The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2: A Study in Measured Restraint

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It arrived with the afternoon’s second espresso, presented not with a flourish but with a quiet deference that is the mark of a lounge that understands the ritual. The band — a simple, almost rustic red and white affair — spoke of a certain old-world confidence. This was the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, a cigar that has occupied a cherished space in the humidors of discerning smokers for decades, and one I had returned to for a quiet hour of reflection late last month.

The setting was a familiar leather armchair in a quiet corner of a favoured Mayfair haunt, the late July light filtering softly through the tall windows. The cigar itself felt generous in the hand, a classic robusto format — 4.8 inches by a 50-ring gauge — with a Colorado Claro wrapper that was smooth, almost velvety, and promised a milder journey than its more muscular cousins from Partagás or Cohiba. There were no prominent veins, just an inviting, uniform light brown that spoke of carefully selected leaf and expert handling.

A Gentle Introduction

Toasting the foot released a gentle, almost sweet aroma of cedar and hay, a scent that is quintessentially Hoyo. The initial draw was effortless, a testament to its construction. The first few minutes are where the Epicure No. 2 states its case, and it does so not with a shout, but with a whisper. There was none of the pepper blast or spice-rack intensity that defines so many contemporary cigars. Instead, the palate was met with a delicate creaminess, a soft-spoken blend of light wood, toasted almonds, and a subtle, lingering sweetness that reminded me of warm brioche. It is a cigar that does not demand your attention, but rather invites it.

This is the product of the Vuelta Abajo, of course, but from the specific plantations in San Juan y Martínez that have long been dedicated to the Hoyo de Monterrey marque. Founded by José Gener y Batet in 1865, the name translates to "the hole of Monterrey," a reference to the concave terrain of the plantation he purchased. From its inception, the brand was cultivated for a lighter, more aromatic profile, a character that the Epicure No. 2 embodies perfectly. It became a benchmark for the robusto size, a format that offers the flavour development of a larger cigar within a more manageable timeframe.

The Developing Narrative

As the smoke progressed into its second third, the burn remained impressively even, leaving behind a solid, pale grey ash. The initial creaminess deepened, and new notes began to emerge from the background. A hint of white coffee, a touch of vanilla bean, and a delicate floral note, almost like chamomile, began to weave through the foundational cedar. It is a complex tapestry, but one woven with the finest of threads. There is no single dominant flavour; instead, it is a harmonious, evolving conversation.

I paired it, on this occasion, not with a heavy whisky but with a simple glass of chilled mineral water. The Epicure No. 2 is not a cigar that benefits from a powerful sparring partner. Its subtleties are best appreciated with a clean palate, allowing its delicate structure to be fully perceived. It is a reminder that in the world of cigars, as in so many other things, power is not always the most desirable attribute. There is a profound pleasure to be found in restraint, in a blend that prioritises balance and nuance over sheer strength.

A Graceful Conclusion

The final third saw a slight increase in intensity, as is to be expected, but it never became harsh or aggressive. The woody notes took on a more toasted character, and a faint whisper of white pepper finally appeared on the retrohale, a gentle spice that served to cleanse the palate rather than overwhelm it. It was a graceful and satisfying conclusion to a measured and elegant journey. The cigar maintained its composure down to the last inch, a final testament to the quality of its leaf and the skill of the torcedor who rolled it.

In an era where the trend often leans towards cigars that are stronger, bolder, and more immediately impactful, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 stands as a quiet monument to a different philosophy. It does not shout for attention. It does not need to. It is a cigar for the smoker who has nothing to prove, one who understands that true luxury often lies not in volume, but in clarity, consistency, and the enduring appeal of understated grace. It was an hour well spent, a quiet counterpoint to the city’s hum, and a welcome return to a most civilised classic.
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