AshMap
Overview
The Excalibur No. IV by Hoyo de Monterrey stands as a quiet testament to an older, more refined tradition in premium cigar craftsmanship—one that has largely been eclipsed by the modern wave of Nicaraguan power-blending. Launched in the 1970s under Villazon & Co., the Excalibur line represents a distinctly European-influenced approach to Honduras tobacco, emphasizing restraint, elegance, and subtlety over aggressive strength. The No. IV, a classic Lonsdale, embodies this philosophy perfectly: a hand-rolled expression that whispers rather than shouts, inviting the smoker into a 60–75 minute meditation on balance and craftsmanship.
What makes the No. IV remarkable is its architectural coherence. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper—silky, naturally light golden tan, and minimally veined—wraps a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos bound in Honduras leaf. The construction is impeccable: a firm, effortless draw, an even burn line, and an ash that holds with admirable integrity. From opening to finish, the cigar maintains a mild-medium strength that never fatigues the palate, instead allowing a layered progression through toasted almonds and cream in the first third, deepening into cashew and subtle baking spice in the second, before concluding with toasted oak and a whisper of leather. This is not a cigar designed to dominate; it is designed to complete a morning or early afternoon with grace.
In an era dominated by boutique brands and high-octane blends, the Excalibur No. IV represents something increasingly rare: an underappreciated classic that prioritizes tradition over trend. At $8–$12 per cigar, it offers exceptional value for those who seek substance without theater, complexity without aggression, and the timeless appeal of old-school Honduran elegance.
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?
The Excalibur No. IV is ideal for experienced aficionados who appreciate restrained, European-influenced blending over modern power-smoking, as well as discerning beginners ready to graduate to premium handmade cigars without palatal shock. This is a weekday smoke—morning or early afternoon—suited for 60–75 minutes of relaxed enjoyment without the commitment of a larger format or the intensity of stronger vitolas. It's equally at home after a light breakfast or during a contemplative office break. Those seeking an introduction to Hoyo de Monterrey's heritage, or simply looking to explore Honduras' classical cigar tradition, will find in the No. IV an eloquent, unpretentious gateway.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. IV is a masterclass in understated elegance—a reminder that premium cigars need not overwhelm to impress. For the aficionado who values heritage, balance, and old-world restraint, this is an essential revisit to a cigar tradition too often overlooked.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalibur No. IV a strong cigar?
No. The No. IV carries a mild-medium strength profile (2/5) that remains restrained throughout its duration. It never challenges the palate aggressively, making it ideal for morning or early afternoon smoking without fatigue.
What does Excalibur No. IV taste like?
The profile evolves across three phases: toasted almonds, light cream, and fresh cedar open the cigar with a gentle hay and white pepper sweetness on the retrohale. The middle third deepens into dry wood, cashew, and mild florals with subtle baking spice. The final third concludes with toasted oak and leather before a clean, dry finish.
How long does Excalibur No. IV take to smoke?
The Lonsdale format (6.25 x 44) smokes in approximately 60–75 minutes, making it a relaxed weekday smoke well-suited for morning or early afternoon enjoyment.
What is the best pairing for Excalibur No. IV?
Spirit pairing: a light single malt like Glenlivet 12 or mild aged rum such as Bacardí 8. Wine pairing: a lightly oaked Chardonnay or dry Chenin Blanc. Non-alcoholic: medium-roast Colombian coffee or mild green tea. Avoid peated or overly robust accompaniments that would dominate the cigar's delicate profile.
Is Excalibur No. IV good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the best entry points for non-smokers transitioning to premium handmade cigars. The mild-medium strength, smooth construction, and refined flavor profile introduce complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Where can I buy Excalibur No. IV?
The Excalibur No. IV is distributed through authorized premium cigar retailers. Check with your local tobacconist or established online cigar merchants for availability.
What is the price of Excalibur No. IV?
The Excalibur No. IV retails between $8–$12 per cigar, offering exceptional value for a hand-rolled premium Honduran expression.
Is Excalibur No. IV worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and no extended post-rolling aging program is documented. The cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase, though individual preferences may vary regarding additional rest.
What wrapper does Excalibur No. IV use?
The No. IV is wrapped in Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf—a natural, light golden tan wrapper with silky texture and minimal veining, characteristic of the Connecticut Shade tradition.
Where is Excalibur No. IV made?
The Excalibur No. IV is hand-rolled in Danlí, Honduras, at the General Cigar facilities (formerly Villazon & Co.). The line has been a staple of Honduran cigar production since its launch in the 1970s.