AshMap
Overview
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 occupies a curious and increasingly rare position in contemporary cigar culture: it is a thoroughly elegant smoke that refuses to shout. Launched in the 1970s as a premium extension of the venerable Hoyo de Monterrey line, the Excalibur series represents a deliberate philosophical choice — one that prioritizes restraint, balance, and Honduran terroir over the modern obsession with Nicaraguan intensity. Hand-rolled at HATSA in Danlí under the stewardship of General Cigar Company, this Toro burns with the clockwork precision one expects from a factory that has spent decades perfecting the fundamentals of construction.
The No. 4's character unfolds with admirable discipline across its 60–70 minute runtime. The opening arrives with toasted cedar and dry hay, accented by a mild white pepper retrohale that signals complexity without aggression. A creamy texture blooms almost immediately, anchored by subtle almond and light floral undertones that keep the wood-forward profile from becoming one-dimensional. By the second third, the cigar settles into classic Central American territory — roasted cashew, leather, and a gentle earthiness provide the backbone, while cocoa dust emerges at the midpoint to add nuance without overwhelming. The final third delivers a warm crescendo of toasted oak, bittersweet chocolate, and dried fruit notes, with nicotine levels remaining measured and civilized throughout.
What makes the Excalibur No. 4 worth revisiting — particularly in an era dominated by strength-racing and single-origin hype — is precisely what makes it easy to overlook. This is a cigar for the aficionado who understands that elegance and restraint are virtues in themselves, not the consolation prize of underdeveloped tobacco. The Honduran natural wrapper, medium-bodied profile, and traditionally aged filler create a smoke that improves with attention rather than demanding it. At $10–$14 per unit, the No. 4 remains an exceptional value proposition for anyone seeking a reliable, thoughtfully constructed everyday luxury.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Natural — shade-grown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers, lightly aged |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — manufactured at HATSA (Tabacos Hondureños S.A.) under General Cigar Company |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6.0 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Moderate pre-roll aging on fillers; no extended post-roll aging program publicly documented |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with toasted cedar, dry hay, and a mild white pepper tingle on the retrohale. A creamy texture emerges quickly with subtle almond and light floral notes underpinning the wood-forward profile.
Second Third
The body rounds out into classic Central American territory — roasted cashew, leather, and a gentle earthiness. Cocoa dust begins to develop at the midpoint, adding complexity without overwhelming the cigar's naturally elegant, medium-bodied character.
Final Third
Finishes with a warm blend of toasted oak, bittersweet chocolate, and dried fruit — fig or raisin — with a mild spice return on the lingering finish. Nicotine remains measured, never harsh, even as the nub approaches.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably consistent from General Cigar's HATSA factory — burn is even and self-correcting with a firm, cool draw. Ash holds in dense half-inch columns and drops cleanly; occasional touch-ups may be needed but are rarely required.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically Zacapa 23 or Appleton Estate 21-Year — whose caramel and vanilla notes amplify the cigar's almond and cocoa mid-palate; a light-to-medium Scotch such as Glenfarclas 12 also works beautifully.
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva (Muga or La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904) — the Tempranillo's dried cherry and earthy leather notes mirror the cigar's second third precisely.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a lightly sweetened café con leche — the cigar's nutty, cedar-forward profile is enhanced rather than overwhelmed by a clean coffee without heavy dark-roast bitterness.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 is ideal for both newer aficionados seeking an accessible yet complex introduction to premium cigars and experienced smokers tired of the strength arms race. Its medium body, clean construction, and 60–70 minute runtime make it perfect for a relaxed weekend afternoon or post-dinner wind-down — occasions where the cigar complements rather than dominates the moment. The approachable flavor progression and reliable burn require minimal technical knowledge, yet the layered second and third thirds reward careful attention. This is the thinking person's everyday cigar.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. 4 is a masterclass in Honduran craftsmanship — a disciplined, beautifully balanced smoke that proves elegance never goes out of style. Whether you're exploring premium cigars or returning to the classics, this is a cigar that earns its place in regular rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 a strong cigar?
No. The Excalibur No. 4 is a medium-bodied cigar (3/5 on the strength scale), designed to emphasize flavor complexity and balance rather than nicotine intensity. Nicotine levels remain measured and approachable even as you approach the nub, making it accessible to smokers across experience levels.
What does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 taste like?
The No. 4 opens with toasted cedar, dry hay, and white pepper, followed by creamy almond and floral notes. The middle third develops roasted cashew, leather, and cocoa dust. The finish delivers toasted oak, bittersweet chocolate, and dried fruit — fig or raisin — with a mild spice return on the lingering finish.
How long does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 take to smoke?
The Toro vitola (6.0 x 50) burns for approximately 60–70 minutes, making it an ideal length for a relaxed afternoon smoke or post-dinner wind-down without requiring an extended time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4?
The cigar pairs beautifully with aged rum — particularly Zacapa 23 or Appleton Estate 21-Year — whose caramel and vanilla notes amplify the almond and cocoa mid-palate. A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva such as Muga or La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 mirrors the cigar's second third perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, a medium-roast Colombian pour-over or café con leche complements the nutty, cedar-forward profile elegantly.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The medium body, clean construction, approachable flavor profile, and reliable burn make the No. 4 an excellent introduction to premium cigars. However, the layered complexity in the second and third thirds also rewards experienced smokers seeking a more refined, balanced smoke.
Where can I buy the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4?
The Excalibur No. 4 is widely available through authorized cigar retailers, both online and at brick-and-mortar tobacconists. As a product of General Cigar Company with established distribution, availability is typically consistent across premium cigar shops.
What is the price of the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4?
The Excalibur No. 4 retails for $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it squarely in the premium everyday category — an exceptional value for a hand-rolled, consistently well-constructed smoke from a heritage brand.
Is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 worth aging?
The Excalibur No. 4 arrives with moderate pre-roll aging on the fillers and no documented extended post-roll aging program. While the cigar is excellent fresh, short-term aging in a proper humidor may develop additional complexity; however, it is not essential and the cigar performs admirably out of the box.
What wrapper does the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 use?
The No. 4 features a Honduran natural, shade-grown wrapper in the Colorado shade with a medium brown color and subtle satin sheen. The natural wrapper contributes to the cigar's elegant, wood-forward opening and creamy mid-palate development.
Where is the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 4 made?
The Excalibur No. 4 is hand-rolled at HATSA (Tabacos Hondureños S.A.) in Danlí, Honduras, under the ownership and direction of General Cigar Company. The factory is known for its precision hand-rolling and consistent quality control. The cigar uses Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers with a Honduran binder.