AshMap
Overview
There is a certain quiet confidence to a cigar that has nothing to prove. The Excalibur No. III arrives in the hand with the unassuming grace of a well-worn leather armchair — familiar, sturdy, and utterly without pretense. In an era where blenders chase ever-higher octane ratings, this Lonsdale is a deliberate step back in time, a living artifact from the 1970s when Honduras first staked its claim to the premium tier. It doesn't announce itself with a barrage of pepper or a wall of smoke; instead, it invites you into a slower, more contemplative rhythm, one where the virtues of aged tobacco and restraint are allowed to speak in whispers rather than shouts.
The pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet hay and cedar, a promise of the clean, classical profile to come. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a refined cedar plank and dry toast, the kind of bready, oaken warmth you'd find in a well-seasoned barrel. A mild white pepper tingles on the retrohale, not as a challenge but as a gentle accent, while a subtle almond paste sweetness and a fleeting floral note — think honeysuckle, not perfume — keep the opening from feeling austere. The draw is firm, almost precise, a hallmark of the HATSA factory's exacting standards, and the smoke is voluminous enough to feel substantial without ever becoming heavy.
As the ash column holds its gray-white form, the second third deepens the narrative. The cedar recedes slightly, making way for dried hay and toasted oak, a shift from new wood to seasoned timber. A gentle, supple leather note emerges, wrapping the profile in a comforting embrace, while an earthy undertone — damp soil, not barnyard funk — grounds the experience. Just when you think you've mapped the boundaries, a cashew nuttiness and a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg appear, a subtle baking spice complexity that speaks to the quality of the aged Honduran and Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers. This is the heart of the cigar, a plateau of harmonious, understated flavor that rewards patience and attention.
The final third tightens the focus with a more pronounced woody bitterness, a pleasant astringency that cleanses the palate. A lingering caramel sweetness from the earlier thirds now emerges as a counterpoint, creating a tension that is resolved by the arrival of leather and cocoa powder as the dominant players. The finish is long, dry, and satisfying, with a mild peppery warmth that lingers on the tongue long after the final draw. It's a conclusion that feels earned, a natural denouement to a story told with impeccable pacing. This is not a cigar that fades; it's one that resolves, leaving you with the memory of a perfectly balanced, deeply satisfying smoke that reminds you why the classics endure.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Natural (Shade-grown Corojo) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan aged long-leaf tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras (General Cigar / HATSA factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.75 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling; line has been in production since the 1970s |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a refined cedar and dry toast character underscored by mild white pepper on the retrohale. Subtle hints of almond and light floral notes emerge alongside a clean, slightly sweet draw.
Second Third
The profile deepens with dried hay, toasted oak, and a gentle leather note. A pleasant earthiness develops with occasional hints of cashew and baking spice — cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg.
Final Third
The finish tightens with a more pronounced woody bitterness and a lingering caramel sweetness. Leather and cocoa powder emerge as the dominant notes, finishing long and dry with a mild peppery warmth.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The Excalibur No. III is a well-constructed cigar with a characteristically even burn line and firm, consistent draw — hallmarks of the HATSA factory's longstanding quality control. Ash holds in solid gray columns of an inch or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically a Barbancourt 15-Year Reserve or a Flor de Caña 18-Year; alternatively a light Highland Scotch such as Glenmorangie Original
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva or a domestic Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley — something with earthiness and restrained tannin to complement rather than overwhelm
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or a lightly spiced chai — the cedar and almond notes in the cigar harmonize beautifully with both
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has a well-stocked humidor of bold, high-octane Nicaraguans but finds themselves reaching for them less and less. You're the person who appreciates the craftsmanship of a well-aged Connecticut, but you're looking for something with a bit more backbone and earthy character. You have a Tuesday afternoon free, the porch is shaded, and you want a cigar that will last the length of a good book chapter or a long phone call with an old friend — not a project, but a companion. You already know the difference between a cigar that is strong and one that is flavorful, and you're seeking the latter. This Excalibur will give you a masterclass in balance, a smoke that engages your palate without demanding your full attention, and leaves you with the quiet satisfaction of having spent an hour with a true classic.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. III is a masterclass in understated excellence, a timeless blend that proves Honduran tobacco's enduring pedigree. It’s a must-smoke for any aficionado seeking a refined, contemplative alternative to the modern strength arms race. This is a cigar that doesn't just deserve your time; it rewards it.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. This means it provides a satisfying, full-flavored experience with a noticeable but gentle nicotine presence. You'll feel a mild, pleasant warmth rather than a heavy, overpowering buzz, making it suitable for a long, relaxed session without any harsh effects.
What does Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. It opens with refined cedar, dry toast, and a hint of almond with white pepper on the nose. The middle third evolves into dried hay, toasted oak, and gentle leather with notes of cashew and baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It finishes with a more pronounced woody bitterness balanced by caramel sweetness, leather, and cocoa powder.
How long does Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey take to smoke?
As a Lonsdale vitola measuring 6.75 inches with a 44 ring gauge, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 60 to 75 minutes. The relatively narrow ring gauge and length encourage a slower, more deliberate pace, making it an ideal smoke for an unhurried hour or more.
What is the best pairing for Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey?
An aged rum like a Barbancourt 15-Year Reserve is an exceptional match. The rum's inherent sweetness and notes of dried fruit and oak will harmonize beautifully with the cigar's cedar, almond, and caramel notes, while its warmth complements the gentle pepper without overpowering the blend's delicate balance.
Is Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey good for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a beginner who is ready to move beyond mild, one-dimensional cigars. Its Medium strength is approachable, and its flavor profile is refined and classic rather than challenging. However, the $8–$12 price point is a bit of an investment for a novice, so it's best suited for someone who has already confirmed they enjoy the ritual and wants to experience a benchmark of quality.
Where can I buy Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey?
As a premium, long-running line from General Cigar, the Excalibur No. III is widely available at established brick-and-mortar tobacconists. It can also be purchased from reputable online cigar retailers that carry a broad selection of premium Honduran cigars. Check with your local shop first to support them and get the benefit of their expertise.
What is the price of Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey?
The Excalibur No. III is positioned in the Premium tier, with a typical retail price between $8 and $12 per cigar. This price point reflects the use of aged, long-leaf tobaccos and the hand-rolled construction at the HATSA factory, placing it as a value-conscious choice for a premium, old-school smoking experience.
Is Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, this cigar can benefit from additional humidor time. The blend's balance and the shade-grown Corojo wrapper suggest it will develop further complexity over 1-3 years, with the cedar and pepper notes mellowing and the caramel and leather notes becoming more pronounced. It's a great candidate for a 'one in the humidor, one in the hand' approach.
What wrapper does Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey use?
It uses a Honduran Natural (Shade-grown Corojo) wrapper. This silky, slightly toothy leaf in a Colorado shade is the primary source of the cigar's refined cedar and toast notes, as well as its subtle sweetness. The shade-growing process yields a thinner, more elegant leaf that contributes to the blend's overall finesse rather than overpowering the fillers.
Where is Excalibur No. III by Hoyo de Monterrey made?
It is hand-rolled at the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras, under the direction of General Cigar. This factory is renowned for its strict quality control, which is evident in the cigar's consistently even burn and firm draw. The production there is a key part of the cigar's identity, ensuring the classic Honduran character is maintained with every batch.