Hoyo Du Depute, Du Maire, and Epicure Especial. Which do you prefer?

[baltic445]

Thoughts on some of these relatively less-smoked vitolas? I've had one or two of each but have the opportunity to buy a box, and these are my options. I prefer something nutty and creamy, less woody. Thanks!

[westg]

Easy one for me Especial . Size alone 👍

[NSXCIGAR]

I think the Du Maire & Depute and EE are a little apples and oranges...

The Du Depute is decent but I'd probably take any other small cigar over it. The Du Maire is quite tasty and can give the ERDM DT a run for it's money. 

The EE is a serious cigar and one of Hoyo's best. I'd put it right behind the Rio Seco and Petit Robusto. 

[targa88]

Multiple variables:

Different vitolas -= flavour profiles

Availability...

I would take Epi Esp every time

[Hollywood Ninja]

Had an 2018 EE over the weekend which was superb and had more body (IMO) than typical HdM. I'm also a huge fan of that size when I have the time to really enjoy a smoke.

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[Fugu]

I’d agree with NSX as for 🍎🍎  & 🍊🍊. If you’re looking for cream and less wood and immediate enjoyment, I’d also suggest go for the Epi.

But do yourself a favour and invest also in a box of duDep to put away. You may thank me later. 😄

[baltic445]

Thanks for these thoughts! Epi Especial it is.

[cigaraholic]

If you run out of toothpicks the du Marie is a perfect substitute 

[MC4]

Never tried the du depute or du Marie,  but I am currently smoking through an Epi Especial tube box which are excellent.

[fisherclive]

Just scored a box of HdM Depute on 2424, hope they're good.

[Ford2112]

They are. Let them rest.

[Habanoschris]

I have been pleasantly surprised by the Le Hoyo du Maire. I am smoking through a box from Jan 23 (just over one year old). These cigars have been very flavorful and dare I say fairly complex. There has been a consistent sweet note that I find myself craving since lighting up the first one from the box. This sweet note is definitely dessert like to me and in most if not all cigars from this box it presents as more of a pronounced creme brûlée /caramelized sugar taste. This note is predominant and is found in all thirds/from start to finish.

I was reluctant to give these a try considering the small format but I'm finding this vitola is growing on me more and more with each tasty, savory puff!

I am hoping this box is not an anomaly.

Cheers 

[Glass Half Full]

I was fortunate to acquire a box of aged du Deputes on BR (PUC Jul 2000) about this time last year. The variety and intensity of flavors packed into the short but wonderful little thing was close to stunning. I enjoyed them so much that I've since shared them far and wide, and the box is now near empty.  

I did not fully appreciate the HdM marca until having some with significant age. (The discontinued des Dieux are the ones I miss from this marca.)

[Tradesman]

Epicure Especial by far for me.

Till date my top #3 cigar experience (after hundreds) is still an Epicure Especial that came out of a tubo.

This is an unpopular opinion but I'd place the Epicure Especial above everything else that HDM has to offer.

[BossHogg]

I can't speak to the others, but the Epicure Especial is a favorite of mine 👍 

[NSXCIGAR]

On 3/9/2024 at 2:38 PM, Habanoschris said:

I have been pleasantly surprised by the Le Hoyo du Maire.

They're very good as are the ERDM DT in the Entreactos vitola. Very consistent and tasty. 

16 minutes ago, Tradesman said:

This is an unpopular opinion but I'd place the EE above everything else that HDM has to offer.

I don't think that would be too wild an opinion. I think they're without a doubt a top 5 Hoyo and on a good day can certainly be the best Hoyo. Only the DC, RS, EdL and PR can compete with it IMO. Although I did recently try the new Epi 3 and it was outstanding. 

[Sandman]

Du Deputes are delicious little cigars and really underrated. A lot of flavor in those little sticks. 

[Habanoschris]

16 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

They're very good as are the ERDM DT in the Entreactos vitola. Very consistent and tasty. 

I don't think that would be too wild an opinion. I think they're without a doubt a top 5 Hoyo and on a good day can certainly be the best Hoyo. Only the DC, RS, EdL and PR can compete with it IMO. Although I did recently try the new Epi 3 and it was outstanding. 

I have a box of the El Rey del Mundo resting - looking forward.

*  My all time favorite HDM probably a bit of a difficult call, I can say the EE is somewhere in the running for me as well.  

[Sandman]

15 hours ago, BossHogg said:

I can't speak to the others, but the Epicure Especial is a favorite of mine 👍 

Sounds like I need to try this cigar. I have never had one but it seems it’s quite popular. What do those usually go for a box nowadays?

[NSXCIGAR]

58 minutes ago, Sandman said:

Sounds like I need to try this cigar. I have never had one but it seems it’s quite popular. What do those usually go for a box nowadays?

It's a very good cigar that has performed very well recently. World price should be around $20-25/stick. 

[Habanoschris]

* Update here ... for past few weeks, I have been enjoying a box of the de Depute that's just 3 years old (OMU MAY-21). Very good range of flavors & complexity from start to finish with a pronounced baking spice note/sweet & savory.

Grabbed about 8 from the box to put alone in another humidor for a while. I think they will get even better with 1-3 more years. Also, they are too easy to grab and smoke and needed insurance against myself, lol !

[teamrandr]

EE 

[Lt4-396]

Out of those three, the Epicure Especial but my favorite HdM outside of the Double Coronas is the Petit Robusto. Lovely sugarcane, cream and floral notes.

[dageshi]

Had a Du Depute (2015) last week as it happens. Bloody hell it was good, alternated cream and honey, smoked the entire thing till it was singing my fingers.

[Chris P. Bacon]

On 3/11/2024 at 1:12 PM, Sandman said:

Du Deputes are delicious little cigars and really underrated. A lot of flavor in those little sticks. 

Agree 100%! They also have a fantastic room note.