Description

Buy Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 – 10 In Box

Buy Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 – 10 in Box, There exists, within the Cuban cigar portfolio, a small fraternity of vitolas that achieve something rare: they become the standard by which an entire category is measured. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is such a cigar. For decades, this Robusto has been the benchmark against which all other medium-bodied Cubans are judged. It is not the strongest, nor the oldest, nor the most expensive. It is, however, the most complete.

At uktobacco.co.uk, we are honoured to present the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 in its classic presentation: a cedar box of 10, each cigar rolled by hand at the revered Hoyo de Monterrey factory in Havana. For the UK smoker who values elegance, consistency, and genuine Cuban terroir, this is not merely a purchase—it is an education.

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A Heritage Rooted in Fertile Soil

The Hoyo de Monterrey name originates not from a factory or a financier, but from a hoyo—a hollow or depression in the land. Don José Gener, the brand’s founder, owned plantations in the Vuelta Abajo region, and he named his cigar after the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation, one of the most fertile tobacco farms in all of Cuba.

Unlike many marques that rely on blending tobacco from multiple growers, Hoyo de Monterrey has historically drawn heavily from this single, exceptional estate. The result is a house style defined not by brute force, but by finesse. The Epicure No 2, introduced in the 1970s as part of the brand’s expansion into larger ring gauges, perfected this style for the modern smoker.

Today, Hoyo de Monterrey remains a Global Brand under Habanos S.A., and the Epicure No 2 is its undisputed flagship. It is the cigar that converted a generation of smokers to the Robusto format.

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Construction and Burn Consistency

The Epicure No 2 is a Robusto vitola, measuring 124mm (4.9 inches) with a 50-ring gauge. This is, for many UK smokers, the ‘Goldilocks’ size: substantial enough to deliver complexity and longevity, yet compact enough to be approachable and well-suited to the British climate.

The cigar is totalmente a mano, entirely handmade at the Hoyo de Monterrey factory in Havana. The wrapper (capa) is a Colorado-maduro shade, displaying a rich, oily sheen and a silky, almost buttery texture. Veining is minimal, and the triple cap is applied with the precision of a master torcedor.

The draw is exemplary. Unlike some Cuban robustos that can occasionally present resistance, the Epicure No 2 is renowned for its open, effortless airflow. This is not a design flaw; it is intentional engineering. The 50-ring gauge allows the roller to construct a looser bunch, which in turn permits the smoke to flow freely, carrying the full spectrum of flavours to the palate without obstruction.

The burn is slow, steady, and remarkably even. The ash is a firm, flaky pearl-grey, holding for over an inch before surrendering gracefully. The cigar is forgiving; set it down for a minute, and it will not punish you with bitterness upon relight.

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Aroma and Flavour Profile

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is the very definition of a medium-bodied Cuban cigar. It does not assault the palate; it seduces it.

First Third: Upon lighting, the smoker is greeted with a distinct and immediately recognisable note of Spanish cedar. This is not the aggressive, pencil-shaving cedar of some New World blends; it is softer, sweeter, and infused with a hint of orange zest. Beneath the cedar lies a creamy undertone—reminiscent of lightly sweetened dairy or perhaps a vanilla custard. There is no black pepper here. Instead, a gentle white pepper tingles at the edges of the palate, providing structure without domination.

Second Third: As the burn line crosses the halfway point, the cigar transitions. The cedar recedes slightly, and the cream deepens into a distinct marzipan or almond paste character. Hints of white flower—gardenia, perhaps jasmine—emerge, lifting the profile and adding complexity. The strength remains firmly in the medium bracket, yet the flavour intensity increases. This is the heart of the Epicure No 2, and it is where the cigar earns its reputation.

Final Third: The finale introduces a gentle earthiness. The sweet cedar and marzipan are joined by a toasted tobacco note, reminiscent of freshly baked bread or lightly roasted coffee beans. The strength nudges towards medium-full, yet the cigar never loses its composure. It finishes cleanly, with no harshness or ammonia, leaving a lingering memory of sweet wood and cream. Buy Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 – 10 in Box

This is not a cigar of dramatic shifts or shocking transitions. It is a cigar of elegance. It rewards patience and attention, revealing its layers slowly, like a well-aged single malt.

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The UK Smoking Experience

The Epicure No 2 is, in many respects, the ideal UK cigar. Its 50-ring gauge is substantial enough to provide a 60–75 minute smoking session, yet its medium strength ensures it remains approachable even in cooler outdoor conditions. The open draw means the smoker does not need to work hard to retrieve flavour—a blessing on a blustery British evening.

For the adult smoker transitioning from fine-cut rolling tobacco or premium cigarillos, the Epicure No 2 offers a legitimate and deeply satisfying entry point into the world of Cuban puros. The format is familiar (many cigarillos mimic the Robusto shape), but the flavour depth is incomparable.

Moreover, the Epicure No 2 occupies a unique position in the UK market. It is simultaneously a ‘beginner’s Cuban’ and a ‘connoisseur’s staple’. The novice admires its approachability; the veteran respects its consistency. Few cigars can claim such dual citizenship.

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Packaging and Freshness

Authenticity is the currency of the premium cigar trade. At uktobacco.co.uk, we source exclusively from Habanos S.A.’s official UK distribution network. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is presented in the classic albanene box—a plain cream-coloured cardboard sleeve housing a varnished Spanish cedar cabinet.

This is not mere packaging; it is a sophisticated freshness system. The cedar wood acts as a natural hygroscopic agent, absorbing excess moisture and releasing it during drier periods, thereby stabilising the internal humidity of the box. It also imparts a gentle, sweet aromatic tone to the cigars, complementing their natural flavour profile.

Each box of 10 is batch-coded and sealed with the Habanos warranty hologram. The Hoyo de Monterrey band—dark green, gold, and white, featuring the iconic hoyo logo—is applied with precision. Our stock is verified, traceable, and stored in professional, humidor-controlled conditions prior to dispatch. Buy Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 – 10 in Box

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Storage and Cellaring Advice

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is delightful fresh. The cedar and cream notes are vibrant, the draw is open, and the smoke is immediately satisfying. However, this is also a cigar that rewards patience.

Upon receipt, we recommend resting the box in a seasoned humidor maintained at 65–68% relative humidity and 18°C for a minimum of 30–60 days. This allows the cigars to acclimatise post-transit and harmonises the oils within the filler.

Longer term, the Epicure No 2 is a phenomenal candidate for cellaring. Unlike lighter vitolas, the 50-ring gauge provides sufficient mass for graceful ageing. After 3–5 years, the cedar softens, the cream deepens into honey and dried apricot, and the white pepper mellows into a gentle baking spice. After 8–10 years, the cigar enters a state of profound elegance—sweet, silken, and utterly transcendent. ...........................................

It is no exaggeration to say that a well-aged Epicure No 2 is one of the finest smoking experiences available to the UK cigar enthusiast.

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Why This Cigar Stands Out

The Cuban cigar market is not short of excellent Robustos. The Partagás Serie D No 4 offers power; the Bolivar Royal Corona offers earthy intensity; the Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills offers floral cream. Yet the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 endures because it offers something its rivals cannot: balance.

It is not the strongest, but it is never weak. It is not the sweetest, but it is never bitter. It is not the most complex, but it is never boring. It exists in a state of perfect equilibrium—a tightrope walk between flavour and strength, tradition and accessibility, power and grace.  . .  .  .  .  . .   .  .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .

For the UK smoker, the Epicure No 2 is more than a cigar. It is a reference point. It is the cigar you reach for when you want to remember why you fell in love with Cuban tobacco in the first place.

Authentic, elegant, and endlessly rewarding. Secure your box today.

Key Benefits

• Authentic Cuban puro from the legendary Hoyo de Monterrey factory

• Signature medium strength profile – balanced, elegant, never overpowering

• Silky Colorado-maduro wrapper with rich oil content

• Exceptional, open draw – effortless airflow

• Consistent, even burn with firm pearl-grey ash

• Iconic cedar and cream flavour profile

• Delicate marzipan, almond, and white flower complexity

• 50-ring gauge Robusto format – ideal balance of substance and approachability

• 60–75 minute smoking session

• 100% handmade (totalmente a mano)

• Long-filler Cuban tobacco exclusively from Vuelta Abajo

• Habanos S.A. certified, UK distribution chain verified

• Freshness preserved in aromatic Spanish cedar cabinet box

• Laser-etched batch codes and holographic warranty seal

• Low risk of counterfeiting through trusted UK source

• Exceptional entry point to the Robusto category

• Forgiving burn; resistant to tunnelling or canoeing

• Compatible with guillotine, punch, or V-cut

• Exceptional cellaring potential – rewards 3–10 years of rest

• Trusted brand heritage since 1865

• Named after the legendary Hoyo de Monterrey plantation

• No artificial flavourings, additives, or sweeteners

• Gift-ready presentation in classic Cuban cabinet box

• Immediate dispatch from UK-based humidity-controlled storage

• Consistent flavour profile across all production years

• Ideal pairing with medium to full-bodied Scotch, cognac, or espresso

• The benchmark Robusto against which all others are measured

FAQs 

1. Is this Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 genuine Cuban tobacco?
Yes. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is a 100% Cuban puro, containing long-filler tobacco exclusively from the Vuelta Abajo region. It is handmade at the Hoyo de Monterrey factory in Havana and distributed through Habanos S.A.’s official UK channels. At uktobacco.co.uk, we guarantee authenticity. Buy Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 – 10 in Box

2. How fresh is the packaging when delivered?
All Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 boxes are stored in a professional, humidity-controlled cabinet at 65–68% relative humidity and 18°C prior to dispatch. The cigars are sealed in their original Spanish cedar cabinet box inside an albanene sleeve, preserving optimal moisture and oil content. We rotate stock regularly to ensure freshness.

3. Is this suitable for hand rolling or rolling machines?
No. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is a handmade, long-filler cigar. It is not a loose tobacco product and is incompatible with hand rolling or cigarette rolling machines. It is intended to be smoked as a complete, pre-rolled Robusto cigar.

4. What strength is this cigar?
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is classified as medium strength. It offers a perfectly balanced profile—neither too light nor too heavy. It is widely regarded as the benchmark medium-bodied Cuban cigar, suitable for both novices and seasoned connoisseurs.

5. How should I store Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 cigars at home?
Store them in a seasoned humidor maintained at 65–68% relative humidity and 18°C. If you do not own a humidor, keep them in the original cedar cabinet box inside the albanene sleeve, placed in a cool, dark cupboard away from radiators, direct sunlight, or damp areas. Do not refrigerate.

6. What papers work best with this cut?
This product does not require papers. It is a complete, pre-rolled Robusto cigar. Simply cut the cap with a guillotine, punch, or V-cutter, toast the foot gently, and enjoy. No additional paper is needed or recommended.

7. Is this legal to purchase in the UK?
Yes. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is a fully legal tobacco product for adults aged 18 and over. All stock at uktobacco.co.uk is UK duty-paid, HMRC-compliant, and sourced through authorised distribution channels. You will not receive grey market or counterfeit goods.

8. How long does a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 last?
A Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 provides approximately 60–75 minutes of smoking pleasure, depending on your pace. Its 50-ring gauge and 124mm length offer a substantial, satisfying session without demanding a full evening commitment.

9. Why is the Epicure No 2 considered the benchmark Robusto?
The Epicure No 2 is widely regarded as the benchmark Robusto because it perfectly balances strength, flavour, and construction. Its open draw, consistent burn, and signature cedar-cream-almond profile set the standard against which all other Cuban Robustos are measured. It is the cigar that defines the category.

10. Does this cigar contain additives or artificial flavourings?
No. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 contains no artificial flavourings, sweeteners, preservatives, or additives. The signature cedar, cream, marzipan, and floral notes are entirely natural expressions of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco and the Cuban fermentation process.

11. Can I return cigars if I don’t enjoy them?
Due to hygiene regulations and tobacco licensing laws, we cannot accept returns on cigars once the box seal is broken. If the product arrives damaged or with a manufacturing defect (e.g., cracked wrapper, plugged draw, mould), please contact us within 48 hours with photographs, and we will assess a replacement or refund.

12. What is the difference between Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 and Epicure No 1?
The Epicure No 1 is a Corona Gorda vitola (143mm x 46 ring gauge), offering a longer, slightly slimmer smoking experience. The Epicure No 2 is a Robusto (124mm x 50), which is shorter, wider, and generally regarded as the more popular and balanced of the two. Both share the same house blend.

13. Is this cigar suitable for a beginner?
Yes. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is widely regarded as one of the best cigars for beginners entering the world of Cuban puros. Its medium strength is approachable, its draw is effortless, and its flavour profile is immediately rewarding. It is also deeply respected by experienced smokers, making it a cigar you can grow with.

14. How can I verify my Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 is authentic?
Authentic Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 boxes feature a Habanos S.A. warranty seal with a holographic element and a unique barcode. The cigar band displays the iconic dark green, gold, and white Hoyo de Monterrey logo with precise embossing. If you have concerns, contact us directly with images of the box and bands. We stand behind the 100% authenticity of all our Cuban imports.

15. Does uktobacco.co.uk offer guaranteed next-day delivery on Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2?
We offer various shipping options at checkout. While we dispatch orders promptly from our UK facility, delivery timelines are subject to courier service and are not guaranteed in all postcodes. Age verification is required upon delivery. Please check our shipping policy for real-time estimates.

16. What pairs well with Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2?
The balanced, cedar-forward profile of the Epicure No 2 pairs beautifully with medium to full-bodied single malt Scotch (particularly Highland or Speyside), aged cognac, dark rum, or a well-extracted espresso. It also complements dark chocolate, salted caramel, and roasted almonds. Avoid overly peated whiskies, which may compete with the cigar’s delicate floral and cream notes.