Excalibur — Heritage & History

Excalibur emerged from the shadow of the legendary Hoyo de Monterrey, a brand that Villazon & Co. had built into a powerhouse in Danlí, Honduras. In the late 1980s, seeking a new flagship that could stand apart from the Cuban tradition, General Cigar's team—working with the Villazon factory—developed Excalibur as a distinctly Honduran expression. The name invoked Arthurian legend, but the blend was grounded in the rich, volcanic soils of the Jamastrán Valley. The original No. I and No. II Churchills set a template: a natural, shade-grown Corojo wrapper over a hearty Honduran binder and filler, a combination that was then unusual for a premium line. When General Cigar consolidated production at its HATSA factory in Danlí, Excalibur continued, but the brand's soul remained tied to that early Villazon era. Today, the 1066 series—named for the Norman conquest—and the Maduro line show how the brand has evolved, yet the core identity remains: a Honduran cigar with a refined, approachable character that predates the full-bodied boom.

Blending Philosophy

Excalibur's blending approach is defined by a deliberate restraint that sets it apart from the heavy-handed style that came to dominate Honduran cigars. The brand's core lines—the No. I through No. VII—use a shade-grown Corojo wrapper, a leaf that contributes a delicate, almost floral sweetness rather than raw power. This wrapper is paired with Honduran fillers that are aged longer than industry norms, a practice that smooths out the rough edges and allows the tobacco's natural sugars to develop. The 1066 series, by contrast, introduces an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper on some vitolas, which shifts the profile toward creaminess and subtle spice. The Maduro line, with its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, is the most assertive, but even here the blend is balanced, avoiding the heavy-handedness of many maduros. The construction is consistently firm, with a draw that allows the smoker to taste each layer without effort—a hallmark of the HATSA factory's precision.

Flavor Profile

Across the Excalibur range, smokers can expect a core of cedar and leather, with a gentle white pepper that lingers on the retrohale. The natural-wrapped lines—the No. I through No. VII—offer a mild to medium profile with notes of dried fruit, particularly apricot, and a subtle nuttiness that emerges in the final third. The 1066 series, especially the Churchill, introduces a creamier texture, with the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper adding a hint of vanilla and a softer, more rounded finish. The Maduro vitolas, such as the Robusto, are a different beast: the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper brings dark cocoa, espresso, and a touch of molasses, with the strength climbing to medium-full. Yet even in these darker blends, the signature cedar and leather remain, providing a thread of continuity that makes any Excalibur instantly recognizable.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Excalibur No. IV (Lonsdale) is an ideal starting point. At mild-medium strength, it won't overwhelm, and the price—$8–$12—is forgiving. Expect a gentle introduction to cedar and leather, with a hint of white pepper that fades quickly. The 6.5-inch vitola gives a 45–60 minute smoke, perfect for learning your pace. It's a cigar that rewards attention but doesn't demand it.

Excalibur Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Excalibur cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Excalibur cigars made?

Excalibur cigars are made in Danlí, Honduras, primarily at the General Cigar / HATSA factory, with some production historically at the Villazon & Co. facilities in the same city. The brand's roots are in the Villazon factory, which General Cigar later consolidated into HATSA.

What is Excalibur known for?

Excalibur is known for being one of the first premium Honduran cigar brands to achieve international acclaim, particularly for its shade-grown Corojo wrapper lines like the No. I and No. II. It also introduced the 1066 series, which pays homage to the Norman conquest, and a Maduro line that showcases Connecticut Broadleaf.

Are Excalibur cigars strong?

No, Excalibur cigars are not strong in the traditional sense. The range spans mild-medium to medium-full, with most lines sitting at medium. The Maduro vitolas are the strongest, but even they are balanced, not overpowering.

What is the best Excalibur cigar for beginners?

The Excalibur No. IV (Lonsdale) is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-medium strength and approachable price ($8–$12) make it a low-risk introduction, and its flavors of cedar and leather are easy to identify without being challenging.

How much do Excalibur cigars cost?

Excalibur cigars range from $8 to $18 per cigar, depending on the line and vitola. The 1066 Robusto and Toro are typically $8–$12, while the No. II Churchill can reach $12–$18. The Maduro Robusto is $10–$14.

What wrapper does Excalibur use?

Excalibur uses a variety of wrappers depending on the line. The core No. I–VII lines primarily use a Honduran Natural (shade-grown Corojo) wrapper. The 1066 series uses Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade or Honduran Natural, varying by production run. The Maduro line uses Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. Some vitolas may also feature Ecuadorian Natural shade wrappers.

Are Excalibur cigars Cuban?

No, Excalibur cigars are not Cuban. They are made entirely in Danlí, Honduras, at General Cigar's HATSA factory and the former Villazon facilities. They are Honduran puros in the sense that the filler and binder are Honduran, though some wrappers are sourced from Ecuador or Connecticut.

Where can I buy Excalibur cigars?

Excalibur cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those that stock General Cigar products. They are also sold through major online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and JR Cigar. Given the $8–$18 price point, they are not typically found in drugstores or gas stations.