Origin : Cuba
Format : Petit Robusto (Magicos)
Size : 115 x 21 mm (4 1/2 x 50)
Released in : 2012
Packaging : box of 10
Hand-Made
Price : ~10 EUR
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe is a Cuban puro released by Habanos S.A. in October of 2012. The cigar was released as a retail exclusive for La Casa del Habano stores, and comes packaged in wooden slide boxes. Each box contains ten stogies. After giving the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe a try, I was very glad I’d picked up a box; just like the H. Upmann Royal Robusto, this LCDH release is a success.
Appearance : Rating: 
(4.75)
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe is a squat cigar with a medium-brown wrapper with a light oily sheen. The wrapper is incredibly smooth, with only a few ultra-fine veins noticeable. The wide band takes up around a third of the length of the cigar, and is very eyecatching. This cigar is absolutely flawless in appearance, and feels as smooth as it looks.
Construction : Rating:
This stogie not only looks and feels perfectly smooth, but smokes the exact same way. The draw, right from the very start, is ideal, and the burn is completely even and stays that way. The dark ash hangs on nicely, and the white, aromatic smoke really adds to the experience. I didn’t have to make a single touchup.
Flavor : Rating:
This is a deliciously complex and delightful smoke featuring spicy, peppery notes. Initially I pick up plenty of cedar with a hint of sweetness along with a splash of citrus. Going into the middle third, the black pepper surges into prominence along with notes of coffee and nuts. There is a creamy undercurrent starting to emerge, and now the peppery notes are really taking off. The pepper lingers on the palate, making for a spicy aftertaste. As you go into the final third, you’ll notice an abrupt twist as new characteristics emerge. A surprising burst of caramel steals the scene, morphing the blend into a much sweeter one. The sweetness remains until the end. You can easily take this one down to the nub without any harshness.
Overall Rating : Rating:
This is an A+ cigar, perfect in every respect, one of the best I can remember in quite some time. The construction is magnificent, the flavors and aromas are delicious and complex, and you will especially enjoy them if you are a fan of black pepper. Feel free to pick up a single or a box if you ever stumble on a LCDH shop. Some of them also operate online (hint: LCDH Knokke, and as far as I know they have the Epicure de Luxe in stock).
This post was written by Denis aka Inspector, who founded CigarInspector.com back in 2007. Click here for his latest articles and more information.
