Midweek Shootout Poll: Hoyo de Monterrey Epi 2 vs Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2

[MoeFOH]

Midweek (usually ) Shootout Poll - where we randomly pit two Cuban sticks against one another to see which comes out on top. 

RASS took down Monte 4 last week. 44 - 21. 

I like what the AI Super Computer (i.e. excel spreadsheet and a coin toss) has thrown up for us this week - Epi 2 vs JL 2!  

If you've had one and not the other or have had neither, give us your answer and discussion based on your experience and/or the allure/desire/interest in these combatants. 

Read the scenario, vote in the poll, discuss below if you wish 

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2. I can't be without it. It's a staple in my humidor.

[MagicalBikeRide]

I’m with John. Also the first of these polls that I didn’t have to think much about. 

[Goldeneye]

Easy for me...Epi 2

[BrightonCorgi]

Over the last 25 years, the Juan Lopez has been more consistent.  Currently, they're too darn close for me to say which one is better.

[Chibearsv]

I’m on the Epi 2 train too. JL1 is a winner for me, JL2, meh.

[loose_axle]

Never had a JL 2 but voted for it as so far never had a more disappointing cigar than the Epi 2. 

[Havanaaddict]

I went JL No.2 as of lately I’ve had some great boxes of them. I have not had any fresh Hoyo Epi. No.2 so I am just going from ones that I’ve had from the past 2015 to 2019 most of those were very woody forward. For my taste I like something that has more of a Rich sweet flavor. That being said one of my top cigars I had was a Hoyo Epi No.2 from the 1970s / 80s.

 

[Ford2112]

Fan of JL. Epicure 2 is back a ways.

[cnov]

I've only had one Epi2 which was good, but I've had a few fantastic JL2 lately from a 2020 box. 

[westg]

JL 2 for me. This is a shoot out. A proper shoot out. Tough one!

 

[sv_ontour]

Haven’t smoked enough Epi #2 so had to go JL.

[Mike Mecklenburg]

I'm a fan of Hoyo so I like the Epi 2 flavors over the JL2.

[BG318]

JL2. Easily. Love the flavor notes, and the fact that they have been this far consistent for me. Maybe I'm just lucky - I have only been at it for a couple of years now.

My first Epi 2 was transformational. The rest have fallen far short. 

 

[griller]

I went JL2 as well. To my palate, it seems the Epi 2s I've smoked have either been amazing or boring/bland. No in-between, either amazing or wasted time & disappointment. Every JL2 (for me) has delivered flavor transitions, a consistent medium body, and aging evolution that seems to deliver an above-average experience from a year in the box and beyond.

The JL2 isn't in my top-2 for Cuban Robustos, but it has been a solid performer every time. For me, slow & steady wins the race between these two options...

[Lucas Buck]

Love Hoyo in general with Epi 2 being one of my favorites. JL has never done it for me. Especially JL2. Not a fan. 

[JohnS]

Great poll @MoeFOH. It seems that these two Robustos agree or disagree strongly with our palates. I concur with @westg. This one has transpired to become a tough contest!

[Chas.Alpha]

Epi 2 is one that I’ve never understood. I bought a box back in 2019 and have used them mostly as giveaways.

JL2 on the other hand is right up my alley. 😀

[Greenhorn2]

Between my Epi 2 and JL 2, JL wins by far. My Epi 2s are just too bland/light for me. They are a good morning cigar, but in the latter part of the day, I want some kick.