Vitola: Montesco | Size: 55 ring gauge × 130 mm (5⅛″)
Released as part of the 2013 Edición Limitada series, the Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure is a bold Montesco vitola wrapped in a dark, rich Cuban leaf aged for two years. With a 55 ring gauge and 130 mm length, this cigar promises a dense and flavorful smoking experience, though not without its quirks.
The cigar opens with strong earthy notes, dark chocolate, and bitter espresso, underscored by leather and cedar. A touch of pepper lingers on the retrohale, though it’s inconsistent. As the first third progresses, a mild sweetness edges out the bitterness, smoothing the profile.
The second third sees the leather dominate briefly before yielding to flavors of creamy nuts, roasted coffee, and soil. Pepper rises again, giving the cigar more depth, but the inconsistency in intensity leaves the experience uneven. While the draw tends to be loose and the burn wavy, the smoke production remains impressive—voluminous and aromatic.
In the final third, the profile returns to earth and wood, with chocolate and nutty undertones still present. Leather fades into the background as pepper builds one last time. The finish is smoother than expected, but the cigar never pushes beyond a medium strength.
While the Grand Epicure bears the hallmarks of an ambitious release, construction flaws and a somewhat muddled profile prevent it from reaching the heights of its Epicure lineage. With proper aging, it may yet evolve into a more cohesive experience, but as it stands, this cigar is best suited for curious collectors rather than purists.
Ring Gauge: 55 | Length: 130 mm | Count: 10 | Shape: Robusto | Factory Name: Montesco
