Cigar review: Hoyo de Monterrey is a venerable brand with a solid history in Cuba and Honduras. This particular smoke was created as described, ” pays homage to the country where the brand has been made for more than five decades.”
Senior brand manager, Ed Lahman comments, ” Epicure Seleccion speaks to the legacy of Hoyo de Monterrey which is one of the first brands to have been made in Honduras, and one of the first bold blends made with native Cuban seeds cultivated in Central America.”
Touting further, ” the exceptional well -balanced blend delivers a true Honduran smoking experience, derived from propriety, Cuban seed wrapper, binder and filler tobaccos. ”
As always, how and where I receive the cigar does not impact my subjective judgment. I suggest make your own decision.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Hoyo de Monterrey/Epicure Seleccion
Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 5.6 x 46, (Length x Ring Gauge)
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Shape: Robusto
Price: $8.79 MSRP. I received the cigar gratis for review from General Cigar
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 6/13/2020
Appearance/Construction: Medium brown wrapper, very oily to the touch. A formidable cigar band gives the it an old world look to the product. Well constructed, clean lines with no obvious issues.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: First Third: Smooth, buttery cashew taste with a medium spice interlay. Spice is well blended and not dominant or overpowering. There is also a hint of toffee.
Second Third: The blend adds another layer of cream with molasses and caramel. Not cloying or sweet, a good addition from what I already have tasted.
Final Third: Mostly continues on the same flavor path but the overall taste is enhanced as we wind down towards the end of the cigar. The overall blend is outstanding.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: A totally enjoyable smoking experience lasting about 1 hour and fifteen minutes. Cigar smokers from the novice and the seasoned veteran will truly hang on this cigar as long as they can.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers:
This cigar is balanced with plenty of different flavor hits to hang your hat on. A five pack for sure. If you have some cash , buy a box and don’t hand them out to your buddies.
Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 4.2 out of 5
Rating system: 4 to 5 is classified as a very enjoyable cigar.
Keep smoking