Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004
The 2004 Limited Edition Epicure Especial holds a special place in Hoyo de Monterrey's history — it was the first time the brand released a Limited Edition cigar under Habanos S.A.'s Edición Limitada programme, and it set a template that subsequent Hoyo LEs would follow. Measuring 141mm x 52 in the Robusto Extra format, this cigar uses aged wrapper and binder leaves that were aged for a minimum of two years, giving it a depth and complexity that goes beyond the standard production Epicure Especial. For collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the significance of first-edition releases, this 2004 LE is a landmark cigar.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
The 2004 LE opens with a richer, darker character than the standard Epicure Especial. The aged wrapper contributes a depth that is immediately apparent — the cedar is present but takes on a toasted, almost caramelised quality. The creaminess of the standard Hoyo blend is here, but it is joined by a darker sweetness, like molasses or brown sugar, that gives the opening a weightier feel. The 52 ring gauge produces a cool, generous draw, and the smoke is dense and textured.
The middle third develops along a more complex trajectory than the standard production cigar. Nutty notes of toasted almond and hazelnut emerge, but they are deeper and more roasted than in the regular Epicure Especial. A coffee note appears — espresso rather than cream — and the honey sweetness takes on a darker, amber quality. The floral delicacy that characterises Hoyo de Monterrey is present but transformed, integrated into a richer, more mature profile. This is what aged wrapper leaves do to a blend — they add gravity without removing the underlying character.
The final third brings the cigar to a satisfying, rounded conclusion. Earthy notes join the toasted cedar, and a gentle pepper builds on the finish. The body remains medium, but the flavour intensity is higher throughout than the standard Epicure Especial, thanks to the aged components. The cigar finishes smooth and long, with a lingering dark sweetness that remains on the palate.
Construction
As a Limited Edition, the 2004 Epicure Especial received special attention in production. The wrapper is a dark, aged Cuban leaf — noticeably darker than the standard Hoyo wrapper, with a richer oil sheen and more pronounced veining. The long filler and binder are also aged for a minimum of two years, per the Edición Limitada programme requirements. The roll is firm and consistent, the triple cap cleanly applied. Draw is excellent, and the burn line is sharp. The ash is denser and darker than the standard line, reflecting the aged, darker tobacco.
Pairing
The richer, aged character of this LE calls for a spirit with similar maturity. An aged rum of 18 years or more, with its dark sugar and oak notes, is an ideal match. A sherried single malt whisky also works, the dried fruit and walnut characteristics complementing the cigar's roasted nut and coffee notes. For non-spirit drinkers, a double espresso brings out the cigar's coffee element, while a dark chocolate (70% or higher) alongside the cigar enhances the dark sweetness that runs through the blend.
Value
As a 2004 Limited Edition, this cigar is a collector's piece as much as a smoking experience. The Edición Limitada programme produces cigars in limited quantities for a single year, and the 2004 release was the first Hoyo LE — making it historically significant. For collectors, the value lies in the rarity and the first-edition status. For smokers fortunate enough to acquire one, the value is in the aged, complex blend that represents a unique expression of Hoyo de Monterrey's tobacco.
About the Brand
The Edición Limitada programme was introduced by Habanos S.A. to showcase exceptional cigars using aged tobacco, released in limited quantities for a single year. The 2004 Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial was the brand's first entry in the programme, establishing a tradition that would continue with subsequent LE releases. Hoyo de Monterrey, founded in 1865, brought its characteristic elegance to the LE programme while the aged tobacco added a new dimension of depth. See our Hoyo de Monterrey page for the current range.
Storage
If you are fortunate enough to have acquired this 2004 LE, storage is critical. Maintain at 65-70% humidity and 18-20°C. Given the age of the tobacco, stable conditions are paramount — fluctuations will stress the already mature leaf. A Spanish cedar humidor with a precise humidification system is recommended. These cigars have already aged significantly; additional time in the humidor will continue to mellow the blend, but the primary goal is preservation. See our shipping information for handling of rare and aged cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Edición Limitada?
Edición Limitada is a programme by Habanos S.A. that releases cigars in limited quantities for a single year. These cigars use wrapper, binder, and filler leaves that have been aged for at least two years, and the wrappers are typically darker than standard production cigars. Each year's releases are not repeated, making them collector's items.
How is the 2004 LE different from the standard Epicure Especial?
The 2004 LE uses aged wrapper, binder, and filler leaves, giving it a darker, richer, and more complex profile than the standard production Epicure Especial. The wrapper is noticeably darker, and the flavour profile includes coffee and dark caramel notes that are absent from the standard cigar.
Is the 2004 LE still good to smoke?
If properly stored, absolutely. The aged tobacco used in the blend was already mature at the time of release, and additional years of humidor time will have only improved the integration. However, proper storage is critical — poorly kept LE cigars will degrade regardless of their initial quality.
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