash like yours. Can't say ive seen it on any others... I enjoyed the review. HdM is a solid marca, glad yours was do enjoyable.

Posted

This just about seals the deal, I think this will be my first CC I will try.

Posted

I smoke the ugliest sticks and trade/give away the pretty ones. I have always had great luck with ugly cigars tasting amazing and surprising me with how good they are. I COVET THEM!

I've had a lot of luck with ugy cigars too!! lol!

Great review btw, glad you enjoyed!

Posted

This just about seals the deal, I think this will be my first CC I will try.

You should get a Czar sampler and try several!

  • 2 years later...
Posted

Just got a box of these from Rob and they're fantastic. Like you said, these cigars show what makes CCs so great!

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