Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
excellent
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe will captivate you at first glance with its finely crafted cap and its seductive cigar. The wrapper showcases a beautiful golden hue with a slightly rough texture, while the shine of the tobacco evokes the artisanal quality emblematic of Cuba. To the touch, the robustness and elegance of this cigar blend together, promising a rich and refined sensory experience.
Upon lighting, a revealing olfactory contact is immediately felt. You will be welcomed by cedar aromas, complemented by soft nuances of coffee and a hint of chocolate. As the flame touches the tobacco, these initial notes transform into a complex blend of earthy and spicy elements that enchant your senses, creating a warm atmosphere of depth and richness.
On the palate, the tasting unfolds in three captivating phases. In the first third, creamy notes dominate, harmonizing with a backdrop of cedar and a delicate touch of hazelnut. You will then experience a rise in strength, where earthy notes take the lead while maintaining a beautiful harmony with the coffee. In the final act of this masterpiece, the cigar reveals itself to be rich, with accents of chocolate and spices, offering a truly memorable gustatory satisfaction.
In the finish, the mouthfeel reaches its peak with a beautiful persistence, as the flavors of coffee and earth gently depart, rewarding the palate. The balance between strength and sweetness is sure to entice even the most discerning smokers, making this cigar an essential choice for many occasions.
Ideal for a moment of relaxation after dinner with a glass of slightly peated whisky or a delightful Shiraz. This cigar pairs perfectly in any season, whether during a lovely evening on your terrace or a moment of contemplation.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight its exceptional balance and aromatic complexity. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe is acclaimed for its rich development of flavors ranging from cedar to coffee, thus providing a delightful smoking experience. With perfect construction and an easy draw, it becomes a preferred choice for aficionados seeking a premium quality cigar.
How to taste: Hoyo de Monterrey LCDH Epicure de Luxe
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1.The Visual Examination
The Hoyo de Monterrey LCDH Epicure de Luxe features a colorado wrapper, a shiny reddish-brown that is slightly oily, typical of Habanos. Its construction is very beautiful, showcasing quality artisanal craftsmanship, while its straight format and dimensions of 114.3 mm (4½") with a ring gauge of 52 provide a pleasant grip.
Observing the color and construction allows one to gauge the quality of the tobacco and the care taken in its manufacture — a well-crafted appearance often signifies a promising tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the cigar emits distinct aromas of coffee, cedar, and damp earth. These notes reveal themselves as soon as the wrapper is opened, creating an initial olfactory ambiance that prepares the taster for what follows.
The pre-light aromas are indicative of the raw nature of the tobacco — this step allows one to project into the tasting by anticipating the flavors that will emerge after lighting.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut made under the cap allows direct access to the inside of the cigar while ensuring an optimal draw. A precise gesture here is crucial for the continuation of the experience.
A careful cut guarantees a consistent draw, thus avoiding the inconveniences of uneven burn during the tasting — a good start is essential to fully appreciate the aromas.
4.Cold Draw
During this step, the cold draw reveals itself to be perfect, indicating good aeration of the tobacco leaves. This fluidity in the draw foreshadows a pleasant smoking experience.
An easy draw is a sign of a well-constructed cigar, essential for ensuring a homogeneous smoke — this contributes to a tasting experience without unpleasant surprises.
5.Lighting
Lighting must be meticulous to ensure an even burn. Paying particular attention to toasting the foot will help avoid any imbalance in the initial draw.
Poor lighting technique can lead to canoeing, compromising the tasting experience — a good lighting is key to discovering the richness of the aromas from the start.
6.First Third
In this first third, the Hoyo de Monterrey LCDH Epicure de Luxe reveals itself with medium strength, deploying dominant aromas of coffee while offering a medium volume of smoke that enriches the experience.
This powerful beginning helps define the character of the cigar — smoking slowly aids in balancing the heat and savoring the subtleties of the initial aromatic notes.
7.Second Third
As the tasting progresses, the second third unveils secondary aromas of chocolate, hazelnut, and spices. The excellent balance of the blend is felt, offering a pleasant harmony on the palate.
This phase of aromatic revelation is crucial — appreciating the evolution of flavors enriches the tasting experience, while also reflecting the complexity of the blend.
8.The Finish
The gray ash indicates a consistent burn, while the finish lingers with beautiful notes of coffee and earth. The finish is medium, providing a satisfying conclusion.
Observing the color and retention of the ash, as well as the persistence of flavors, allows one to judge the quality of the tobacco and the richness of the blend — a good finish often reflects a beautiful overall experience.