Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is the cigar for those who appreciate the elegance of a slender gauge and the unhurried pace it demands. At 143mm in length with a 40 ring gauge, this Corona Grande vitola sits at the thinner end of the modern Cuban spectrum, and that is precisely its charm. The tighter gauge concentrates the flavours, delivering a more focused, aromatic smoke than its thicker-gauge siblings. For smokers who believe that a cigar should be savoured rather than rushed, the Epicure No. 1 remains a quietly brilliant choice that has stood the test of time.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
From the first draw, the Epicure No. 1 establishes its character as a refined, aromatic cigar. The 40 ring gauge focuses the smoke in a way that thicker formats cannot replicate — the cedar and hay notes are more concentrated, hitting the palate with greater clarity. A gentle creaminess wraps around the core flavours, and there is a distinctive floral quality on the retrohale that Hoyo enthusiasts will recognise instantly. The cigar runs slightly warmer than the Epicure No. 2 by virtue of its narrower gauge, but never to the point of discomfort.
The second third opens up the profile considerably. Nutty notes of toasted almond make an appearance, accompanied by a delicate honey sweetness that threads through the cedar backbone. The body stays firmly in the medium camp, but the flavour intensity is noticeably higher than in wider-gauge Hoyos. This is the section where the Corona Grande format truly earns its keep — the flavours are vivid and precise, each note distinct rather than blurred together.
The final third introduces a light earthiness and a gentle spice that builds gradually. A white pepper note emerges on the finish, adding a welcome layer of complexity without tipping the cigar into stronger territory. The burn is consistent and the ash holds well for a 40-ring cigar. The Epicure No. 1 is a cigar that rewards attention — smoke it distractedly and you will miss the nuances that make it special.
Construction
The Corona Grande is a traditional Cuban vitola, and Hoyo de Monterrey's torcedores handle it with evident skill. The wrapper is a smooth, lightly oiled Cuban leaf with fine veining, sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region. The roll is even along the entire 143mm length, and the triple cap is cleanly executed. Draw on a 40-ring cigar needs to be precise, and Hoyo delivers — the pull is neither restrictive nor loose, hitting that ideal middle ground that ensures an even burn and proper smoke volume. Construction quality is consistent across production runs, which is a hallmark of this cigar's longevity in the Habanos catalogue.
Pairing
The Epicure No. 1's concentrated, aromatic profile pairs well with beverages that will not dominate it. A light, floral tea — jasmine or white tea — mirrors the cigar's own floral notes beautifully. A young, unoaked chardonnay also works, its citrus and orchard fruit complementing the cedar and nutty elements. For spirits, a lightly aged rum or a mild cognac brings out the honeyed sweetness in the middle third without overwhelming the cigar's relatively delicate body.
Value
The Epicure No. 1 offers a different kind of value — not in terms of smoking volume, but in the quality and precision of the experience. It is typically positioned accessibly within the Hoyo range, and for smokers who appreciate the artistry of a slender-gauge cigar, it represents excellent value. It is also an outstanding ageing cigar; the tighter gauge allows the blend to integrate over time, and a year or more in the humidor produces a remarkably smooth, cohesive smoke.
About the Brand
Hoyo de Monterrey was founded in 1865 by José Gener, a Spanish entrepreneur who recognised the exceptional qualities of the tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo valley. The brand has always positioned itself on the elegant, mild-to-medium end of the Cuban spectrum, and the Epicure No. 1 exemplifies that philosophy. Now distributed by Habanos S.A., Hoyo de Monterrey continues to produce some of the most approachable and consistently excellent cigars in Cuba. Browse the full collection on our Hoyo de Monterrey page.
Storage
Keep the Epicure No. 1 at 65-70% humidity and 18-20°C. Slender-gauge cigars are more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than thicker formats, so maintaining stable conditions is important. A Spanish cedar humidor with a reliable humidification system is ideal. Ageing is highly recommended — the concentrated blend benefits from time to marry, and the results after 12-18 months are well worth the wait. See our shipping information for how your cigars are stored and shipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Epicure No. 1 and Epicure No. 2?
The Epicure No. 1 is a Corona Grande (143mm x 40), while the Epicure No. 2 is a Coronas Gordas (140mm x 46). The No. 1's narrower gauge produces a warmer, more concentrated smoke with more pronounced aromatics, while the No. 2 offers a cooler, creamier experience with greater smoke volume.
Is a 40 ring gauge too thin for a good Cuban cigar?
Not at all. Many traditional Cuban vitolas use slender gauges, and experienced smokers often prefer them for the way they concentrate flavour. The Epicure No. 1 demonstrates exactly why the corona format has endured — the focused, aromatic smoke is a different experience from a thick robusto, and many would argue a superior one.
Does the Epicure No. 1 age well?
Yes, exceptionally so. The tighter gauge allows the blend to integrate over time, and 12-18 months of ageing will produce a noticeably smoother, more cohesive cigar. It is one of the best-value ageing cigars in the Hoyo lineup.
Related Cigars
