HDM Ep. 2 (unpopular) opinion

[AllorNothing]

I was grateful to receive a handful of HDM Epicure no. 2 at Christmas. 
 

I have one more dry boxing since Monday and I’ll light it tomorrow night. 
 

So far, I can honestly say I do not like this cigar. It seemed underfilled, the draw was way too loose, super light in strength and flavour with nothing really standing out besides sweet or cream smoke. 
 

Does anyone else feel this way? On the other hand, I’ve read so much praise on this cigar. 
 

Are the other HDMs similar to this flavour profile? Wondering if I should give them another chance down the line. I tend to always purchase by box and have not been disappointed with what I’ve been buying thus far. However; this would have been a disappointing box purchase.

[Sandman]

Your problem is the under-filling. Epi 2 is a great blend, unique, and ages well. Under filling screws all that up. I won’t even waste my time on an under filled cigar. 

[Lt4-396]

I have bought and smoked from 3 cabs. 2016, 2019 HQ, and an early 2023 box. All three have let me down, I have them buried in my humidor hoping one day they change but odds are they just aren't for me. I love the Epi Especial and enjoy the #1, which is strange.

 

[TacoSauce]

I think the Epi #2 is a crapshoot. There is an equal chance that you'll get that great cream/cedar/baking spice experience, or get a bland, paper-bag experience. If you want to increase the chances of success with similar flavors, you have to upgrade ($$) to the de Luxe or the Especial.

[mbrody]

Agreed on the underfilled statement. Could be your favorite cigars - underfilled and you’re screwed.

Gone through multiple boxes and 1/2 way through a cab of recent Epi 2 and can not recommend them enough. I can’t say every one is rolled perfect, but generally more than positive experience here. 
 

Try to score a 6'er and rest for 90 days.

[NSXCIGAR]

It happens. Millions produced and bound to be bad construction and blend once in a while. 

I find much better luck with the Epi Especial. And I much prefer the blend to the 1 & 2.

[Li Bai]

 

17 hours ago, TacoSauce said:

I think the Epi #2 is a crapshoot. There is an equal chance that you'll get that great cream/cedar/baking spice experience, or get a bland, paper-bag experience. If you want to increase the chances of success with similar flavors, you have to upgrade ($$) to the de Luxe or the Especial.

I personally love the Epi 2 more than any other HDM.

Maybe for this cigar one should go for the 50 cab (I know, easier said than done...), I've never had a bad one so far.

[Fugu]

12 hours ago, Sandman said:

Your problem is the under-filling. Epi 2 is a great blend, unique, and ages well. Under filling screws all that up. I won’t even waste my time on an under filled cigar. 

This. ^

They had some consistency issues around mid of the 10er years, but from about 2019/20, and in particular the most recent production, I’d say, they are back to old form.

Make sure you don’t overheat them.

[Cigarsmoker81]

I didn’t like HdM Epi 2 until 4 years ago. The thing about Cubans is you can’t base your opinion on one box or one production year. What I did is try it again and I was amazed. Having said that I’ve a cab of 50 from 2020 that is horrible so far…

Cuba being Cuba. 

[Phonics]

Epi Especial is definitely my favorite of the HDM Epis. Haven't had many notable issues other than the occasional burn correction.

[Sandman]

3 hours ago, Cigarsmoker81 said:

I didn’t like HdM Epi 2 until 4 years ago. The thing about Cubans is you can’t base your opinion on one box or one production year. What I did is try it again and I was amazed. Having said that I’ve a cab of 50 from 2020 that is horrible so far…

Cuba being Cuba. 

Good post. I see a lot of people that are new to Cuban cigars on this site, and I think what you just said is very important for them to understand. Many purchase a box that everyone says is great, but Cuba being Cuba there is always a chance of poor blending, poor rolling etc, and they wonder what the hell everyone is talking about. While not great, back in the day it wasn’t so big a deal because cigars didn’t cost $500-$600 for a box of basically pedestrian cigars. That same box may have been purchased for under $200 on sale 10 years ago, but now it’s a pretty big deal for people at todays prices, and they rightfully feel upset. 

Smoke Cubans long enough you just understand it’s part of the game. It sucks, but that’s why I’ve always requested every box I’ve purchased in the past to be inspected for the certain things. Wrapper shade, wrapper oils, cigar construction. I like firmer cigars, so I ask for that to be looked at so the chances of loose rolled cigars is minimized. You’ll get laughed at for asking that nowadays. 

[Bords]

I’ve had good luck with the ole epi2. I like them with at least 5 years though. A few under filled over the years but it’s like old reliable for me. Aside from some horrible cigars in 1999/early 2000s I’ve been really lucky (maybe less refined palate) but hardly any plugged cigars or total duds across thousands of habanos smoke over 25 years.


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[El Presidente]

The majority of 2022/23 have been spectacular for me. As good as any that I have ever smoked. 

[AllorNothing]

Wish me luck boys

[Nevrknow]

I only had 4. Beginning of my cc journey. 2 were spot on and 2 really sucked. I gave up and moved on. I really don't like 50/50 chances. 

[AllorNothing]

Update: cream + bit of fruit on the retro that I tend to associate with RASCCs. 
 

Issue definitely is it being under filled. Just scraped the cap off and draw was insanely loose. Burned bad too...had to adjust after it canoed twice. 
 

Definitely will try again in the future but in no rush. Trying to experience other Marcas first. 
 

On the other hand, my old fashion was superb…as always!