The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 is the latest in the annual line of Reserva cigars to be released from Habanos S.A. It was debuted on the first night of the 18th Habanos Festival on February 29th. These are some of the most exclusive and expensive cigars that come out of Cuba. Hoyo de Monterrey was the only national brand to not have a Reserva release prior to this year.
"I loved the flavor profile present, really up my alley, and it was complex with a nice bit of depth. There was some transitioning throughout, but it kept this core flavor profile as well that really changed up in thirds. I loved the body and strength present with the cigar and it made for a great evening smoke. I am a big fan of cigars in this size, corona gorda area, and they perform incredibly well when constructed correctly. This will only get better with age, and if it did not have some age on it right now, I would be surprised. I believe a lot of smokers would love this cigar and enjoy what was offered." -Seth (Seth's Humidor)
"This is an overall very mild cigar featuring an initially spicy retrohale that downshifts quickly (too quickly) into a strictly mineral profile and the draw never delivers any flavors other than cedar and a very mild leather. I disliked the battle with the tight draw but once I, heroically some might say, conquered that obstacle the cigar performed ""just fine"" and delivered ""just fine"" faint flavors from start to finish. Would I smoke it again? Probably not on purpose but perhaps I just got a dud and, if I come across it again at a low price point, I'd almost certainly give it a second chance. Don’t we all deserve a second chance to make a first impression? I know I do and, I’ll admit it, fairly often…" -Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)
"This was a very good cigar, especially the first two thirds. If the last third hadn't gotten dry and a little bitter, it would have scored higher. The flavors were not in your face, but quite complex. I liked the transitions it offered and kept me entertained. I would definitely smoke more of these, and I would like to see if the final third was the same in all samples. Not my favorite Cuban, but a solid stick." -Emmett (rhetorik)
Overall, this was a very good, smooth and velvety smoking experience. The first and second third's core flavors of sweetness, earthiness and floral notes was delicious. The last third was unfortunate as it was mainly just dry wood and black pepper. Hopefully, more age will change that. I would recommend this to someone that enjoys a lot of Cuban cigars. The cigar is fairly nuanced without having the spice to beat you over the head. I would easily seek out a fiver of these." -Jiunn (jliu)
Although not overly complex, this cigar was more than what I expected. I have smoked a few RASS in the past and did not recall them being this good. Smooth, rich, creamy and very enjoyable sums up this cigar quite well. The appearance of the cigar on the pre-light may have led many aficionados to pass on this cigar (me included), but this is the perfect example of "don't judge a book by it's cover." I'll certainly be seeking more of these out.
"I normally shy away from medium bodied cigars but this definitely changed my mind. It held a wide array of flavors that truly worked well together. I would give this cigar a 95 rating. Definitely box worthy in my opinion. I would love to see how it pairs with a chai latte or cuban coffee. Excellent cigar. " -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
"Overall, this was an excellent cigar. I believe this was either a Cuban cigar or a very well executed Connecticut shade cigar. The well balanced and nuanced flavors without being a pepper bomb is right in my wheelhouse. I would purchase a fiver of these to smoke now and lay down in the hopes of the bitterness being worked out." -Jiunn (jliu)
"Excellent cigar! This cigar is definitely one that is within my wheelhouse. A cigar that is focused on flavor over strength is always a win for me. Also, a cigar (such as this) that builds flavors throughout the entire smoking experience keeps things interesting and engaging. I will buy a fiver or tener with no hesitation." -Jiunn (jliu)
"Overall, this was a very good smoking experience. Solid, quality cigar that if given the correct price point would be a consistent smoke for me, especially when hanging with the "guys" to play cards or tailgate." -Kyle (kaleehb)