A la carte Review: Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No. 2

[MikeinKS]

I love this cigar and consider it to be a subtle flavor bomb when aged even slightly.  It's milder in flavor than most but with a good amount of creamy smoke (yes, creamy smoke).  The first third is a bit more white pepper forward but with sweat cream still noticeable.  As the smoke progresses, the pepper fades and the sweat cream moves to the front. Hints of caramel and, ultimately, coffee appear and strengthen through the final third.  The flavors aren't as "in your face" as some other marcas, but experiencing them in such a smooth cigar makes them that much more enjoyable.  This is the stick that proved to me that there's a clear difference between Cuban cigars and all others.