Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 Review

Overview

There is a quiet confidence to the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 that feels almost anachronistic. In an era where blenders chase intensity with pepper bombs and broadleaf bruisers, this Churchill stands as a testament to a different kind of mastery—one built on restraint, balance, and the patient unfolding of a narrative. It is the cigar equivalent of a well-tailored tweed jacket: unassuming at first glance, but revealing a depth of character to those who take the time to appreciate it. This is not a cigar that shouts for attention; it earns it through a slow, deliberate seduction that begins the moment the cutter meets the cap.

The pre-light ritual sets the stage with a perfume of sweet hay, faint cedar, and a whisper of dried apricot. The cold draw is open and inviting, hinting at the creamy texture to come. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a remarkable smoothness—a wave of toasted almond and cedar that washes over the palate, underpinned by a gentle, almost honeyed sweetness. There is a distinct creaminess here, not the thick, chewy smoke of a maduro, but something lighter, more ethereal, like the foam on a well-made cappuccino. The retrohale is where the wrapper's character shines, offering a delicate floral note that dances just at the edge of perception, a reminder that this Connecticut Shade leaf is doing far more than just holding the filler together.

As the ash holds its firm, pale gray column, the second third begins its subtle evolution. The creaminess deepens, taking on a cashew-like richness, while a gentle wave of baking spice—think nutmeg and a whisper of allspice—washes over the cedar core. A fine line of white pepper introduces itself on the finish, providing a gentle tingle that adds structure without ever becoming aggressive. The sweetness recedes slightly, making way for a soft, supple leather note that begins to weave through the profile. It is a masterclass in pacing; each new flavor arrives not as a surprise, but as the natural next chapter in a story that is being told with deliberate, unhurried prose.

The final third is where the Excalibur No. 1 reveals its quiet strength. The body tightens, the smoke becomes a touch more substantial, and the flavors turn earthward. The cedar and nut give way to a satisfying, loamy earthiness, punctuated by a dusting of dark cocoa and the deep, roasted bitterness of coffee beans. The sweetness that opened the cigar has now fully receded, leaving a dry, woody finish that lingers with a final, satisfying note of roasted walnut. The strength, which has remained a steady medium throughout, never spikes; it simply settles into a comfortable, contemplative warmth. This is a cigar that finishes with a period, not an exclamation point—a final, confident statement of a blend that knows exactly what it is and what it aims to achieve.

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?

This is for the smoker who has a well-stocked humidor of bold Nicaraguans and rare Cubans, but finds themselves, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, craving something that won't demand a fight. It's for the collector who appreciates the nuance of a well-aged Connecticut Shade leaf and the history of the Honduran tradition. Picture a man in his late 40s, a lawyer or an architect, sitting alone on a stone patio with a view of the garden. He's not showing off; he's unwinding. He wants a cigar that will last the length of a vinyl record and a glass of Scotch, something that offers a familiar, comforting conversation rather than a challenging debate. This cigar is his trusted companion for that moment of solitude—a benchmark of consistency that reminds him why he fell in love with the ritual in the first place.

Bottom Line

The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 is a masterclass in medium-bodied elegance, a timeless classic that proves refinement never goes out of style. It is a benchmark of Honduran craftsmanship that rewards patience and attention, offering a beautifully paced journey from creamy cedar to earthy cocoa. For those seeking a contemplative, nuanced smoke, this is an essential standard-bearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, it is rated as Medium (3/5) strength. Physically, this means you will experience a comfortable, steady nicotine presence that builds gradually and never becomes overwhelming or harsh. It provides a satisfying, contemplative buzz rather than a heady rush, making it suitable for a long session without any risk of palate fatigue or lightheadedness.

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

The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a gentle hay-like sweetness. The middle third introduces baking spice, white pepper, and a cashew creaminess with a light leather note. The final third tightens into a satisfying earthiness with dark cocoa and roasted coffee, finishing dry and woody with lingering nuttiness.

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

Given its Churchill vitola and substantial 7.0 x 54 size, you should allocate a leisurely 90 minutes to fully enjoy it. This is not a cigar to rush; its slow-burning construction and medium body are designed for a long, unhurried session of contemplation.

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

A single malt Scotch with light peat, such as Glenfiddich 12 or Highland Park 12, is an excellent choice. The Scotch's subtle smokiness and honeyed sweetness will complement the cigar's creamy cedar and nutty notes without overpowering its delicate nature. For a non-alcoholic option, a Colombian medium-roast coffee, black or with a touch of cream, echoes the cigar's nut and cedar core beautifully.

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

Yes, for a beginner who is ready to move past milder, one-dimensional cigars. Its Medium strength is approachable and non-intimidating, while its flavor profile is complex enough to be educational but not challenging. However, the $12–$18 price point and 90-minute smoking time mean it is best suited for a newcomer who is genuinely committed to learning the ritual and has the patience to see it through.

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

As a premium, tier-level cigar, it is widely available at established brick-and-mortar tobacconists and specialty cigar lounges. It can also be purchased from reputable online cigar retailers that carry the Altadis/General Cigar portfolio. Given its classic status, it is rarely hard to find, but checking with a trusted local shop is always the best first step.

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

The price typically falls in the $12 to $18 per cigar range. This price point positions it as a premium offering, reflecting its hand-rolled construction, aged Honduran long-filler tobaccos, and the legacy of the Excalibur name. It is an honest price for a cigar of this consistent quality.

Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 worth aging?

While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, there is no widely publicized extended post-production aging program for this cigar. The blend is designed to be enjoyed upon release, with the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper providing immediate creaminess and nuance. While it could survive a few years in a humidor, it will not dramatically transform; its character is best appreciated in its intended, well-balanced state.

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

It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (Natural) wrapper, though some market editions have used Honduras-grown leaf. This wrapper is prized for its silky texture, minimal veining, and medium-brown color. It contributes a signature creaminess, delicate floral notes, and a gentle sweetness that forms the elegant foundation of the cigar's profile.

Where is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 made?

It is hand-rolled in Danlí, Honduras, at the Altadis / General Cigar production facility. This factory is known for its consistency and craftsmanship, and it is the home of the Excalibur line, which has been produced there since its launch in the 1970s as a premium expression for the U.S. market.