Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, Sept. 2007 "MAS" box code - final score, 89

[CanuckSARTech]

So, I’ve got another review here…

Last night there was the 2nd "live review" thread going on, with the HDM Epicure No. 1 - I didn't have any of those, but I did recently run out to my local b&m to get a few single sticks: a Partagas 8-9-8 Varnished, and a HDM Epicure No. 2. So, just to screw things up, I smoked a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 robusto, at least to join in the marca and work with reading notes from the group with the general flavour profiles with HDM.

This is my first one of these in a number of years. My last one of these was probably 6+ years ago, and I don't really remember too much of them from then (I hadn't started taking notes at that time yet), and I don't think I've smoked a single Hoyo since then. I do remember the trademark floral and fruity tones, of plums and prunes, but not much overall - so, this will be a nice re-dux experience for me. Box date/code is September 2007 "MAS", so it has some nice tempering on it.

Reviewed Cigar: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2

Box Date: Sept. 2007

Factory/Manufacture Code: MAS

Packaging: 25-SLB

Price: Never talk money...

Length: 4 7/8", or 124 mm

Ring Gauge: 50

Format: Robusto

Weight: Don't you know it isn't polite to ask a fella this??

Construction/Appearance & Pre-Light: Fairly firm to the touch. There's a very noticable green spot on it, and a large hole on the wrapper, where I can see the binder below. Not deal breakers, but hurts the cosmetic score a bit. Nice lighter Colorado claro wrapper (quite smooth and good looking otherwise), nice band, very well packed foot and overall firm but nice feel and weight. Taking a smell, VERY noticable creamy coffee, with some honey. Lots and lots of cream. Beautiful scents. A slight floral tone as well. After cutting, draw is quite tight (complete difference from my SDN4 from the night before last). Almost too restrictive, but still workable. Cold inhale before lighting - HUGE flavours coming through of prune/plums, dried fruit, raisins. Again, honey and creamed coffee tones. But raisins and plums are forefront.

Opening Impressions: After a lighting up and initial draws, impression is quite simply...yummy. Not a lot of smoke, due to tight draw. Smoke is light, nearly weightless in the mouth but still velvety somehow. Light to medium-light body, but very sweet, creamy, fruity flavours. Should be nice.

First Third: After first third, flavours began to pull back a bit, but becoming a bit more refined - not as much of a raisin/plum overtone, but more light grass and floral tones, fresh daisies. Draw is opening up a bit.

Second Third: About mid-way through the cigar, well into the second third, the draw became much much better. The draw opened up a lot more, and allowed beautiful, copious amounts of just nicely dense smoke. The body and strength of the cigar became more of a steady medium, and stayed consistently so through to the end. Flavours pulled back a bit more - not what I was hoping for or expecting after the initial pre-light experience. The tastes were all still there, but they seemed to pull back to let light grass and creamy, toasted tobacco be forefront.

Final Third: Same, consistent flavours as described in the second third, with the floral and plum tastes still receded back to the fringes. Finished with a bit of an unwanted wet mushroom flavour on those last few draws.

Finishing Comments / Overall Impression: Quite nice, actually. If it weren't for the cosmetic and draw issues, I would have given a 91. If the flavours didn't backpeddle like they did, I can completely see these easily being a 93 or 94 smoke. The blend tastes like it's definitely there, but I just got a so-so stick I figure. I'm a bit on the fence as to whether I should try looking at these again, and get a box down the road, or maybe not. I've not bothered with HDM for years, but the unique flavour profile has me thinking. Maybe I'll try another down the road, and go from there. In the meantime, I enjoyed this as a fairly new and neutral experience with another robusto.

Final Score: 89

Total Smoking Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Paired Beverage: Havana Club Barrel Proof rum (45%, 10 year aged), with a splash of Coke to cut it

Thanks for reading my review. Hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers.

[BeeStinga]

Finishing Comments / Overall Impression: Quite nice, actually. If it weren't for the cosmetic and draw issues, I would have given a 91. If the flavours didn't backpeddle like they did, I can completely see these easily being a 93 or 94 smoke. The blend tastes like it's definitely there, but I just got a so-so stick I figure. I'm a bit on the fence as to whether I should try looking at these again, and get a box down the road, or maybe not. I've not bothered with HDM for years, but the unique flavour profile has me thinking. Maybe I'll try another down the road, and go from there. In the meantime, I enjoyed this as a fairly new and neutral experience with another robusto.

Final Score: 89

Total Smoking Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Paired Beverage: Havana Club Barrel Proof rum (45%, 10 year aged), with a splash of Coke to cut it

Thanks for reading my review. Hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers.

Good review, try another one from a different production year I say... Really enjoying these at the moment - 2008 year though. From what I hear the current crop has improved alot to your year?! I can't say as I haven't had any 2006/7.

Also, I find it is very beneficial to ensure these (and most cigars in general IMO) are conditioned properly before smoking. I like to store them in a drier humidor and get them around the magic 62 to 63%RH mark. Can make a big difference to the experience. I struggle to keep my humidors below about 70%RH+ at this time of year here though. I know others will have different views no doubt, but I have played around with this a bit and it suits me and many others (which prompted me to think about this more).

Am planing to get another box (or two) shortly, as soon as I receive my current orders (I try not to be too impulsive and stager cigar orders as it's easy to get carried away in this sport). I see Czar/Rob has been putting up some great boxes at the moment.

If you do manage to try another year would be interesting to have an update on your thoughts.

I just got a HC Barrel Proof bottle at duty free the other week. Have yet to try this bottle, although I enjoy HC on the side, I've only got HC Reserva and Especial and Anejo as a basic mixer. I've been smoking mine with rums from Appletons or Zacapa, which i find go well.

Thanks.

[CanuckSARTech]

Noted, thanks. Yeah, I wouldn't mind trying an older (2005/2006) and then a newer one (2008/2009) to make a better decision.

The flavour profile is definitely there, and it's nicely unique.

My b&m shop has their cabinets at 63 to 65% RH year-round, and with 3 years on this stick, I'm not worried about it being a fresh/over-humidified issue. This shop owner is great - he's almost as anal as I am, but in a good way! His stuff is always stored well.

That HC Barrel Proof is great - just make sure you've got a seat when you're enjoying it!

[BeeStinga]

Sweet, post a follow up if you do. I'd be interested. This has proved to be a really memorable cigar of late.

That HC Barrel Proof is great - just make sure you've got a seat when you're enjoying it!

ha, ha will do!

[partagasd4]

Nice one SAR

[Charltonc]

I want to try one soon. I have heard many 08 boxes of these are better than 07's, but it depends on the box of course.

[hakamo0o]

I have the same stick with that same spot!!

A very nice review Thanks