Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.1 TMO OCT 06

[Colt45]

Construction: Excellent. Firm with the slightest bit of spring.

Wrapper: Colorado in color, a bit lumpy and veiny, with a light, even sheen of oil.

Pre-Light Aroma / Draw: Aroma is a wonderful combination of raisin, chocolate, and barnyard. Excellent draw with a light tobacco taste.

Draw / Burn / Smoke: All first rate.

Taste: First draws are of walnut and sweet spice, along with some raisin notes early on. Immediately medium in body with a great sense

of depth and richness. Mid way into the first third, the walnut has disappeared, the raisnin notes increase, combining with rich, spicy chocolate mole.

Smooth, rich, and dense with a juicy finish. Excellent draw and smoke volume, with an early burn which is just slightly off on a very breezy day.

Fantastic to this point.

Into the middle third, the overall flavor profile remains the same, with the sense of richness rising and falling. The raisin notes continue to increase,

making for a long, smooth finish. The flavor has been true to the aroma at cold. A core of sweetish tobacco, surrounded by spicy mole, wrapped

in raisin fruit. Very smooth, with the great flavor nicely balanced with the medium plus body and full richness. Burn has taken care of itself. The

spice element also varies - spicy mole one moment, velvety unsweetened milk chocolate the next, punctuated with intermittent hints of anise.

A beautiful day, Karrin Allyson coming from the speakers, and this cigar - too good, and I try to savor every draw.

Into the final third, a bit of the original walnut returns, adding just a hint of structural tannin to the finish. The mouth feel becomes just a tad less fruity,

a bit more creamy. The flavors and density continue to mix and match, ebb and flow. A bit more black pepper comes into the mix, but it's not harsh

and remains balanced to the end. To borrow a term sometime used by our Aussie mates, a simply gorgeous cigar.

Score: 94

Comments: I've smoked quite a few of these, and this box has been a model of consistency both in terms of flavor and construction.

I've an '07 box in hiding, and can only hope it comes close to matching these '06s.

[shrink]

An excellent review, Colt. The Epi #1 is my favorite Hoyo vitola. The best I've ever had were from JUL04, but I've haven't had any '06s. I'll snoop around and see if any vendors might still have some.

[laficion]

Ross,

Excellent review on one of my favorite go to corona gorda, I've said it often and my

everyday smoke when I'm in Cuba. I don't know why, but It suits me fine . Aways good

at any time of the day, It's not a brain stormer , but It's packed with flavor.

Your review sumed it up perfectly. A wonderful smoke.

[El Presidente]

Colt

We finished a video review on an 06 HDM Epi 1 yesterday. Remarkable how it mirrors your review

[Ken Gargett]

indeed (thought we were not supposed to give things away) although i think you are even more excited than we were. lovely cigar. mind you, we only did the 06 because rob mistook them for a box of 08's

and by the time smithy finishes editing, we'll all have forgotten what we even smoked.

[aavkk]

great review here Ross. Ive never had any of the Epi 1's, just some very average Epi 2's.

[thechenman]

Thanks for the great review. Never had and Epi #1, but my mouth is watering for one.

[thechenman]

Thanks for the great review. Never had and Epi #1, but my mouth is watering for one.

[Colt45]

Yeah guys, given that this cigar seems to be rather polarizing, this box has been a pleasant surprise - though I guess it shouldn't have.

As usual, the Czar Crew were extremely helpful when I expressed interest in these.

Aavkk and Chen, it wouldn't hurt to try a few singles

[thechenman]

I will definitely be trying this one soon. Thanks Colt.

[tigger]

Nice review, sir (or is it cur? )!

Speaking in sweeping generalizations, I'm not a great fan of the Hoyo Marque, but these and the Hoyo Des Dieux have a welcome place in my smoking life.

[PointSource]

awesome review!

[ilgatto]

I had one today. It was the third of these I have heard. The flavors are very good. The draw is a tad loose but it seems to work with the cigar.