Hello folks! I shall now present to you a contestant that was released in 2012 exclusively for La Casa del Habano cigar stores (or crematoriums as I say) around the world: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe.
Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey
Type: Epicure de Luxe
Vitola: Mágicos (petit robusto)
Size: 4.5"/115x52
Origin: Cuba
Box code: AME SEP 12
Appearance/construction (5 points)
This contestant is a petit but gorgeous looking cigar! And of course we all know size doesn't matter. Or does it?!? We know that in the flavor part..The actual Hoyo band is a bigger version of the standard one and carries the LCDH band below it. Almost the other half of the cigar is covered by bands. Epi de Luxe is well rolled and there are no constructional issues what so ever. The wrapper is claro-colorado coloured and has got a very silky feel. The cigar is also packed pretty good so I hope the draw works. One clip, yeah, it works.. Not a big cigar but the presentation is just fabulous!
Flavor (4.5 points)
1/3: From the first puff this little batong has a very sweet and mild flavor profile that shows lots of cedar and milk coffee. The reviewed Epicures have shown a black pepper character but this is completely non pepper, dessert like cigar. What a delicious start, let's see how it develops!
2/3: The toastiness comes around and gives a deeper flavor to this enjoyment. The cedar/wood takes more role than sweetness. There is something very similar to Epicure No.2 but flavor wise this is milder with smoother flavor, like a deluxe model compared to No.2.
3/3: More toastiness with the same woodiness and sweetness and mild leather. Still there is something I miss. Is it a longer aftertaste, some specific flavor, or bigger size? No, size doesn't matter because this little fellow really knows it's job. This is a very mellow, complex and an outstanding cigar. If the flavors would had been a little stronger this could be easily a five star cigar!
Smoking experience (5 points)
I don't know who should I blame:) Was it the cigar itself or the right time and place? Doesn't matter to me cause simply this was one of the best moments I've spent with a cigar. Just me, Hoyo and a deluxe moment..The burn was absolutely fantastic, good smoke production, effortless draw and sweet, woody flavor that slowly progressed producing no harshness. There was nothing I didn't like!
Quality-prize ratio (4.5 points)
These deluxe cigars come in a box of ten and cost about 10 to 12 euros per cigar. They are very affordable for being a "special edition" cigar and I highly recommend to give it a try.
Hippie's judgement
Appearance/construction: 5
Flavor: 4.5
Smoking experience: 5
Q-P ratio: 4.5
The average: 4.75
The final grade is 4.5!
Hippie's flavor profile: 5
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