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]

9 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 Epi 2. Humidor worthy.

[gormag38]

Pretty 'meh' cigars in my opinion. I've had a couple 3 packs and after going through those never was inclined to purchase any more. Epi 2>Epi 1, in my honest opinion. 

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 Punch and JL1, but I've kept trying to like the Epi 1 but all weren’t that good. 

[Ford2112]

Never had one that stood out to me. 

[JohnS]

It's been eight years since I've had one, so I can't really say one way or the other. I'm much more familiar with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 (as many of us here would be).

[BrightonCorgi]

These were a regular of mine 20 years ago but haven't considered them as a box purchase since. Certainly have smoked plenty of them with friends and liked but never proceeded to pick up a box. This and the Upmann Connoisseur series lost the most appeal to me once the bands came on.

[Lucas Buck]

I like them, but was never able to find 50 cabs, so it’s fat brother Epi 2 being plentiful in 50 cabs has always been my regular. Only smoked a handful over the years. Probably inconclusive considering the small sample but the Epi 2 was always more impressive to me. 

[NYGuido]

10 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

These were a regular of mine 20 years ago but haven't considered them as a box purchase since. Certainly have smoked plenty of them with friends and liked but never proceeded to pick up a box. This and the Upmann Connoisseur series lost the most appeal to me once the bands came on.

I'm super into the Connie 1 and have been working my way through a tasty 2024 box. What do you mean by "once the bands came on?" I haven't been in the Cuban cigar game long enough to know what that means. 

[Gubbins]

9 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I'm super into the Connie 1 and have been working my way through a tasty 2024 box. What do you mean by "once the bands came on?" I haven't been in the Cuban cigar game long enough to know what that means. 

Probably a way of referencing the mid 2000’s as a time period. I believe cigars bought in cabinets before that period came without cigar bands. Could be wrong of course.

[Allroz]

Might be in the minority but I prefer these to the Epi 2. Also love the size. 

[Lucas Buck]

9 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I'm super into the Connie 1 and have been working my way through a tasty 2024 box. What do you mean by "once the bands came on?" I haven't been in the Cuban cigar game long enough to know what that means. 

Virtually all previously unbanded cigars became banded sometime in 2003 - 2005ish. It was quite the controversial move with most of the old guard pining for the days of naked SLB Havanas. 

[BrightonCorgi]

9 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I'm super into the Connie 1 and have been working my way through a tasty 2024 box. What do you mean by "once the bands came on?" I haven't been in the cuban cigar game long enough to know what that means

@Gubbins is correct. Before the mid 2000's cigars SLB did not have bands. Habanos slowly migrated one after another. Shortly after that time frame, the Hoyo line up went downhill some. After 2012, they started their rebound and has been a solid marca ever since.

[Dlowil]

Aroma is a treat. The flavors not so much. Haven’t had one that satisfied the palate.

[Cestis4]

Just pulled one from a 2015 box. Interesting terroir driven smoke of earth and salinity. Going to sink the box for another 5 years