AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Excalibur No. I that feels almost anachronistic. In an era where blenders chase volume and intensity, this Churchill from the Hoyo de Monterrey sub-brand is a deliberate, unhurried study in restraint. It doesn't announce itself; it persuades. The pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet hay and soft cedar, a promise of the old-world composure to come. Once lit, the opening salvo is a study in elegance: creamy cedar that coats the palate like polished wood, toasted almond with a faint, almost dusty sweetness, and a delicate floral note that seems to emanate from the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper itself. It is a beginning that feels less like a performance and more like a conversation with a well-read friend.
As the ash holds its first firm inch, the narrative deepens. The second third is where the Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers begin to speak with more purpose, though never at the expense of harmony. The creamy cedar recedes slightly, making way for a roasted cashew richness that is both buttery and savory. A soft, worn leather emerges, not as a sharp bite but as a gentle, supple texture, grounding the profile in a mild earthiness that speaks to the Danlí soil. The persistent creaminess acts as a connective tissue, while a faint, tickling white pepper on the retrohale adds just enough intrigue to keep the palate engaged, a subtle reminder that this cigar has a spine beneath its polished veneer.
Entering the final third, the Excalibur No. I reveals its most generous nature. The strength, which has been a steady medium throughout, nudges upward, but it's a warmth rather than a jolt. The flavor profile turns towards a mild, powdery cocoa, not the dark, bitter kind, but a softer, more comforting note. This is joined by a surprising and welcome touch of dried apricot, its gentle acidity cutting through the creaminess and adding a final layer of complexity. The smoke finishes with a long, warm woodsy resonance, a lingering echo of cedar and earth that fades slowly, leaving a clean, satisfying memory. It is a finale that feels earned, a quiet resolution to a well-told story.
This is a cigar that understands its own identity. It is not trying to compete with the modern powerhouses; it is a relic from a time when a Churchill was a statement of patience and a Honduran puro was a serious contender for a connoisseur's affection. The construction is a benchmark—a flawless, effortless draw and a razor-straight burn that requires no corrections. It is a masterclass in understatement, a cigar for the smoker who has already proven everything they need to and now simply seeks a perfect, harmonious hour and a half. It rewards attention, but it never demands it, making it a truly versatile companion for a contemplative afternoon or a quiet evening's end.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 7.0 x 54 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged before rolling; no extended post-roll aging program publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is elegant and restrained — creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a gentle floral note from the Ecuadorian wrapper. There is a light hay sweetness underpinning the draw that sets a refined, old-world tone.
Second Third
The profile deepens into medium territory with roasted cashew, mild leather, and a soft earthiness. A subtle creaminess persists throughout, complemented by hints of white pepper that add just enough complexity without aggression.
Final Third
The final third introduces mild cocoa and a touch of dried apricot sweetness, finishing with a warm woodsy resonance. Strength nudges slightly upward but remains firmly medium — never sharp or harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably excellent — the draw is open and effortless, the burn line razor-straight with a firm, medium-gray ash that holds an inch or more. A benchmark for consistent Honduran craftsmanship.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum such as Zacapa 23 or a light Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie 10 — the cigar's creaminess bridges beautifully with both
Wine
Pinot Noir from Burgundy or a cool-climate California example; the cigar's restraint is not overpowered by a lighter red
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or a lightly sweetened oolong tea
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has a well-stocked humidor of bold, limited-edition releases but finds themselves reaching for the same familiar, comforting sticks more often than not. Picture a man in his late 50s, a retired architect, sitting on his screened-in porch on a Tuesday afternoon. He's not celebrating anything; he's just enjoying the slant of the autumn light. He has a glass of Zacapa 23 beside him, not for the occasion, but because it's Tuesday. He's smoked everything from Cubans to rare OpusX, but tonight he doesn't want a project. He wants a familiar, well-made friend that won't demand a review. He wants the quiet, creamy complexity of roasted nuts and cedar, a gentle hand on the tiller. This cigar is for him—a reminder that elegance doesn't need to shout, and that a perfect draw and a straight burn are their own form of luxury.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. I is a masterclass in understated elegance, a perfectly constructed Churchill that proves harmony and balance are the ultimate expressions of craftsmanship. It is a quiet, confident classic that deserves a permanent place in any serious smoker's rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey a strong cigar?
No, it is rated as Medium (3/5) strength. Physically, this means you will experience a comfortable, building warmth and a satisfying nicotine presence, but it will never become sharp, harsh, or overwhelming. It is a cigar that can be enjoyed on a full stomach or as a long, contemplative smoke without any risk of light-headedness.
What does Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression of elegance. It opens with creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a gentle floral note. The middle third introduces roasted cashew, soft leather, and mild earthiness, all bound by a persistent creaminess and a hint of white pepper. The finale brings mild cocoa and a unique dried apricot sweetness, finishing with a warm woodsy resonance.
How long does Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey take to smoke?
Given its Churchill vitola and substantial 7.0 x 54 ring gauge, you should set aside a leisurely 90 minutes. The open draw and even burn mean it progresses at a steady, contemplative pace, making it ideal for a long afternoon or a post-dinner session where you can give it your full, unhurried attention.
What is the best pairing for Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey?
An aged rum like Zacapa 23 is an exceptional match. The cigar's inherent creaminess and notes of roasted cashew and soft leather are beautifully bridged by the rum's own vanilla and oak sweetness, creating a harmonious, warming experience that elevates both. A light Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie 10 also works, as its delicate citrus and honey notes complement the cigar's restraint without overpowering it.
Is Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey good for beginners?
While its Medium strength is approachable, its $10–$14 price point and 90-minute smoking time make it a significant investment for a novice. A beginner would be better served by a shorter, less expensive cigar to develop their palate and smoking cadence. However, for a beginner who has a few smokes under their belt and wants to understand what refined, balanced blending tastes like, this is an excellent educational experience.
Where can I buy Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey?
As a premium, widely distributed brand from General Cigar, you can find the Excalibur No. I at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists. It is also readily available from major online cigar retailers, where you can often find them sold individually or in boxes of 20.
What is the price of Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey?
The Excalibur No. I is positioned in the premium tier, with a typical retail price ranging from $10 to $14 per cigar. This price reflects the quality of its aged, long-filler tobaccos and the benchmark-level construction from the Danlí, Honduras factory.
Is Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged before rolling, there is no extended post-roll aging program, and the cigar is designed to be enjoyed upon purchase. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate and its flavors are meant to be appreciated fresh. Aging it for a year or two might soften the white pepper slightly, but it is already in its optimal smoking window and will not develop significantly with further rest.
What wrapper does Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. This wrapper is prized for its silky texture, golden-brown color, and its contribution of creamy, elegant flavors like cedar and a subtle floral note. It is the primary source of the cigar's refined character and its mild, approachable start.
Where is Excalibur No. I by Hoyo de Monterrey made?
It is hand-rolled at the Villazon & Co. factory (later General Cigar Honduras) in Danlí, Honduras. This origin is central to its character, as the Honduran binder and filler tobaccos, grown in the region's rich soil, provide the cigar's signature soft earthiness and mild leather notes that ground the creamier wrapper flavors.