Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure Especial TOS AGO 15: HDM Review Comp 2016

[Smoke6]

Super sunny day in Iowa, temp is a cheerful 78 degrees with little humidity.  Not a weather update, but rather sets the stage for a great afternoon smoke. I chose not to pair this cigar with a cocktail, just plain bottled water to keep the palette clear.

The entire HdM line is one of my favorites for the consistent flavor profile, construction and price,  This Hdm Epicure Especial comes in my favorite vitola size:  the gordito.  Just a great feeling cigar in your hand, just the right ring gauge, and hand to mouth feel is superb!  Known for medium bodied smoke, the Hdm EE exemplifies the marca.  Only a year from birth, these are approachable now but will certainly get better with a few years dust on the box.  This came from a SLB of 10, simply superb presentation. 

Appearance.  Construction is impeccable and no soft or hard spots along the length.  Foot smells vegetable, leather with a bit of coffee.  Wonderful.  No visible veins and the triple cap is pristine. Pre-light draw provides great taste and I am detecting a bit of caramel barnyard scent.  Love the double banding as well.  Attention to detail is not wanting.

Fired up at 12:04

First Third.  This baby sparks to life instantly and is suddenly providing smooth, copious amounts of smoke.  Very easy draw without becoming overheated.  Again, a testament to the construction.  I admit that I like to inhale a little now and then and she is smooth on the lungs.  Not the 'hand down your throat squeezing your bollocks way' that a good Monte, Boli or aged Partagas gives.  The taste is herbaceous The ash is a nice black grey, indicative of quality Cuban tobacco.  A Little nicotine now but the overall vegetal, earth, café latte taste is the star here.  The sweetness coats your palette like a gifted painter paints with a brush.  Beautiful smoke!

Second Third.  Burn is razor sharp producing a solid black ash.  Again, voluminous smoke from an easy draw.  Love it.  No hard work on this cigar and is the third from the box all with the same results.  Quite pleasing.  No retouching necessary.  Detecting a pronounced herbal tone now with a buttery aftertaste.  The smoke is of dried herbs and earth.

Final Third.  Houston, the Eagle has landed!  Still producing loads of blue, grey smoke and I can detect a bit of spiciness, almost light pepper.  Is that the nicotine/tar or is this turning down a different road? Loving the final third.  First problem:  while taking off the double band it slightly tore the wrapper.  No harm to the smokability but I hate when you have to work that hard. Took this down to the final inch and pleased to say that the cigar experience was outstanding. 

Final thoughts:  Sure, being off work for the day and enjoying a premium cigar in the sun might influence my rating, but this cigar stands alone on its own merit. Although still young this cigar is quite approachable now but will never the less benefit from a little ageing.  The problem is that you won't have the discipline to keep these around to find out!  Absolutely recommend this cigar!  A real pleasure.

Put out 13:07, over an hour of sublime smoke. 

 

[Smoke6]

Damn computer skills are lacking here.  Sorry for the pics not being in the right direction:-)

[jcorona]

Nice review. I look forward to trying one from my box dated TOS ABR 16. Will wait until next April to try one though. What rh/temp do you store them at?

[Smoke6]

Thanks.  I keep my coolerdor at 65% RH with beads, and the temp in my basement hovers around high sixties throughout the year.

[Danimalia]

EEs, to me, are the epitome of a cigar that is light to medium in body, but full of flavor. I had a couple from a recent 10 count SLB that were absolutely sublime. The rest were merely great. Haha

[Mattb82]

Love the EE. That sweet smell when you open the box is outstanding