What does Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 taste like and what are the flavor notes?

The Epicure No.2 delivers a refined, medium-bodied profile characterized by cedar, cream, and subtle honey sweetness. The 124mm x 50 Robustos format produces a cool draw that reveals toasted almond, light coffee, and floral undertones in the first third. Mid-smoke introduces gentle spice and cocoa, while the final third deepens into earthy leather and caramel. Unlike heavier Cuban cigars, this vitola maintains Hoyo de Monterrey's signature elegance—smooth transitions without aggressive nicotine punch. Best enjoyed after 3-5 years of aging when the creaminess fully develops.

How long does a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 last and what is the ring gauge?

The Epicure No.2 measures 124mm (4.9 inches) with a 50 ring gauge, placing it in the Robusto category. Expect a smoking duration of 45-60 minutes depending on your pace. The 50-ring construction requires a deliberate draw—rushing produces heat that masks the subtle flavors. Its 42-gram average weight provides consistent combustion throughout. For optimal performance, store at 65-67% humidity; higher levels tighten the draw and extend smoking time unnecessarily. This vitola suits evening sessions when time permits full appreciation of its evolving complexity.

Is Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 worth the price compared to other Cuban Robustos?

At approximately £25-35 per cigar (UK pricing, 2024), the Epicure No.2 occupies the premium tier alongside Cohiba Robusto and Partagás D4. It offers distinct value for smokers prioritizing finesse over power—its approachable strength suits beginners exploring Cuban tobacco while satisfying experienced palates seeking refinement. Production consistency exceeds many alternatives; quality control issues plague some Cuban brands, but Hoyo maintains reliable construction. The 2011 addition to the regular production line ensured stable availability. For collectors, limited Edición Limitada releases command higher premiums, making the standard No.2 the practical choice for regular enjoyment.

Cigar Information

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2

Mateo AlcántaraStaff Writer

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2

Few cigars embody the commitment to crafting elegant, approachable Cuban smokes quite like the celebrated Epicure No.2 from Hoyo de Monterrey. This Robustos-format cigar has earned its place among the most popular everyday smokes for aficionados seeking a balanced and flavorful experience.

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No2 — cigar band

History and Status

Originally released prior to 1960, the Epicure No.2 has enjoyed decades of continuous production, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the Hoyo de Monterrey lineup. The cigar remains in current regular production, a testament to its enduring popularity among enthusiasts worldwide.

Technical Specifications

Vitola Name	Epicure No.2
Factory Name	Robustos
Length	124 mm (4⅞ inches)
Ring Gauge	50
Official Weight	11.66 grams
Construction	Handmade

Bands and Presentation

The Epicure No.2 has undergone several packaging evolutions throughout its history. Early productions prior to approximately 2005 featured no bands whatsoever. Around 2005, the standard Hoyo de Monterrey band E was introduced. A significant visual update occurred in 2008 when a special secondary band was added, specifically designed for the Epicure No.2.

Packaging Options

Slide lid box containing 50 cigars
Slide lid box containing 25 cigars
Display box of 15 cigars arranged in 5 cardboard packs of 3 (introduced circa 2003)
Display box of 15 aluminum tubed cigars in 5 cardboard packs of 3 (introduced circa 2010)

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on 121 reviews, the Epicure No.2 receives consistently strong ratings across all categories. The overall score of 4.17 out of 5 reflects its status as a highly regarded smoke.

Rating Breakdown

Elegance: 4/5
Balance: 4/5
Strength: 3/5 (Medium)
Complexity: 3/5
Aftertaste: 4/5

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No21 — cigar tube

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No25 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No27 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No28 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No17 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No18 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No34 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No35 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No36 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No37 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No2 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No21 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No26 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No29 — cigar packaging

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No10 — cigar packaging

Primary Flavor Characteristics

The Epicure No.2 delivers a rich tapestry of flavors, with cream and cedar emerging as the most prominent notes. The following tasting notes have been documented by reviewers:

Dominant Notes: Cream (51 mentions), Cedar (47), Cocoa (39), Vanilla (37), Spice (25)

Secondary Notes: Malt (21), Wood (19), Cinnamon (11), Clove (11), Toast (10)

Supporting Notes: Coffee (8), Honey (8), Nut (8), Citrus (7), Leather (7), Almond (6), Butter (6), Floral (6), Caramel (5), Hay (5)

Occasional Notes: Baking Spice, Shortbread, Cafe Latte, Pepper, Bitter Chocolate, Black Tea, Earth, Grass, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Molasses, Anise, Brioche, Cookie, Dark Chocolate, Dough, Fruit, Ginger, Lemon Sorbet, Milkshake, Mushroom, Oak, Salt, Sourdough, Sweet Biscuit, Tea, Toasty, Twang, and Walnut

Related Special Releases

The Epicure No.2 has served as the foundation for several limited and special edition releases:

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 Selección Robustos
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 Reserva Cosecha 2012

Questions & Answers

Hoyo de Monterrey Double Epicure Travel Humidor

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe La Casa del Habano Exclusivo

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Edición Limitada

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1