Hoyo Le Hoyo du Gourmet

[Van55]

In browsing the international catalog I noticed that Rob dismisses this cigar and asks for an email if one disagrees.

Rather than email, I will post my experience.

On another Forum that I frequent someone asked, "What is the sweetest tasting Habano?" There were a few different answers. One of them, posted by a friend of mine whose experience and palate I greatly respect identified the Du Gourmet as the sweetest that he has tasted. On the strength of this post, I ordered a cabinet dated in SEP 01 (as I recall).

I have smoked or given away about 15 of the cab. A few have been a bit tightly rolled to be fully enjoyed, but most have been delicious, smooth, sweet-tasting cigars that I find perfect as a morning smoke with coffee. However, this cigar must be enjoyed at a very, very leisurely pace. Drawing hard on it will heat it to the point of almost unpleasantness. Don't rush it and you will, I think, become a fan.

[tmos]

Thanks Van.

[longash4me]

Van, I couldn't agree more. I have found that all of the slenderella's I've tried need the same patience. It's an art unto itself to tease the greatness from a reluctant cigar like the Gourmet, Grandes de Espana, Lancero. Even the small clubs or Demi-Tasse with a few miles on them are really good if your not in a hurry. I find that I have to be patient consciously though because it's not my usual way of smoking a cigar. It's worth the "lack" of effort.

[El Presidente]

Van

I will post another review of the cigar this week. The review on Cigar Czar was posted in the bad old days of 99/00 when a high poportion of Gourmet were rolled so tight you could have sharpened the foot and used them in an international darts competition.

Today, the greatest complaint I have with them is one of underfilling which causes them to burn way too quick. However, the Gourmet is one of the few cigars I keep in my home humidor specifically because I love the shape and feel as well as the creamy sweetness. In the hand it feels like a great Montblanc pen.....and always makes me feel smarter than I really am