AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Excalibur No. II that announces itself before the first draw. This is not a cigar that screams for attention with barnyard funk or raw power; it is a study in restraint, a relic from an era when Honduran tobacco was the connoisseur's secret, not a marketing bullet point. The pre-light aroma is a gentle promise of cedar shavings and a faint, sweet earthiness, like the floor of a well-kept woodshop. The cold draw is clean, offering a whisper of dried fig and a touch of leather, setting the stage for a performance that is less about spectacle and more about the slow, deliberate unfolding of a masterful narrative.
The first third opens with a classic Honduran signature: a rich, dry cedar that coats the palate, immediately joined by the roasted, savory depth of nuts—think toasted almonds rather than sweet cashews. A layer of dry cocoa powder sits underneath, not sugary, but bitter and grounding. The retrohale delivers a sharp, clean white pepper that clears the sinuses without ever becoming harsh, a precise jolt that confirms the blend's lively character. The draw is exemplary, offering just enough resistance to focus the flavors, and the smoke is cool and voluminous, encouraging a slow, contemplative pace from the very beginning.
As the ash holds firm past the first inch, the second third begins its subtle metamorphosis. The cedar recedes slightly, making way for a more profound darkness. A supple dark leather emerges, not the harsh, raw kind, but the smooth, worn hide of an old armchair. This is joined by the sweet, concentrated essence of dried fruit—fig and raisin—that adds a plummy richness to the profile. The earthiness deepens, becoming more mineral and evocative of the aged Honduran leaf at its core. Just as the pepper begins to fade, a surprising and welcome creaminess develops mid-palate, softening the entire experience and transforming the white pepper into a warm, enveloping baking spice, like fresh nutmeg and allspice.
The final third is a masterclass in controlled intensity. The strength, which has been a steady medium, steps up with purpose, but never loses its composure. The flavors tighten and darken into a rich espresso shot, its bitterness cutting through the residual creaminess. The toasted oak from the cedar returns, now charred and more pronounced, while the cocoa powder evolves into a deep, bittersweet dark chocolate. A lingering mineral note, almost like slate, provides a fascinating counterpoint to the faint, sweet residue left on the lips. The finish is long, dry, and satisfying, a final statement of the cigar's refined character that leaves you contemplating the journey long after the smoke has cleared.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Natural — shade-grown Corojo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 7.0 x 54 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; no extended post-rolling aging program publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a classic Honduran profile — rich cedar, roasted nuts, and dry cocoa powder with a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. Construction asserts itself immediately with a cool, even draw that encourages a measured pace.
Second Third
Complexity builds with notes of dark leather, dried fruit (fig and raisin), and a pleasing earthiness reminiscent of aged Honduran leaf at its best. A subtle creaminess emerges mid-stick, softening the pepper into a warm baking spice.
Final Third
The final third tightens into espresso, toasted oak, and dark chocolate with lingering mineral undertones. Strength steps up modestly but never overwhelms; the finish is long and dry with a faint sweetness on the lips.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably excellent — a hallmark of the Honduran factories of this era. The burn is even and slow, producing a firm, light grey ash that holds well past the inch mark; draw is open with just enough resistance to concentrate flavors.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — or a well-aged Bourbon such as Knob Creek 12 Year; the sweetness and vanilla of both complement the cedar and cocoa core
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo-forward) or a Côtes du Rhône; the earthy, dried-fruit character of these wines mirrors the cigar's Honduran terroir without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A double-shot Americano or a medium-roast Honduran single-origin pour-over; the regional synergy is genuine and the coffee's brightness plays against the cigar's cocoa and cedar
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has moved past the need for novelty and power, the one who finds more pleasure in a well-turned phrase than a shout. Picture a man in his late 40s, a collector of single malts and vintage jazz records, sitting alone on his screened-in porch on a cool autumn Sunday afternoon. He has a stack of unread books and nowhere to be. He appreciates the quiet complexity of a well-aged Rioja and the craftsmanship of a hand-stitched leather briefcase. He has smoked through the bold Nicaraguan bruisers and the hyped limited editions, but tonight he craves a conversation, not a monologue. This Churchill is that conversation—a thoughtful, articulate companion that rewards his patience with a slow-burning narrative of earth, wood, and time, reminding him why he fell in love with the ritual in the first place.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. II is a masterful, understated classic that delivers a profound sensory journey without ever raising its voice. It is a benchmark for Honduran craftsmanship and a resounding rebuttal to the modern cigar's obsession with sheer force. For the discerning smoker, this is not just a cigar; it is a necessary, contemplative ritual.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey a strong cigar?
No, it is rated as Medium-Full (3/5). This means it has a solid, noticeable nicotine presence that builds gradually through the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overwhelming. It offers a satisfying physical weight that complements its rich flavors without ever crossing into the realm of a full-bodied powerhouse.
What does Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey taste like?
The flavor arc begins with rich cedar, roasted almonds, and dry cocoa powder with white pepper on the retrohale. It evolves into dark leather, fig and raisin sweetness, and a mineral earthiness, before a creamy baking spice emerges. The finale tightens into espresso, charred oak, and bittersweet dark chocolate with a lingering mineral note.
How long does Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey take to smoke?
Given its Churchill vitola (7.0 x 54), you should set aside a solid 90 minutes to two hours. The larger ring gauge and slow-burning construction encourage a leisurely pace, and rushing it would compromise the nuanced flavor development.
What is the best pairing for Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey?
An aged rum like Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is ideal. The natural sweetness and vanilla notes of the rum complement the cigar's cedar and cocoa core, while its own complexity mirrors the cigar's evolution, creating a harmonious and elevated tasting experience.
Is Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey good for beginners?
It is not the best starting point. With a Medium-Full strength and a price point of $12–$18, it is better suited for a smoker with some experience who can appreciate its subtle transitions and is willing to invest the time. A beginner might find the nicotine level and the 90+ minute commitment challenging.
Where can I buy Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey?
As a premium, tier-level cigar, it is best sourced from a reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconist who can ensure proper storage. It is also widely available from established online retailers that specialize in premium cigars and offer temperature-controlled shipping.
What is the price of Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey?
The Excalibur No. II typically retails for between $12 and $18 per cigar. This price point positions it as a premium offering, but one that delivers value relative to its construction and the quality of its aged Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers.
Is Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged before rolling and there is no official post-rolling aging program, this cigar is already well-integrated. However, given its balance and the quality of its Honduran Corojo wrapper, 1-3 years of additional rest in a stable humidor could further meld the flavors and soften the pepper, rewarding the patient collector.
What wrapper does Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey use?
It uses a Honduran Natural, shade-grown Corojo wrapper. This Colorado-hued leaf is slightly toothy with a satin sheen and is a key contributor to the cigar's signature profile, providing notes of cedar and cocoa while its shade-grown nature imparts a smoothness and elegance that balances the fuller-bodied fillers.
Where is Excalibur No. II by Hoyo de Monterrey made?
It is hand-rolled at the historic Villazon & Co. factory in Danlí, Honduras. This region is the heart of Honduran tobacco cultivation, and the factory's expertise, overseen by the legendary Frank Llaneza, is a cornerstone of the cigar's consistent construction and authentic character.