Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 UGO JUL17 (HRW)

[Wushy]

Smoking what I think is an excellent stick offered by HdM, but I don't see many people talk about it.

 

Prelight: Has a nice oil sheen to it and a firm pack. Wrapper has a distinct natural sweetness smell

First Third: The first couple puffs is mainly cedar and mild spice. As I progressed through the first third, the cedar began to tone down, allowing the sweetness to come through.

Second Third: The cedar has pretty much dropped off completely. Main flavors are mild spice, sweetness, and cream on the finish. Delicious.

Final Third: The flavors from the second third intensified, but the smoke was as smooth as butter. You can retrohale this all the way to the nub with no harshness.

Final Thoughts: I love the development of the intensity of flavors, and the corona gorda format is a huge plus for me. If i had to be honest, I like the Epicure No. 1 over the No. 2, and I think it's a little sad this stick is overlooked a lot of times. I'd have no problem recommending the Epicure No.1 to anyone.

Score: 92

[Raskol]

+1 for Epi 1... Nice review! Thank you!

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[Guantanamera]

Nice review. Could agree more with your preference of the #1 over the #2.

[Kaptain Karl]

Great review! The #1 is definitely the next box of Hoyo I’ll grab. I love having hoyo’s on hand...while not my favorite marca, I find myself reaching for them more often than not after a long day when I just don’t have the stomach for something stronger. 

[dobbs]

the epi #1 is the first cuban cigar which completely blew me away with its subtlety and smoothness, it remains in my top 5 without a doubt.

nice review, thanks.

-dobbs

[bigguccisosa]

Wow, sounds like it's smoking incredible so early. I love the 46 gauge on cigars too. Sigh.... guess I need to make the purchase lol.

[Guaglione19]

I prefer #1 to #2 as well, seems like we are the minority.  I picked up a box of Especiales from the LCDH in Munich so I'm looking forward to trying those.  I tried my second Hoyo #2 last night and while it was flavorful, it wasn't as complex as most people who review them seem to think it is.  Burn quality was also terrible but I was smoking it outside in the NE with a little wind in 40 degree temps.  Seller said the #2 was from 2017 but it tasted like it was younger.  My box of Especiales was from March 2019 so I am going to wait until the spring to try them.  Unless of course I decide to do a taste test after Thanksgiving :).