AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of quiet confidence that comes from a cigar that doesn't need to shout. The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 is that voice — a measured, deliberate whisper from an era when Honduran tobacco was the industry's best-kept secret, not a marketing bullet point. Sliding the Lonsdale from its cellophane, the Colorado Claro wrapper catches the light with a satin sheen that promises refinement, not power. The pre-light draw offers a hint of sweet hay and almond paste, a gentle preamble to the narrative that unfolds over the next hour and a half. This is not a cigar for the impatient; it is a study in the art of the slow reveal, a format that demands you lean in rather than lean back.
The first third opens with a creamy cedar note that is less about raw wood and more about the scent of a well-oiled antique desk. Toasted almonds follow, carrying a faint, almost floral sweetness that is the signature of the Connecticut-style wrapper. A whisper of white pepper on the retrohale provides just enough friction to keep the palate engaged, but it never threatens the silky, approachable texture of the smoke. As the ash column grows, the profile shifts into a second act defined by dry hay and a gentle, grounding earthiness. The nuttiness deepens, evolving from almond to a richer cashew or macadamia character, while a subtle creaminess binds the elements together. A restrained sweetness — think of the lightest brush of honey on a biscuit — balances the woody backbone, and a faint leather note begins to emerge, adding a layer of old-world sophistication.
Entering the final third, the cigar reveals its hidden spine. The pepper returns, but with more intent, now a warm, dry spice that dances alongside toasted bread and a hint of dark, almost cocoa-like earth. The blend never loses its composure; the finish is a clean, dry cedar and nut conclusion that is remarkably free of harshness or bitterness. This is the hallmark of the old-school Honduran puro style — a blend that builds complexity through layering rather than brute force. The construction is a masterclass in itself: the draw is effortless, the burn line razor-sharp, and the ash holds in firm, grey columns that speak to the quality of the Jamastran Valley filler. The Excalibur No. 3 is not a relic; it is a reference point. It is the cigar that defined 'premium accessible' before that phrase was co-opted, and it remains a quiet rebuke to the full-strength generation that equates intensity with quality. For those who listen, it tells a story of restraint, balance, and the enduring value of subtlety.
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?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of bold, high-octane releases but finds himself reaching for the same quiet corner of the shelf more and more often. He is a seasoned smoker, perhaps in his late 40s or 50s, who has spent years chasing strength and has come to appreciate the nuance of a well-aged Connecticut wrapper. He is the type who enjoys a Sunday morning with a stack of newspapers and a flat white, not a raucous poker night. He already appreciates the gentle complexity of a Davidoff Signature or an Ashton Classic, but he wants something with a bit more of a rustic, earthy Honduran soul. This cigar is for the moment when he wants to think, to read a chapter of a book, or to simply sit on the porch and watch the light change. It will give him a quiet, contemplative hour and a half, a reminder that true craftsmanship is often found in the details, not the volume.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. 3 is a masterclass in understated elegance, a timeless Honduran blend that rewards patience with a beautifully layered, nuanced profile. It is a must-smoke for any aficionado seeking a sophisticated, medium-bodied experience that proves subtlety is the ultimate expression of skill.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated at a Mild-Medium 2/5 on the strength scale. Physically, this means you will experience a gentle, creamy mouthfeel with a light to moderate nicotine presence that is unlikely to cause any dizziness or overwhelm, making it a comfortable choice for a long, leisurely session.
What does Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 taste like?
The flavor profile progresses from creamy cedar and toasted almonds with a floral sweetness in the first third, to dry hay, mild earth, and cashew/macadamia nuttiness in the second. The final third introduces a more assertive white pepper, toasted bread, and a hint of dark spice, finishing with a clean, dry cedar and nut character.
How long does Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 take to smoke?
Given its Lonsdale vitola and specific dimensions of 6.75 x 44, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 90 to 100 minutes. The elongated format and relatively narrow ring gauge encourage a slow, measured burn to fully appreciate the blend's nuances.
What is the best pairing for Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3?
A light to medium aged rum like Diplomatico Reserva is an excellent choice, as its inherent sweetness and creamy body will complement the cigar's nutty and floral notes without overpowering its delicate profile. The subtle oak and vanilla in the rum will also harmonize beautifully with the cedar backbone.
Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 good for beginners?
Yes, its Mild-Medium strength makes it physically accessible, but the $10-$14 price point and the subtle, nuanced flavor profile are better suited for a beginner who is ready to move past basic, one-dimensional smokes and is interested in learning to identify distinct notes like cedar, almond, and hay. It is a perfect 'next step' cigar for a developing palate.
Where can I buy Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3?
As a premium, everyday-tier cigar, you can find it at most well-stocked local tobacconists and specialty cigar shops. It is also widely available from reputable online cigar retailers, where you can often find them sold in boxes of 20 or 25 for a better per-stick price.
What is the price of Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3?
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 is positioned in the 'Everyday' tier, with a price range of $10 to $14 per cigar. This pricing reflects its position as a premium, hand-rolled product that offers a high-quality experience without the cost of a limited-edition or ultra-aged release.
Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, with no extended post-production aging formally noted, this cigar is not a primary candidate for long-term cellaring. The Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate, and its subtle nuances are best enjoyed within the first few years of purchase. It is, however, a cigar that will benefit from a few months of rest in your humidor to settle after transit.
What wrapper does Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 use?
It uses a Honduran Connecticut Shade / Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, which presents a golden honey-brown Colorado Claro color. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's signature creaminess, subtle floral sweetness, and the silky, satin-like texture that defines the smoking experience.
Where is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 3 made?
It is hand-rolled at the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras, under the supervision of General Cigar. This origin is crucial, as the Jamastran Valley filler tobaccos are grown in the same region, making it a true expression of Honduran terroir and the old-world craftsmanship that the Danlí region is known for.