AshMap
Overview
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 represents a philosophy of cigar making that has largely fallen out of fashion in an era obsessed with strength and dominance. Introduced in the early 1980s as General Cigar's premium extension of the storied Hoyo de Monterrey brand, the Excalibur line embodied a different ambition: to prove that restraint and complexity could coexist in a single smoke. Hand-rolled at the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras, the No. 3 employs a traditional Lonsdale vitola — that elegant, elongated format — paired with a carefully aged Honduran long-filler blend sourced from the Jamastran Valley. The Connecticut-style wrapper, rendered in a honeyed Colorado Claro, signals accessibility without sacrificing sophistication.
What emerges from this composition is a study in measured progression. The first third opens with creamy cedar and toasted almonds, softened by floral sweetness and punctuated only by gentle white pepper on the retrohale. The second third introduces dry hay, mild earth, and a cashew-like nuttiness, while leather and restrained sweetness balance the woody spine. By the final third, pepper returns with more authority, joined by toasted bread and dark spice, before resolving into a clean, dry cedar and nut finish that never veers toward harshness. This is old-world Honduran puro making at its finest — the kind of cigar that demands nothing and rewards everything.
The construction is exemplary: a razor-sharp burn line, effortless draw, and ash that holds firm in grey columns speak to both leaf quality and rolling precision. At $10–$14 per cigar, the Excalibur No. 3 occupies that increasingly rare territory of genuine premium accessibility — not a compromise, but a full expression of craftsmanship aimed at the discerning palate rather than the ambitious ego. In a market crowded with bombast, this cigar whispers.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Connecticut Shade / Ecuadorian Connecticut — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran long-filler tobaccos, aged blend from Jamastran Valley |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — General Cigar / HATSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.75 x 44 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging formally noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The first third opens with creamy cedar and toasted almonds, underscored by a gentle floral sweetness from the Connecticut-style wrapper. Light white pepper on the retrohale adds dimension without aggression, and the draw delivers a silky, approachable smoke from the first puff.
Second Third
As the cigar develops, notes of dry hay, mild earth, and a subtle creaminess emerge alongside a nutty character reminiscent of cashews or macadamia. The body fills out slightly, introducing a whisper of leather and a restrained sweetness that balances the woody backbone.
Final Third
The final third sees the pepper return more assertively, accompanied by toasted bread and a hint of dark spice. The blend finishes with a clean, dry cedar and nut finish — never harsh or bitter — consistent with the old-world Honduran puro style that defined this era of cigar making.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary for a classic Honduran puro — the draw is effortless and consistent, the burn line razor-sharp with minimal touchups required. Ash holds firm in long grey columns, a hallmark of quality Jamastran-grown filler leaf.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light to medium aged rum — Diplomatico Reserva or Flor de Caña 12 Year — complements the creamy sweetness without overwhelming the blend. A light-bodied Speyside Scotch such as Glenfiddich 15 also pairs beautifully.
Wine
A Spanish Albariño or a lightly oaked Chardonnay mirrors the cigar's floral and nutty character; alternatively, a light Pinot Noir from Burgundy bridges the earthy cedar notes elegantly.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee with milk — something like a flat white — reinforces the almond-cream notes and complements the cedar backbone without clashing.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Excalibur No. 3 is for the experienced aficionado who has moved beyond strength as a measure of quality. This is a cigar for leisurely mornings or early afternoons — a 90–100 minute commitment that rewards patience and introspection. Ideal for the reader, the contemplative smoker, or anyone seeking complexity without the heavy commitment of a full-bodied corona. Beginners with some foundational smoking experience will find it welcoming and instructive; seasoned smokers will appreciate its subtlety as a mark of sophistication rather than weakness. This is not a cigar to perform with — it's one to understand.
Bottom Line
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 is a masterclass in understated Honduran craftsmanship and a reminder that premium cigars need not assault the palate to impress it. A genuinely accessible entry point into sophisticated smoking that refuses to compromise on quality or character.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 a strong cigar?
No. The Excalibur No. 3 is classified as Mild-Medium on the strength spectrum (2/5), making it approachable without being timid. It's designed for smokers who value complexity and nuance over power.
What does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 taste like?
The cigar progresses through creamy cedar and toasted almonds in the first third, develops into dry hay, earth, and nutty notes in the second third, and finishes with toasted bread, dark spice, and clean cedar. The overall profile is refined, woody, and subtly sweet.
How long does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 take to smoke?
Expect a 90–100 minute smoke, making it ideal for a leisurely morning or early afternoon session without an excessive time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3?
Light to medium aged rum (Diplomatico Reserva or Flor de Caña 12 Year), light-bodied Speyside Scotch (Glenfiddich 15), Spanish Albariño, or a medium-roast Colombian pour-over with milk all complement the cigar's creamy, nutty, and woody characteristics beautifully.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 good for beginners?
Yes, but with nuance. Beginners with some foundational smoking experience will find it welcoming and educational. Its mild-medium strength and approachable profile make it far more forgiving than full-bodied cigars, though it rewards experienced smokers most deeply.
Where can I buy the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3?
The Excalibur No. 3 is widely distributed through authorized cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar tobacconists and established online vendors. Availability is consistent given its long-standing production and accessibility tier.
What is the price of the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3?
The Excalibur No. 3 retails for approximately $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it as a genuinely accessible premium option without the inflated pricing of boutique brands.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 worth aging?
While the component tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, no extended post-production aging is formally noted. The cigar is crafted to deliver its optimal profile upon release, though careful storage in a well-maintained humidor will preserve its character indefinitely.
What wrapper does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 use?
The cigar features a Honduran Connecticut Shade or Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper in a Colorado Claro shade, rendered in a golden honey-brown color with a subtle satin sheen.
Where is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 made?
The Excalibur No. 3 is hand-rolled at the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras, using aged Honduran long-filler tobaccos from the Jamastran Valley and a Honduran binder.