Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 Review

Overview

The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 occupies a singular place in the American cigar canon—a medium-bodied Churchill that has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction in the 1970s, when it was conceived as a premium expression of the storied Hoyo de Monterrey brand specifically for discerning U.S. palates. Produced at the Altadis facility in Danlí, Honduras, this cigar represents an uncompromising commitment to approachability without sacrifice of refinement. The marriage of Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, Honduran binder, and aged Honduran long-leaf filler from the Jamastran Valley creates a smoke of remarkable balance—one that opens with creamy cedar and toasted almond, deepens through the mid-section with baking spice and walnut creaminess, and concludes with satisfying earthiness and cocoa. What distinguishes the No. 1 is not provocative flavor or aggressive strength, but rather its consistency, construction, and the ease with which it allows contemplation.

This is a cigar that belongs to an earlier tradition of premium tobacco craft—one predating the contemporary obsession with Nicaraguan powerhouses and limited-edition boutique offerings. It will not convert the full-strength devotee, nor will it arrest the attention of those seeking bold innovation. Instead, it addresses a quieter ambition: the creation of a smoke so well-constructed and so perfectly balanced that it becomes nearly invisible in its excellence. The firm, pale-gray ash that holds steadily above the band, the effortless draw afforded by the generous 54-ring gauge, and the even burn all testify to meticulous manufacturing standards. The 90-minute duration is neither rushed nor marathon-length—it is a commitment to presence, not endurance.

The Excalibur No. 1 endures because it understands its mission. It is the cigar you reach for when you wish to demonstrate restraint without apology, or when you are tasked with welcoming a newcomer into serious cigar appreciation. It pairs as naturally with a Highland Park 12 single malt as it does with a medium-bodied Burgundy or a clean Colombian Arabica. At $12–$18 per stick, it offers exceptional value within the premium tier—a benchmark of honest craftsmanship in an industry increasingly prone to marketing excess.

Cigar Specifications

Wrapper	Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (Natural) — some market editions have used Honduras-grown leaf — Colorado
Binder	Honduran
Filler	Honduran long-leaf blend, primarily from Jamastran Valley; aged tobaccos
Country of Origin	Danlí, Honduras — Altadis / General Cigar production facility
Vitola / Shape	Churchill
Size	7.0 x 54
Strength	Medium
Price	$12–$18 per cigar
Tier	Premium
Aging	Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no widely publicized extended post-production aging program

Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression

First Third

The No. 1 opens with smooth, creamy cedar and toasted almond, underpinned by a gentle sweetness reminiscent of hay and dried fruit. Construction typically allows immediate combustion, delivering a cool, well-balanced smoke from the first light.

Second Third

The mid-section introduces more character — notes of baking spice, white pepper, and a deepening walnut or cashew creaminess emerge. Light leather and a mild floral note from the wrapper lend complexity without aggression.

Final Third

The final third tightens in body with a satisfying earthiness and a touch of cocoa and roasted coffee. The sweetness from the earlier thirds recedes, leaving a dry, woody finish with lingering nuttiness. Strength remains medium throughout.

Construction, Burn & Draw

Construction is consistently excellent — the No. 1's large ring gauge provides an effortless draw with good smoke volume. Burn is even and the ash is firm and pale gray, typically holding an inch or more before dropping.

Pairing Recommendations

Spirit

Single malt Scotch whisky with a light peat character — Glenfiddich 12 or Highland Park 12 — or a premium aged rum such as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

Wine

Medium-bodied red Burgundy (Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits) or a dry Rioja Reserva; avoid heavily tannic reds that will overpower the cigar's delicacy

Non-Alcoholic

A Colombian medium-roast coffee, black or with a touch of cream — the nut and cedar notes in the cigar echo beautifully with a clean Arabica

Who Should Smoke This?

The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 is an ideal cigar for the experienced aficionado who values balance and consistency over novelty, as well as for the thoughtful newcomer ready to graduate beyond entry-level offerings. It rewards those with at least moderate smoking experience, as its nuances—the walnut notes, the white pepper in the second third, the subtle cocoa finish—are best appreciated by a calibrated palate. This is not a cigar for the hurried; the 90-minute runtime demands an unhurried afternoon or early evening, ideally with a quality spirit or coffee at hand. It shines equally as a solo contemplative smoke or as the centerpiece of an intimate gathering. Ideal for those who view cigars as an expression of craft rather than spectacle.

Bottom Line

The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 is a masterclass in restraint and consistency—a medium-bodied Churchill that has earned its place as a benchmark of Honduran tradition through decades of unwavering quality and honest construction. If your palate favors elegance over extremity, this cigar is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 a strong cigar?

No. The No. 1 is a medium-strength smoke (3/5) that maintains gentle, balanced power throughout all three stages. It is designed for approachability and refinement rather than intensity, making it unsuitable for those seeking full-bodied or powerful expressions.

What does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 taste like?

The No. 1 opens with creamy cedar and toasted almond with hints of hay and dried fruit sweetness. The mid-section develops baking spice, white pepper, and cashew creaminess with subtle leather and floral notes. The final third transitions to earthiness, cocoa, and roasted coffee, finishing dry with lingering nuttiness.

How long does it take to smoke the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1?

Expect approximately 90 minutes from first light to final ash. This leisurely duration reflects the Churchill's generous 7.0 x 54 dimensions and is best suited to unhurried afternoons or early evenings rather than quick smoking sessions.

What is the best pairing for the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1?

Optimal pairings include light-peat single malts (Glenfiddich 12, Highland Park 12) or aged rum such as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. For wine, choose medium-bodied Burgundy or dry Rioja Reserva. A clean Colombian medium-roast coffee complements the cigar's nut and cedar notes beautifully.

Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 good for beginners?

Yes—with caveat. The No. 1 is an excellent choice for a discerning newcomer ready to move beyond entry-level cigars. Its medium strength, balanced flavor profile, and exceptional construction make it approachable, though the cigar's subtle nuances are best appreciated by those with some prior smoking experience.

Where can I buy the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1?

The No. 1 is widely available through authorized premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops. As a mainstream premium offering from General Cigar / Altadis, it maintains broad distribution across the United States and international markets.

What is the price of the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1?

The No. 1 is priced between $12–$18 per cigar, depending on retailer and market. This positions it as exceptional value within the premium tier, offering benchmark-quality construction and aged tobaccos at an honest price point.

Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 worth aging?

The No. 1 is released with pre-aged tobaccos and is enjoyable immediately upon purchase. Altadis does not publicize an extended post-production aging program for this line. While cellaring may develop additional complexity, the cigar is optimized for near-term enjoyment rather than long-term investment.

What wrapper does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 use?

The primary wrapper is Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, a natural light brown leaf with silky texture and minimal veining. Some market editions have incorporated Honduras-grown Shade wrapper in a Colorado Natural color. Both deliver mild, creamy characteristics.

Where is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 made?

The No. 1 is hand-rolled at the Altadis / General Cigar production facility in Danlí, Honduras. The cigar employs Honduran binder and a long-leaf filler blend primarily sourced from the Jamastran Valley region, all composed of aged tobaccos.