Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 UEB JUN 18 (HdMRW)

[saltbox]

Pulled out an Epicure No. 1 for myself and a Le Hoyo du Maire ART SEP 20 for my wife.

Pre light: nice floral cedar, leather, and cocoa off the wrapper. Cedar and almonds on the cold draw.

First third: cedar, cream, and a nice creamy almond butter. As the burn line progresses, some nice vanilla notes join the cream.

Middle third: not too much evolution, just an upfront hit of vanilla cream with a nice almond biscuit/cookie on the finish.

Last third: still no change to speak of, more of the same cream and almond cookie. 

Overall: I don't reach for the Epicure No. 1 as much as I do the No. 2. Could just be the box, but in my experience so far these have tended to be a bit boring, even for a Hoyo. Always pleasant, but not really noteworthy so far. 86/100

Also, my wife's verdict on the Hoyo du Maire: 4/5, pretty good. The last time she had one of these she wasn't impressed. She generally has a much more refined palate for wine/spirits than I do. 🤷‍♂️