AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Excalibur No. VI that feels increasingly rare in an era of barrel-aged monstrosities and pepper-bomb limited editions. This is a cigar that doesn't need to shout; it simply asks you to slow down and listen. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of old-school restraint—a whisper of sweet hay and cedar that hints at the Honduran soul beneath the wrapper. It's the kind of smoke that feels like a handshake from a bygone era, a reminder that the classics became classics for a reason. The No. VI, a Lonsdale format that has all but disappeared from modern catalogs, is the perfect vessel for this message: long, lean, and unforgiving of flaws, it demands a blender's precision, and Frank Llaneza's original recipe delivers.
The first third unfolds with a deliberate, almost scholarly pace. The initial notes are not a burst of flavor but a measured introduction: dry cedar, the toast of a morning bagel, and a faint, creamy undertone that softens the edges. The retrohale is where the cigar first shows its teeth—a gentle, white pepper tingle that clears the sinuses without overwhelming. Beneath it all, a foundational earthiness of dried hay and aged barn wood grounds the experience, creating a sense of place that is unmistakably Honduran. It's a profile that speaks of sun-baked soil and careful fermentation, a prelude that promises depth rather than immediate gratification.
As the ash holds its first firm inch, the second third marks a transition from introduction to thesis. The cedar recedes, replaced by a core of supple leather and a distinct roasted nuttiness—think cashew and almond, not peanut. A mild, unsweetened cocoa powder emerges, weaving through the smoke with a gentle sweetness that feels natural, not candied. The draw, initially a touch firm, opens up beautifully, allowing the smoke to become rounder and more voluminous on the palate. This is the heart of the cigar, a masterclass in balance where each element supports the next, creating a harmonious, medium-bodied symphony that never once feels heavy or cloying.
The final third is a graceful, if slightly more assertive, conclusion. The leather and nuts give way to a deeper, darker earthiness, punctuated by a building black pepper spice and a whisper of dried oregano and thyme. The sweetness lingers, now a faint, nutty caramel on the finish. In the final inch, a woody bitterness creeps in—a familiar, honest flaw of the genre—but it never turns acrid. Instead, it serves as a final, grounding note, a reminder that this is a cigar of the earth, not of the sky. It ends as it began: controlled, civilized, and deeply satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of nutty sweetness on the palate that begs for one more puff, even as the ember dies.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Natural — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.25 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers smooth cedar and dry toast with a light hit of cream and mild spice on the retrohale. There is a pleasant earthiness reminiscent of dried hay and aged wood that establishes immediately.
Second Third
The core settles into a classic Honduran profile — leather, roasted nuts (particularly cashew and almond), and mild cocoa emerge with a gentle sweetness. The draw opens up and the smoke becomes rounder and fuller in body.
Final Third
The finish introduces a deeper earthiness with slight pepper and dried herb notes. A woody bitterness creeps in near the final inch, but the overall experience remains controlled and civilized with a lingering nutty sweetness on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently solid for a factory-rolled Honduran of its era — the draw is slightly firm but rarely problematic, the burn is even with a medium-firm, light gray ash that holds an inch or more. A well-made, reliable smoke.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Medium-aged Scotch whisky such as Glenfiddich 12 or a light rum like Flor de Caña 7-year — the cedar and nutty notes align beautifully without overwhelming the cigar's subtleties
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Crianza or a Côtes du Rhône — the earthy fruit and tannin structure complement the Honduran tobacco without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian drip coffee or a lightly sweetened café au lait — the cream and nut notes in the cigar mirror the coffee's profile elegantly
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has a dedicated tupperdor for everyday smokes and a separate, climate-controlled cabinet for the special ones. You're a veteran of the cigar boom, having cut your teeth on Padróns and early Fuentes, but you've grown weary of the relentless chase for the next limited release. You're on a quiet Tuesday evening, sitting on a weathered porch with a glass of bourbon you didn't feel the need to photograph. You want a smoke that won't demand your full attention but will reward it when given. You already appreciate the earthy, nutty profile of classic Honduran tobacco and are looking for a reliable, 60-minute companion that feels familiar yet never boring. This cigar is for you—a return to the fundamentals, a reminder of why you fell in love with the ritual in the first place.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. VI is a masterclass in restraint, a classic Honduran blend that rewards patience with a beautifully balanced, nutty core. It's not a cigar for thrill-seekers, but for those who understand that true elegance is found in consistency and composure. A deserving 90-point smoke that proves the old ways are still the best.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey a strong cigar?
No, it is rated as Medium (3/5) strength. Physically, this means you'll feel a pleasant, warming sensation on the palate and a mild nicotine presence, but it won't hit you with a heavy, dizzying rush. It's a cigar you can smoke on a full stomach or an empty one without issue, making it a versatile choice for a long afternoon.
What does Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey taste like?
The flavor progression is a classic Honduran journey. It opens with dry cedar, toast, and a hint of cream. The middle third develops a core of leather, roasted cashew and almond, and mild cocoa with a gentle sweetness. The final third introduces deeper earthiness, black pepper, and dried herbs, finishing with a lingering nutty sweetness and a slight woody bitterness in the last inch.
How long does Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey take to smoke?
As a Lonsdale vitola measuring 6.25 inches with a 44 ring gauge, you should expect a smoke time of approximately 60 to 75 minutes. The thinner ring gauge means it burns a bit faster than a robusto, but the length provides a solid, unhurried session.
What is the best pairing for Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey?
A medium-aged Scotch whisky like Glenfiddich 12 is an excellent choice. The whisky's characteristic cedar and apple notes will mirror the cigar's woody and sweet nuances without overpowering its subtlety. Alternatively, a medium-roast Colombian drip coffee works beautifully, as its nutty and clean profile aligns perfectly with the cigar's cashew and almond core.
Is Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey good for beginners?
It can be, but it's not the ideal starting point. The Medium strength is approachable, but its flavor profile is built on subtlety and balance rather than bold, easily identifiable notes. A beginner might find it too understated. Given its $8–$12 price point, a novice would be better served by a more forward, budget-friendly cigar to train their palate before fully appreciating this one's nuances.
Where can I buy Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey?
As a well-established, everyday-tier brand, you can find the Excalibur No. VI at most reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconists. Online, major cigar retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Holt's Cigar Company typically stock it. It's not a limited release, so availability is generally consistent.
What is the price of Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey?
The Excalibur No. VI falls in the $8 to $12 per cigar range. This pricing places it firmly in the 'Everyday' tier, making it a reasonable choice for a regular smoke without the premium associated with limited or high-end boutique releases.
Is Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey worth aging?
Not particularly. The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and the blend is designed to be enjoyed upon purchase. With no extended post-production aging noted, the cigar is in its prime window. While it won't fall apart, cellaring it for years won't yield significant improvements; it's best smoked within a year or two of purchase to enjoy its intended balance.
What wrapper does Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey use?
It uses a Honduran Natural wrapper in a Colorado shade. This medium-brown, silky leaf with a slight toothiness contributes the foundational notes of cedar, earth, and a subtle sweetness, and is a key component of the classic Honduran flavor profile this cigar is known for.
Where is Excalibur No. VI by Hoyo de Monterrey made?
It is hand-rolled in Danlí, Honduras, at the historic Villazon factory (later run by General Cigar). This origin is central to its character, as the Honduran binder and filler, combined with Nicaraguan long-leaf, create the earthy, nutty, and leather-forward profile that is the hallmark of the region's tobacco.