Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2
Ask any cigar enthusiast to name the single best entry point into Cuban cigars, and the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 will come up more often than not. This 140mm x 46 Coronas Gordas has earned its reputation as the definitive gateway cigar — approachable enough for a first-timer, yet layered enough to keep seasoned smokers reaching for it again and again. It is the cigar that introduced countless people to the pleasures of Habanos, and it remains the benchmark against which other medium-bodied Cubans are measured. If there is a "house cigar" of the Hoyo de Monterrey brand, this is it.
Tasting Notes
The Epicure No. 2 sets out its stall in the first few puffs. A gentle cedar sweetness arrives immediately, backed by creamy undertones and a whisper of dried hay. The smoke is cool and round on the palate, and the 46 ring gauge keeps things at a comfortable temperature. There is an unmistakable elegance to the way this cigar introduces itself — no aggression, no bitterness, just a composed, well-mannered opening that invites you to settle in.
The middle third is where the Epicure No. 2 reveals its depth. A nutty character surfaces — toasted hazelnut and a touch of almond — while the cedar recedes slightly to make room for a soft, honeyed sweetness. A delicate floral note persists on the retrohale, a Hoyo signature that distinguishes this cigar from the heavier, earth-driven blends of other Cuban marques. The body remains firmly medium, never pushing toward the stronger end of the spectrum.
In the final stretch, the cigar introduces a light earthiness and a faint white pepper that adds just enough grip to the finish to keep things interesting. The transition is smooth, and the cigar never loses its inherent refinement. The ash is solid and light grey, the burn line true. It is a cigar that finishes as gracefully as it begins, which is precisely why it has earned such a devoted following.
Construction
The Epicure No. 2 is rolled in the Coronas Gordas format, a vitola that strikes a balance between ring gauge and length for an even, consistent burn. The long-filler leaves are sourced from the Vuelta Abajo, and the wrapper typically displays a light brown, slightly oily sheen consistent with Hoyo's house style. The triple cap is cleanly applied, and the draw tends to be ideal — not too loose, not too tight. This is one of the most consistently produced cigars in the Habanos portfolio, a testament to its volume and the rolling expertise that comes with producing it year after year.
Pairing
The Epicure No. 2 is a versatile pairing cigar. A light aged rum works beautifully, as does a blonde beer or a crisp lager on a warm afternoon. For coffee drinkers, a flat white or cortado draws out the nutty and honeyed notes in the second third. Those who enjoy wine will find that a dry amontillado sherry creates a particularly rewarding combination with the cedar and floral elements. The cigar's medium body means it pairs well with lighter beverages without being lost behind them.
Value
Few cigars in the Cuban market offer the value proposition of the Epicure No. 2. It is produced in significant volume, which means consistent availability, and its quality-to-price ratio is among the best in the Habanos range. For smokers building a humidor, this is a cigar worth buying by the box. It ages gracefully, smokes consistently, and serves as a reliable daily cigar that never feels like a compromise.
About the Brand
Established in 1865 by José Gener, Hoyo de Monterrey has spent more than 150 years perfecting the art of the mild-to-medium cigar. The brand's tobacco is cultivated in the Vuelta Abajo, the region widely regarded as the finest tobacco-growing area in Cuba. Distributed globally by Habanos S.A., Hoyo de Monterrey is the go-to marque for smokers who value elegance over brute strength. Explore the full range on our Hoyo de Monterrey category page.
Storage
Maintain the Epicure No. 2 at 65-70% humidity and 18-20°C. This cigar benefits particularly from ageing — a year in the humidor will soften any remaining edges and enhance the creaminess that defines the blend. Stored properly in a Spanish cedar-lined humidor, it will hold its condition indefinitely and improve with time. See our shipping page for details on how cigars are handled in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Epicure No. 2 considered the best beginner Cuban cigar?
Its medium strength, gentle flavour profile, and consistent construction make it the most accessible Cuban cigar for newcomers. The cedar, cream, and floral notes are easy to appreciate without requiring a developed palate, and the cigar never overwhelms.
What does a Coronas Gordas vitola mean?
Coronas Gordas is a traditional Cuban vitola name for a cigar measuring approximately 143mm x 46, though the Epicure No. 2 runs slightly shorter at 140mm. It is a thick corona format that offers a cooler, more voluminous smoke than a standard corona.
Can I age the Epicure No. 2?
Absolutely. The Epicure No. 2 is one of the best ageing cigars in the Hoyo range. Six to twelve months of additional humidor time will noticeably round out the blend and enhance its creamy character. Boxes purchased now will reward patience.
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