Description

Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No 2 – Box of 10 | Cuban Robusto Excellence

In the pantheon of Cuban cigars, certain vitolas transcend their category to become reference points against which all others are measured. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is such a cigar. For decades, this 4.9-inch robusto has represented the ideal expression of Cuban cigar craftsmanship—accessible enough for the discerning novice, yet sufficiently complex to satisfy the most seasoned collector. hoyo de monterrey epicure no 2 box of 10 uk

The Epicure No 2 occupies a unique position within the Hoyo de Monterrey marque. While the brand’s name honours Cuban grower José Gener’s fertile plantations in the Vuelta Abajo region—hoyo translates to “hole” or “hollow,” referring to the rich, low-lying tobacco lands—this particular vitola has become the standard-bearer for the entire portfolio. It is the cigar that defines Hoyo de Monterrey for smokers worldwide. hoyo de monterrey epicure no 2 box of 10 uk

For the UK aficionado, the box of 10 format offers particular advantages: sufficient quantity for proper aging and rotation, yet accessible for those building their collection or seeking a reliable daily smoke.

The Construction: Cuban Craftsmanship at Its Finest

Wrapper: Vuelta Abajo Colorado Claro

The Epicure No 2’s wrapper is pure Cuban capa, grown in the premium Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río. This Colorado Claro leaf exhibits the characteristic reddish-brown hue that signals optimal ripeness and fermentation. The wrapper displays minimal veining—a mark of superior selection—with a supple, oily sheen that promises complexity. hoyo de monterrey epicure no 2 box of 10 uk

Under light, the wrapper reveals its provenance: fine tooth, even colour distribution, and the distinctive aroma of aged Cuban tobacco—hay, cedar, and a faint whisper of cocoa.

Binder: Vuelta Abajo Seco

Beneath the wrapper lies a carefully selected capa (binder) leaf, also from Vuelta Abajo. This seco-grade tobacco provides structural integrity while contributing its own subtle notes to the combustion profile. The binder’s primary function is to ensure even burning and regulate airflow, but in Cuban construction, even the binder contributes flavour.

Filler: Vuelta Abajo Ligero & Seco

The filler blend combines ligero and seco leaves from the same privileged region. The ligero—harvested from the top of the plant, exposed to maximum sunlight—provides structure and strength. The seco—from the middle portions—contributes aroma and complexity. This balance is the secret to the Epicure No 2’s signature medium-bodied elegance: sufficient presence to satisfy, never enough to overwhelm.

The Vitola: Robustio Perfection

The Epicure No 2 measures 4.9 inches (124mm) with a 50-ring gauge. This is the classic robusto format—short enough to concentrate flavour, thick enough to allow complex leaf combinations, and sized for a 45–60 minute smoke.

The 50-ring gauge represents a golden mean in cigar construction: narrow enough to permit wrapper influence throughout the smoke, wide enough to accommodate a meaningful filler blend. In the Epicure No 2, this balance is executed with precision honed over decades.

The Smoking Experience: A Three-Act Cuban Journey

First Act: The Opening (0–15 minutes)

The cold draw reveals notes of hay, cedar, and a faint sweetness reminiscent of honeyed tea. Lighting requires patience—Cuban cigars reward a gentle toast—but once ignited, the first draws deliver immediate satisfaction.

The initial flavour profile is classic Hoyo de Monterrey: cream, toasted nuts, and a distinctive cedar note that announces Cuban provenance. There is no harshness, no ammonia—signs of proper aging before release. The smoke emerges cool and abundant, coating the palate without assaulting it.

Retrohaling at this stage reveals white pepper and a subtle floral quality—jasmine or honeysuckle—that distinguishes Hoyo from earthier Cuban marques.

Second Act: The Development (15–35 minutes)

As the burn line approaches the midpoint, the Epicure No 2 reveals its complexity. The creaminess persists but now carries undertones of shortbread and vanilla. The cedar note deepens, suggesting cedar chest rather than fresh lumber.

The ligero component begins to assert itself—not as strength, but as structure. The cigar gains weight on the palate without becoming heavy. Notes of roasted almonds and a faint espresso quality emerge, balanced by the wrapper’s continuing sweetness.

The ash holds firm, a compact cylinder of salt-and-pepper grey that drops at approximately one-inch intervals. The burn line remains razor-sharp—a testament to construction quality.

Third Act: The Finale (35–50 minutes)

The final third intensifies predictably. The cedar note now reads as sandalwood, more aromatic than aggressive. The creaminess has evolved to suggest crème brûlée—caramelised sugar over rich custard.

The pepper returns, slightly amplified, providing counterpoint to the enduring sweetness. The cigar remains cool to the final inch—no harshness, no acridity. The finish lingers, a pleasant reminder of tobacco well crafted.

The Box of 10: A Practical Format for UK Smokers

The 10-count box represents an intelligent compromise for the UK smoker. It offers:

• Aging potential: Cigars in boxes acclimatise together, developing harmony over months

• Economic efficiency: Lower per-cigar cost than singles, without the commitment of 25-count cabinets

• Rotation management: Sufficient quantity for regular smoking while maintaining variety

• Gifting suitability: The ideal presentation for the discerning recipient

Storage for the UK Climate

British humidity presents unique challenges for Cuban cigars. The Epicure No 2, with its 50-ring gauge, is robust but remains susceptible to fluctuation.

Optimal conditions:

• Temperature: 16–18°C

• Relative humidity: 65–68%

Recommended humidification:

• Boveda 65% or 69% two-way humidity control packs

• Spanish cedar humidor with calibrated hygrometer

Seasonal adjustments:

• Winter (central heating active): Consider 69% packs

• Summer (ambient humidity higher): 65% packs may suffice

Avoid:

• Direct heat sources

• South-facing windows

• Radiator proximity

• Refrigeration (causes irreversible damage)

 Why the Epicure No 2 Endures in the UK Market

The British cigar market is sophisticated, discerning, and historically informed. UK smokers have access to the world’s finest cigars and possess the knowledge to judge them. That the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 remains a perennial favourite—decades after its introduction—speaks to its fundamental excellence.

It is not the strongest Cuban. It is not the rarest. It is, however, the most consistently satisfying robusto in the Cuban portfolio—a cigar that delivers the Hoyo promise with every example, every box, every year.

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 at PremiumCigar.co.uk

Every box of Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 offered by PremiumCigar.co.uk is:

• 100% genuine Cuban export production

• Sourced through authorised UK distribution channels

• Stored in our London-adjacent humidor facility at constant 18°C and 67% RH

• Inspected upon receipt for wrapper integrity and construction quality

• Dispatched in protective packaging to preserve condition during transit

We do not accept damaged stock. We do not sell cigars that have dried in transit. We do not source grey-market or parallel-imported product.

For adults aged 18+ only in accordance with UK law.

KEY BENEFITS (22 BULLETS)

Heritage & Authenticity

• Genuine Cuban Habanos production – Vuelta Abajo provenance

• Hoyo de Monterrey marque – established 1865

• Epicure No 2 – the benchmark Cuban robusto

• Box of 10 – ideal UK format for aging and rotation

• Cedar-lined presentation – traditional Cuban packaging

Construction Excellence

• Colorado Claro wrapper – minimal veining, oily sheen

• Vuelta Abajo binder – structural integrity plus flavour

• Ligero & seco filler balance – complexity without aggression

• 50-ring gauge – optimal flavour concentration

• Handmade in Cuba – torcido expertise passed through generations

• Perfect draw resistance – Cuban standards rigorously maintained

• Razor-sharp burn line – no corrective relights required

• Solid ash formation – holds beyond one inch

Flavour Profile

• Creamy opening – toasted nuts, cedar, white pepper

• Mid-point development – shortbread, vanilla, roasted almonds

• Final third intensity – crème brûlée, sandalwood, espresso

• Floral notes – jasmine, honeysuckle (retrohale)

• Lingering finish – no harshness, no acridity

• Cool to the nub – exceptional construction

Practical Advantages

• 45–60 minute smoke – substantial without demanding

• Aging potential – develops harmony over months

• Gift-ready presentation – the 10-box impresses

• UK climate-appropriate – robust ring gauge tolerates fluctuation

• PremiumCigar.co.uk humidor-stored – factory-fresh condition

1. Is this a genuine Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2?
Yes. Every Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 cigar supplied by PremiumCigar.co.uk is 100% genuine Cuban Habanos production, sourced through authorised UK distribution channels.

2. What is the box date on these cigars?
Box dates vary by batch. We supply current production stock unless otherwise specified. Please contact us if you require a specific box date for aging purposes.

3. How fresh are these cigars upon delivery?
All Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 boxes are stored in our London-adjacent humidor facility at constant 18°C and 67% RH, preserving factory-fresh condition until dispatch.

4. What is the smoking time for an Epicure No 2?
Expect 45–60 minutes of smoking pleasure, depending on your pace and environmental conditions. The 50-ring gauge burns slowly and evenly.

5. Is the Epicure No 2 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The medium-bodied profile is accessible to newcomers while offering sufficient complexity for experienced smokers. It is widely considered the ideal introduction to Cuban robustos.

6. How should I store Hoyo de Monterrey cigars in the UK climate?
Store in a Spanish cedar humidor at 16–18°C with 65–68% relative humidity. Use Boveda two-way humidity control packs for consistent conditions.

7. What is the strength of the Epicure No 2?
Medium-bodied. It builds gradually through the smoke but never becomes aggressive—elegant rather than powerful.

8. What drinks pair well with the Epicure No 2?

• Coffee: Single-origin espresso with citrus notes

• Rum: Aged Cuban or Dominican (Diplomático, Havana Club 7)

• Whisky: Highland single malt or bourbon with high rye content

9. How does the Epicure No 2 compare to other Cuban robustos?
The Epicure No 2 is creamier and more floral than the Partagás Serie D No 4 (earthier, stronger) and less intense than the Bolívar Royal Corona. It is the most elegant of the major Cuban robustos.

10. Can I age these cigars?
Absolutely. Cuban cigars benefit from aging. The box of 10 format is ideal for building a rotation—smoke one now, age the rest.

11. What is the difference between the Epicure No 1, No 2, and No 3?

• Epicure No 1: 5.6 inches, 48 ring (longer, slightly slimmer)

• Epicure No 2: 4.9 inches, 50 ring (the classic robusto)

• Epicure No 3: 4.8 inches, 46 ring (smaller ring gauge, faster smoke)

12. Are these cigars UK duty paid?
Yes. All cigars sold by PremiumCigar.co.uk are UK-duty-paid, fully compliant with HMRC regulations.

13. Is it legal to purchase Cuban cigars online in the UK?
Yes. PremiumCigar.co.uk is a fully compliant UK tobacco retailer. All transactions are age-verified, and all stock is UK-duty-paid.

14. How are the cigars packaged for delivery?
Each box is dispatched in protective, temperature-controlled packaging to preserve condition during transit. Signature on delivery is required.

15. Does PremiumCigar.co.uk sell single Epicure No 2 cigars?
We primarily offer boxes to ensure optimal storage conditions. Please check our website for current single cigar availability.