If you’ve followed me online, or know me in person, you’ll know about my love for Hoyo de Monterrey’s Epicure series all too well. They are truly special cigars, for obvious reasons as well as sentimental ones. It was at Marks Club in London where I was first introduced to the Epicure No. 2, and at Davidoff where I first purchased the Epicure No. 1. Both places I’ve held in the highest of regards when it comes to enjoying good cigars in fine company.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 and Epicure No. 2
The story began in 1831, when a thirteen-year-old Spaniard called Don José Gener emigrated to Cuba. He began working at his family plantation in the famed Vuelta Abajo region immediately, acquiring a taste and keen eye for detail. Over twenty years would pass before he would purchase his own factory in Havana, using the profits from its sale to acquire a tobacco farm, and launch a new cigar line: Hoyo de Monterrey. The word ‘Hoyo’ means hole, relating to the low position of the farm near the banks of the San Juan y Martinez river. It was the quality of the land that enabled Hoyo de Monterrey to quickly become one of the largest — and most successful — cigar factories in Cuba.
Since 1865, Hoyo de Monterrey have built a reputation for their exceptionally crafted Cuban cigars, sourcing the most exquisite tobacco from the region. Remaining in the Gener name for more than fifty years, it is known today for its aromatic and distinctive flavours — both complex and elegant — with the Epicure as its talisman.
Would you choose the Epicure No. 1 or No. 2?
The Epicure No. 1 is known as one of the finest cigars on offer. Despite its significant ring gauge, the habano provides a light and mild taste, whilst keeping its richness. For someone that enjoys the lighter side of cigars but still wants something full of flavour, this is the prime choice. It becomes something of an occasion when I break out the No. 1, as all good cigars should. The Epicure No. 2, meanwhile, has been consistently mentioned amongst cigar sommeliers and aficionados — like myself — as being one of their all-time favourites. This cigar is probably the one I go back to most often, due to its rich and complex nature whilst, once again, remaining on the lighter side. It’s a great cigar choice for beginners, intermediates as well as experienced smokers.
If you find yourself asking which of the two should you choose, then allow me to answer your question with another question: why should you have to choose between them in the first place? Both cigars are beautifully crafted, smoke wonderfully and taste delicious. Even better, they’re both similarly and accessibly priced: the No. 2 comes in at CHF 12.50 for a single cigar, whilst the No. 1 is a touch (but barely) more expensive at CHF 13.00.
Since 1865, Hoyo de Monterrey have been known for their exceptionally crafted Cuban cigars
Whilst the flavours remain relatively similar, the biggest and most noticeable difference is the size: the No. 2 features the now iconic Robustos vitola with a ring gauge of 50 and short length of 124mm, whereas the No. 1 is slightly longer (143mm) and slimmer (46 ring gauge). Both start off mellow and then begin to come into their own, with the No. 2 showcasing distinctive notes of pepper and cedar. The No. 1 you may find to be a slightly drier smoke with more earthy, vegetal notes. Whilst the phrase ‘the best things come in pairs’ may not technically apply here, we’re happy to make it the exception when it comes to this one-two combo.