Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- light gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
Upon handling, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial presents itself with a beautiful appearance, showcasing a silky texture. The Cuban wrapper, with its golden hues and delicate veins, evokes exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. Upon lighting, its initial visual allure captivates you, and the delicate aroma that escapes awakens your senses.
At first contact, a olfactory journey begins. The pre-light aromas offer notes of deep earth, accompanied by a hint of leather and an unprecedented caramel sweetness. Igniting this marvel reveals an explosion of rich aromas; the scents of dried fruits and spices blend harmoniously, creating a complex and enchanting aromatic tableau.
On the palate, the experience unfolds elegantly over the thirds. The beginning asserts itself with earthy and leathery flavors, enriched by touches of hazelnuts and spices. Gradually, a caramel sweetness emerges, bringing a subtle creaminess to each draw. This captivating aromatic journey reflects a harmonious balance between strength and sweetness, ensuring a beautiful complexity without ever veering into excess.
The finish is crowned by a beautiful persistence and a pleasant sensation in the mouth, leaving a gentle imprint. The length is just sufficient to appreciate all the nuances to their peak, while the balance between the various flavors is noted as very good. This cigar stands out for the authenticity of its aromas, genuine and deeply Cuban.
Ideal for a relaxing evening moment, this Epicure Especial pairs perfectly with a good glass of whisky or a full-bodied red wine. Whether it’s a moment of sharing or reflection, it will accompany your moments with refinement and resonance.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar is appreciated for its beautiful aromatic complexity and balance. Connoisseurs highlight its rich aromas of earth and leather, as well as its caramel sweetness that underpins a pleasant smoking experience. Although some variations in quality have been noted, the overall experience remains very satisfying.
How to taste: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial
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1.The Visual Examination
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial features a colorado wrapper, a shiny reddish-brown that is slightly oily, emblematic of Cuban cigars. Its construction is very beautiful, and its dimensions of 139.7 mm (5½") with a 50 ring gauge make it a pleasant Gordito in hand.
This initial observation allows for a judgment of the overall appearance of the cigar and its craftsmanship quality, essential elements that can influence the tasting experience.
2.Pre-Light Aromas
Upon sniffing the cigar before lighting, aromas of damp earth, leather, and caramel emerge, with complex notes of hazelnut, spices, and dried fruits in the background. These scents prepare the palate for the upcoming experience.
This step is crucial for anticipating the flavors that the cigar will reveal once lit. It helps to refine attention to the aromatic nuances during the tasting.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut, performed under the cap, is an essential step to ensure an optimal draw. The beautiful construction of the Hoyo de Monterrey facilitates this action without the risk of tearing.
A well-executed cut is indispensable to avoid an uneven draw, which could detract from the enjoyment of the tasting.
4.The Cold Draw
The cold draw is easy on this cigar, indicating that the filler is well-aerated. This fluidity promises a pleasant and unobstructed smoking experience.
An easy draw is a good sign of craftsmanship quality and ensures that the cigar will burn evenly throughout the tasting.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is essential to toast the foot of the cigar evenly to ensure balanced combustion from the start. This step sets the stage for the revelation of the aromas.
A careful lighting avoids the formation of canoeing and ensures a smooth tasting experience, allowing for full appreciation of the developing flavors.
6.First Third
The first third of the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial is characterized by medium strength and dominant aromas of damp earth, leather, and caramel. The smoke volume is also medium, offering a good balance.
This intense phase establishes the foundation of the flavors that will develop later, and paying particular attention to these aromas can enhance the overall experience.
7.Second Third
In the second third, secondary aromas such as hazelnut, spices, and dried fruits begin to manifest, enriching the cigar's aromatic palette while maintaining a very good balance.
Observing this evolution is essential to appreciate the complexity of the blend and enjoy the richness of the flavors that emerge progressively.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the ashes present a light gray color, reflecting the quality of the tobacco. The finish is marked by a beautiful persistence and a residual sweetness, leaving a pleasant impression.
The quality of the ashes and the finish are indicators of the minerality and complexity of the cigar, aspects that enrich the final tasting experience.