Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is a classic Cuban Corona Gorda, renowned for its refined balance, aromatic complexity and lighter, elegant style. Measuring 5⅝" × 46, it is entirely hand-made with long-filler tobaccos from the famed Vuelta Abajo, offering around 45–60 minutes of smooth, medium-bodied smoking. Celebrated for its consistently even burn, effortless draw and fragrant profile, the Epicure No. 1 is a long-standing favourite of the format — notably lighter in taste than a Punch Punch or Cohiba Siglo IV, while still delivering plenty of flavour.

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About Hoyo de Monterrey

Founded in 1865 by Don José Gener y Batet, Hoyo de Monterrey is one of Cuba’s most historic and cherished cigar brands. Its name — “the Hole of Monterrey” — refers to the low-lying, exceptionally fertile land along the San Juan y Martínez river in the heart of the Vuelta Abajo, Cuba’s premier tobacco-growing region. Gener, a Spanish immigrant, spent decades developing his plantation and factory, and his cigars quickly became favourites among British and European smokers who prized their elegance and aromatic complexity. Today Hoyo de Monterrey is known for its lighter, refined flavour profile across lines such as the Epicure series — a top choice for aficionados seeking sophistication without overwhelming strength.

Tasting Notes of the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1

A nuanced, medium-bodied Corona Gorda with a creamy texture and fragrant detail.

- Initial Third: Opens with creamy coffee and toasted nuts, backed by a gentle sugarcane-and-vanilla sweetness; subtle cedar and floral aromas from the start, with a touch of earth and light spice for structure.

- Middle Third: Develops richer woodiness, brown toast and a hint of leather, with hazelnut, cocoa and a mild maple-like sweetness, all in a refined, buttery texture.

- Final Third: Deepens with more pronounced earth, leather and mild peppery spice on palate and retrohale; a clean, elegant finish of cedar, roasted nuts and a touch of citrus zest.

- Aroma & Mouthfeel: A bouquet of sweet cedar, floral notes, vanilla and light cocoa over a mellow, creamy sweetness; smooth and velvety, with an easy draw and steady burn holding the body firmly medium.

English Market Selection — sourced through Hunters & Frankau, the sole official UK distributor of Cuban cigars, confirming these Havanas reached the UK through the authorised channel and passed additional authenticity and condition checks.

Free UK delivery for purchases over £50.

Explore more Hoyo de Monterrey: Epicure No. 2 | Le Hoyo de San Juan

Other classic Cubans we recommend: if you enjoy the elegant, medium-bodied style of the Epicure No. 1, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 2 offers a slightly richer, creamier profile with honey, roasted nuts and gentle spice, while the H. Upmann Regalias delivers classic Upmann cedar, toast and light coffee in a handy petit corona. Explore more in our Cuban cigars collection.

Fun Facts About the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1

The Corona Gorda (5⅝" × 46) is one of the classic Cuban formats — a touch longer and slimmer than a Robusto — and the Epicure No. 1 is one of its most beloved expressions, prized for the way the size draws out Hoyo’s fragrant elegance.

It’s often recommended as a lighter alternative to fuller Cubans like the Punch Punch or Cohiba Siglo IV — same premium Vuelta Abajo pedigree, but a gentler, more aromatic experience.

The whole Epicure series takes its name from the word for a person devoted to refined sensory pleasure — an “epicure” — which perfectly captures Hoyo’s elegant, connoisseur-focused house style.

FAQ About the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1

How is the Epicure No. 1 different from the No. 2?
The No. 1 is a Corona Gorda (5⅝" × 46) — slightly longer and slimmer; the No. 2 is a Robusto (shorter and fatter). Both share Hoyo’s elegant, lighter style; the No. 1 gives a slightly longer, more drawn-out smoke.

Is it a mild cigar?
It’s medium-bodied and refined — lighter than many Cubans, with plenty of aromatic flavour but never overwhelming, which makes it a great everyday classic.

What does “English Market Selection” (EMS) mean?
EMS confirms the cigars were selected for the UK market and arrived via the official importer, Hunters & Frankau, passing additional authenticity and condition checks.

Where are your Cuban cigars sourced from?
Through Hunters & Frankau, the sole official UK distributor of Cuban cigars.