Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.3 - NOV 23 (I think) (FFSDec24)

[david9985]

I smoke few sticks in the winter so there’s a special pleasure from a rare opportunity to partake from within a comfortable indoor lounge. This one is particularly quirky – being accessed through the back door of an Estate Agent’s - with a large walk-in humi on the first floor, then a hidden lounge up another slim flight to the loft space. https://www.surreycigars.com/

This is a stick I have intended to try since its release but hadn’t got around to yet. It called my name in the humi and despite a large choice, I had spotted and settled on it within moments of entering. Having checked the box code and committed it to memory, I went upstairs and immediately forgot it.

Attractive and firm, a V-cut revealed the perfect level of resistance. I had the lounge to myself, with only the patter of light rain on the windows and low-level jazz playing in the background for company. Coffee was poured and Around the World in 80 Cigars was handily waiting for me on one of the many coffee tables!

First Third

It took the flame well and at 54rg burned slowly. Opening notes were of driftwood and hazelnut, specifically the bitter skin of an unblanched hazelnut. Savoury and slightly bitter, but highly enjoyable. It matched well with the coffee and had an element of Cuban twang to compliment the wood and nut.

Second Third

Some savoury spices entered the mix, and the hazelnut flavour became less bitter and more pronounced. Smoke output ramped up and the slow burn needed touched up only occasionally because of my slow smoking speed. Flavour was still savoury but with a hint of sweetness on the finish, which was long and hazelnutty.

Final Third

I ashed this in thirds, and following the second ashing I also purged the stick. There were notes of Snickers in the final third, though I would still not describe it as sweet. Magical it was. The final flavours were of dark chocolate and smoke output had increased yet again. I set it down after 90 minutes smoking time a satisfied man.

Summary

One of the best I have smoked this year. The transitions were welcome and smooth, the hazelnut notes defined and delicious. Several hours later I put my jacket on, and the smell of hazelnuts came flooding back, just as the first time round. The subtle increase in sweetness from third to third was welcome and unusual. It is more common the other way around, but I certainly prefer it this way. Smoke output was good to start and increased steadily from there.

I must give this a 95.

[RDB]

Great review David, and sounds like a much better cigar than the one reviewed by Our Glorious Leader & Ken.

[david9985]

I missed their review. I'll have to go back and watch now I have recent experience.

It was a beautiful cigar.

[David8406]

Well documented review and nice smoking lounge. I don’t smoke much in the winter either.

Catchy user name btw….

[david9985]

Haha and the same to you. I keep intending to change it but never do!

[joeypots]

Great review!! Thanks.

[teamrandr]

Great review. I would love to smoke in that room. 

[dicko]

What a great smoking spot! I've had one of these and was impressed - the one I had was very leathery and nutty.

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[david9985]

I'm pleased I'm not the only one getting nut.

@El Presidente noted today on 24:24 that he doesn't get these but will revisit in 12. I'd highly recommend that... I and some others on here seem to have had a higher experience than his so far!

[El Presidente]

1 minute ago, david9985 said:

I'm pleased I'm not the only one getting nut.

@El Presidente noted today on 24:24 that he doesn't get these but will revisit in 12. I'd highly recommend that... I and some others on here seem to have had a higher experience than his so far!

Some great experiences had by other respected members here. They may just not be in my boathouse. I will give them a fair shake 

[david9985]

34 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Some great experiences had by other respected members here. They may just not be in my boathouse. I will give them a fair shake 

Yep, of course. You didn't rave about it in the vid review with Ken, yet nubbed the thing regardless! Nobody ever said you didn't give a fair shake 🤪

[Redgoldband]

This is the nudge I needed to try these. I’ll have to get some singles or a 6-er if they appear on 24:24. Great review.


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[smokeyjoe01]

Now I want to try one. That lounge is 10 miles from me, I really should check it out.

[david9985]

10 hours ago, smokeyjoe01 said:

Now I want to try one. That lounge is 10 miles from me, I really should check it out.

It only adds to the fun that you walk into an Estate Agents and request cigar lounge access!

Heads up: they will allow you to bring your own drinks in.