Cigar Reviewed: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Seleccion

Appearance

The Honduran wrapper is a Colorado shade on the color scale with thick veins and noticeable seams. The wrapper smells of tobacco and leather.

The double cap is a bit sloppily applied. The finished foot is neat with slight grassy scents along with some earthy tobacco.

Pre-light

After I gave the cap a straight cut, the pre-light draw while perfect, had no flavor. I did pick up on a savory taste from the wrapper.

1st Third

The first third of this cigar is a bit astringent, drying out my mouth. There is a slightly bitter tobacco flavor as well. The retrohale is strong right from the get-go.

2nd Third

The next third does a complete 180. Rich tobacco and umami flavors coat my tongue and ends with a medium finish. The retrohale is still strong but lingers for quite a bit in my nostrils

Final Third

Finishing up this cigar, with creamy smoke that coats my tongue and strong, savory tobacco flavor. Each puff ends with a medium finish. The retrohale is consistent in strength but the sensation remains for a much longer time during this third.

Combustion

The burn characteristics of this cigar were perfect. A nice even burn with a thin carbon ring and a firm ash with striated rings. I kept the ash to my normal 1 inch before dropping. The cigar produced a good amount of smoke that was very satisfying.

Summary

I really enjoyed this cigar. It’s a little on the smaller side as far as the ring gauge goes, but, this vitola is one of my favorites and it’s hard to find a good cigar in this size. I consider this to be medium to strong in strength with a medium body.