Hoyo de Monterrey · Epicure
CubanEverydayHoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1
The slimmer, longer sibling of the famous Epicure No. 2 — a 5.6 x 46 corona gorda with the same creamy, refined Hoyo character.
The short answer
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is a balanced, medium-bodied smoke — a Cuban corona gorda with a Cuban wrapper. Expect cedar, cream, and hay. Critics rate it 93/100.
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2022
93/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is a balanced, medium-bodied smoke from Hoyo de Monterrey's Epicure line. It's a Cuban corona gorda wrapped in Cuban at 5.6 in × 46.
On the palate, expect cedar, cream, and hay, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 55 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 93/100 in 2022. It pairs naturally with coffee, aged rum, and sparkling water. If you're newer to cigars, this is a safe, enjoyable pick.
The Epicure No. 1 is the long, slim counterpart to Hoyo de Monterrey's celebrated Epicure No. 2. At 5.6 x 46 it's a corona gorda, and the narrower ring gauge and added length give it a slightly more delicate, drawn-out personality while keeping the line's hallmark smoothness intact.
What it tastes like
Expect the trademark Hoyo profile: creamy cedar, a touch of hay, light coffee, and soft floral and pepper accents. It's medium-bodied and refined — the thinner format tends to read a touch more elegant and aromatic than the chunkier No. 2, with a clean, unhurried finish. It usually takes a little under an hour.
Who it's for
This is a graceful daytime cigar that suits both newcomers and seasoned smokers who like a slimmer vitola. If you enjoy it, the Epicure No. 2 is the natural next stop. New to the brand? The cigar strength guide explains where mild-medium Cubans like this sit.
As with all popular Habanos, buy from a reputable shop and rest it before lighting. Track your favorites in your humidor with the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 — frequently asked
- Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 a good cigar for beginners?
- It's a good next step. Medium-bodied cigars are fine once you've enjoyed a few milder ones and want more flavor and depth.
- How strong is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1?
- The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is Medium-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 taste like?
- Expect cedar, cream, and hay, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 93/100 (2022). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1?
- It pairs well with coffee, aged rum, and sparkling water. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1?
- Plan on about 55 minutes for the corona gorda — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 head-to-head
See how Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.