Beneath the Band: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Number 1

[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.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

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 Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure Number 1 was always a staple in my humidor. I love a Corona Gorda and the Epicure Number one scratched that itch for many years. I hit a bad run in the 2018's/19's (construction) and they drifted out of my rotation. In terms of Cuban cigars, the Punch Punch and H. Upmann Magnum 46 took the load. I have recently revisited the Epicure Number One and have been impressed. Has it rebounded back to where it once was? What is your current experience? 

 

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Number 1. Have your say! 

 

[Li Bai]

I only had a handful of those from the same box, all pretty boring cigars, not to mention the fact that the Mag 46s and Punch Punchs I've had in the meantime have been delicious so I never cared much about that Epi 1.

But after reading this and talking with Guy (@laficion) about his passion for this cigar, I will certainly revisit, I love me a corona gorda 👍

 

[griller]

2 hours ago, Li Bai said:

I only had a handful of those from the same box, all pretty boring cigars, not to mention the fact that the Mag 46s and Punch Punchs I've had in the meantime have been delicious so I never cared much about that Epi 1.

But after reading this and talking about Guy's (@laficion) passion for this cigar, I will certainly revisit, I love me a corona gorda 👍

 

Can't say it any better. Corona Gorda is my favorite size, too. I have a box that has been pretty much ignored/passed over for the last 5 years since others (Mag 46, Punch Punch, JL1) just seem to be much more interesting & complex cigars. Maybe I should revisit and pair with iced coffee this go-around? Hopefully time has turned these "meh" smokes into gems...

[Li Bai]

41 minutes ago, griller said:

(Mag 46, Punch Punch, JL1) just seem to be much more interesting & complex cigars.

Can't believe I forgot to mention this one, love it so much 😍😍😍

[Mike Mecklenburg]

My 2022 box has all been very good and I do love the vitola.  I sometimes like them better than the Eppy 2.  Humidor worthy.

[gormag38]

pretty 'meh' cigars imo. I've had a couple 3 packs and after going through those never was inclined to purchase any more. Epi 2>Epi 1 imho. 

If I'm reaching for a corona gorda I'm grabbing a JL1 or Mag 46 pretty much every time before this one.

[joeypots]

Haven't had one for years but Epi 1 is a cigar that helped cement my love for Cuban cigars. I moved on to the Mag 46 then the Punch Punch.  Overall CC quality is more consistent now than in the past and disappointing boxes aren't, imho, as common so i could see the Epi 1 being a great cigar again. 

[NYGuido]

I have a box dated October 2024 that I haven't started smoking yet (and that I bought without ever having tried the cigar). Interested in busting into them after reading the comments here -- seems like they're worthwhile, tasty sticks but not the world's most exciting. Not necessarily a bad thing all the time!

[Boxer31]

Love the punch and jl1, but epi 1 kept trying to like but all weren’t that good.