AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Excalibur No. IV that feels almost anachronistic. In an era where blenders chase intensity with barrel-aged Nicaraguan ligero and oscuro wrappers, this Lonsdale is a deliberate step back—a reminder that a cigar can be profound without raising its voice. It is the automotive equivalent of a perfectly sorted grand tourer: not the fastest, but impeccably balanced over long distances. The No. IV is the line's most articulate speaker, a vitola that rewards patience with a narrative that unfolds in chapters rather than exclamation points. This is Honduran tradition at its most refined, a blend that predates the modern power wars and has never felt the need to apologize for its restraint.
The pre-light ritual sets the tone: the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is the color of pale straw, silken to the touch, and gives off a faint aroma of sweet hay and white bread. The cold draw is open and clean, offering a whisper of almond paste and cedar shavings. Once lit, the first third is an exercise in elegant clarity. Toasted almonds lead the charge, backed by a light, airy cream that coats the palate without heaviness. Fresh cedar emerges as the structural backbone, while the retrohale delivers a gentle sweetness of dried hay and a tickle of white pepper that announces the cigar's presence without demanding attention. It is an inviting, almost pastoral opening—a clean canvas that hints at deeper textures to come.
As the ash holds firm past the first inch, the second third deepens the conversation without losing the thread. The creaminess recedes slightly, making room for dry oak and a distinct cashew nuttiness that adds a savory dimension. A mild floral note—think honeysuckle rather than potpourri—weaves through the smoke, lending an unexpected elegance. The white pepper on the retrohale gains a companion: a faint, warming cinnamon that suggests baking spice without ever tipping into sweetness. This is where the blend's Honduran soul shows itself—not in bold punches, but in a measured, layered progression that keeps the palate engaged. The strength remains firmly in mild-medium territory, a steady pulse rather than a rising tide.
The final third brings a satisfying resolution. The toasted oak matures into something richer, almost charred at the edges, while a soft leather note emerges to ground the profile. The earlier sweetness fades into a clean, dry finish that lingers just long enough to be remembered. There is no dramatic crescendo, no last-minute surge of pepper or cocoa—just a composed, dignified conclusion that mirrors the cigar's overall philosophy. The burn remains razor-sharp throughout, and the draw offers just the right resistance, a testament to the Honduran craftsmanship that has kept this line relevant for decades. It is a smoke that finishes exactly as it began: with poise, clarity, and a quiet insistence that elegance is its own form of power.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — Villazon & Co. / General Cigar facilities |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.25 x 44 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; no extended post-rolling aging program noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers toasted almonds, light cream, and fresh cedar — a very inviting, clean introduction. There is a gentle sweetness on the retrohale reminiscent of hay and white pepper.
Second Third
The profile deepens slightly into dry wood, cashew, and a mild floral note. A touch of baking spice — white pepper and a hint of cinnamon — emerges without overriding the smooth creaminess.
Final Third
The final third brings richer toasted oak and a mild leather note, with the sweetness fading into a clean, dry finish. Strength remains restrained — this cigar never challenges the palate aggressively.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably consistent — classic Honduran craftsmanship yields a firm but effortless draw, an even burn line, and a firm, compact ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light single malt Scotch like Glenlivet 12 or a mild aged rum such as Bacardí 8 — nothing peated or overly robust, which would dominate the cigar's delicate profile
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a dry Chenin Blanc — something with bright acidity and restrained fruit to complement the creamy cedar notes
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian drip coffee or a mild green tea — the cigar's subtlety demands a gentle accompaniment
Who Should Smoke This?
You are a seasoned smoker who has spent the last year chasing bold, peppery Nicaraguan blends and barrel-aged monsters. But this Tuesday morning, you have a 90-minute window before a client call, and your palate is tired of being assaulted. You want something that will let you think, not something that demands your attention. You pour a light Colombian coffee, sit on your porch, and light the Excalibur No. IV. It gives you toasted almonds and cedar, a gentle retrohale that wakes you up without a fight, and a burn line so even you forget to check it. This is the cigar you smoke when you want to remember why you started this hobby—not for the adrenaline, but for the quiet, contemplative half-hour where the world slows down to your pace.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. IV is a masterclass in restraint, a Lonsdale that proves old-school Honduran blending still has a vital voice. It is not a cigar for thrill-seekers, but for those who understand that elegance is a flavor profile. Buy a box; this is the everyday smoke you will reach for when you want to taste your cigar, not wrestle with it.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey a strong cigar?
No. It is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and gradual; you will not experience a head rush or palate fatigue, even on an empty stomach. It is designed to be a sessionable, all-day smoke that provides flavor without a physical challenge.
What does Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey taste like?
The flavor arc moves from toasted almonds, light cream, and fresh cedar in the first third, to dry oak, cashew, and a mild floral note with white pepper and cinnamon in the second. The final third introduces richer toasted oak and soft leather, finishing clean and dry with the earlier sweetness fading away.
How long does Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey take to smoke?
Given its Lonsdale vitola (6.25 x 44 ring gauge), you should budget 60 to 75 minutes for a relaxed smoke. The thinner ring gauge means it burns a bit faster than a robusto, but the length provides a substantial session without dragging on.
What is the best pairing for Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey?
A light single malt Scotch like Glenlivet 12 is ideal. Its delicate, fruity notes and lack of peat will complement the cigar's creamy cedar and almond profile without overpowering it. Alternatively, a medium-roast Colombian drip coffee works beautifully—the coffee's bright acidity cuts through the cream, while its nutty undertones echo the cashew and toasted almond flavors.
Is Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey good for beginners?
Yes, with a caveat. Its Mild-Medium strength and smooth, non-aggressive flavor profile make it an excellent entry point for a newcomer. However, at $8–$12 per cigar, it is a premium investment for someone still exploring. If a beginner is serious about understanding what a well-constructed, elegant cigar tastes like, this is a worthy benchmark, but a cheaper bundle might be more practical for daily experimentation.
Where can I buy Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those with a dedicated premium cigar humidor. Online, reputable retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Holt's Cigar Company typically carry the Excalibur line. Always check for authenticity and proper storage conditions when purchasing from any source.
What is the price of Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey?
The Excalibur No. IV is priced between $8 and $12 per cigar, placing it in the 'Everyday' tier. This price point reflects its position as a high-quality, hand-rolled premium cigar that is accessible for regular smoking without being a special-occasion luxury item.
Is Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey worth aging?
Not particularly. The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and there is no extended post-rolling aging program noted for this line. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate and will likely lose its subtle nuances if cellared for more than a couple of years. It is best enjoyed within 1–2 years of purchase, when the cream and cedar notes are at their peak freshness.
What wrapper does Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is a light golden tan leaf grown under shade tents in Ecuador. This wrapper is prized for its silky texture, minimal veining, and its contribution of mild, creamy flavors with hints of toast and cedar. It is the primary reason this cigar smokes so smoothly and gently.
Where is Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey made?
It is hand-rolled in Danlí, Honduras, at the Villazon & Co. / General Cigar facilities. This factory is the historic home of the Excalibur line, which launched in the 1970s. The Honduran origin is crucial to the blend's character, providing the earthy, dry wood and nutty notes that define the smoking experience.