Beneath the Band: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Number 2

[El Presidente]

This series to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy. Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts.  This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

Today lets look at another cigar most of us here are familiar with. 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away 

The Partagas Serid D Number 4 had a stellar showing in it's "Beneath the Band" 

Today: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Number 2 

 

[Li Bai]

I love me an Epi 2 !

Almost all the ones I've smoked came from a wonderful 2020 50 cab I was lucky to grab back then... 

[griller]

An aged (5+ years) and well constructed Epi 2 is a delicious experience. The problem I have with this particular vitola is the flavor & construction profile seem to be all over the place between boxes. In particular, I've had more "meh" Epi 2s than crackers and this hasn't been my experience with the D4. Would I turn down an Epi 2 - nope. But would I drop the coin for a box that I'm going to have to age at least 5 years - nope. I'll buy D4 or JL2 every time...

[Mike Mecklenburg]

Epi 2 is like the D4 for me, I always have them in my humidor and usually buy some every year. They do need time to mature.

[zeedubbya]

I’ve always found the Epi 2 to be a very good cigar, but not a great one. More variance in blend and more duds than some of the other robustos. A case where the 50 cabs seems to be a better quality cigars. Have found them with more of the thick flame proof wrappers than other cigars. When they are well-rolled and have thin dark wrappers they age wonderfully and are amazing. I have one partial box in humidor and probably won’t replace them when they’re gone. On a positive note, I usually like to give noobs one of two cigars, a Punch Punch or a Epi 2.  

[JohnS]

It's true, you want to get yourself a good box because if you do, they are hard to resist smoking one after the other. Otherwise, they can be prone to being bland/boring.

I've been lucky with my last two acquisitions.

[Allroz]

For me these are usually ok - when you get a good one its a great experience but the inconsistency even within boxes gives me pause on loading up. It's a cigar I will keep in my humidor but not go deep on. 

[LizardGizmo]

The roller coaster of robustos for me. I’ve completely lost interest unless it’s heavily aged - and I’m not willing to spend the time or money on the experiment; and, again, value at $25+ fresh? No way.

I’m out on Epi 2.

[joeypots]

An early favorite of mine. My preference for the robustos decreased as I gained experience with Cuban cigars and the only ones I have kept consistently are the D4 and RASS. The Epi 2s I've smoked from around 2020 have been wonderful but if I'm buying Cuban, I'm probably looking elsewhere.

[Gemini_Man]

My SLB from 2020 of Epi 2s smoke as if they still need more time to complete its intended profile; as if they just cant get their act together. My D4s from the same year however are a dream.

[BG318]

The first Epi 2 I had was a single (bought 2) bought at a cigar store. It was like a doughnut! Light allspice, little yeast, dough, maybe some white pepper. Light but persistent all the way through. So was the next one. So I went kinda deep for me, and grabbed two 50 cabs, from different years. I'm sitting on them now because they aren't the same as the first time and I hope time will help them. They are kind of boring. I'm not sure I would share these with anyone unless they specifically asked for an Epi 2. If I ever run out I would buy a quarter box (6) at a time, but that might never happen.

[Havanaaddict]

One of the top 10 cigars I had was a Epi #2 from the 80's, and I have been chasing that flavor with ever one I smoke! 

[Chibearsv]

7 hours ago, LizardGizmo said:

The roller coaster of robustos for me. I’ve completely lost interest unless it’s heavily aged - and I’m not willing to spend the time or money on the experiment; and, again, value at $25+ fresh? No way.

I’m out on Epi 2.

I agree and I'll go further to say, of all the Hoyos, Epi 2 is the last one I want to smoke, except to just get rid of them. 

[amberleaf]

When they're on, they're on; but unfortunately they don't have the consistency of the D4.

[Redgoldband]

10 hours ago, griller said:

An aged (5+ years) and well constructed Epi 2 is a delicious experience. The problem I have with this particular vitola is the flavor & construction profile seem to be all over the place between boxes. In particular, I've had more "meh" Epi 2s than crackers and this hasn't been my experience with the D4. Would I turn down an Epi 2 - nope. But would I drop the coin for a box that I'm going to have to age at least 5 years - nope. I'll buy D4 or JL2 every time...

My thoughts exactly, right down to the D4 and JL2 bit. 

[painfreefishing]

Full disclosure- I have had exactly 6 and they were all young. Unlike some of the other comments, mine were very consistent. Consistently bad. I like other HdM sticks. Rio de Seco and San Juan are amazing. Maybe the blend just isn't for me. 

[El Presidente]

Looking at a tough beat against the D4 

[Bobby237]

The Epi 2 is very good. It was my introduction to the Cuban world. I need to try a D4 to see how they compare.

[westg]

7-10 all the way for me. Up to 18 months D4...Past that Epi 2...5 to 10 years - Epicure 2 all day long for me. 

[Fugu]

Belongs into every humi, period.

Consistency is an issue, true.

[Montezüma]

I feel like the Epi No 1 doesn’t get enough credit, it would be my preference between the two. But yes, the fatter and shorter No 2 is the famous sibling.

[yuppie]

Pretty enjoyable for my preferences, haven't tried the No.1 or Especials yet but I'd love to trade some No.2's for some No.1's.

[Lucas Buck]

Probably my second favorite robustos after the CoRo. For me they are so nuanced in delicate flavors. Very few cigars aside from Cohibas give me the sweet mellow flavors of the Epi 2. They do benefit greatly from significant age. Not a fan of them fresh.