AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 that feels almost anachronistic. In an era where blenders chase maximum impact with pepper bombs and broadleaf saturation, this Lonsdale arrives with the manners of a different generation. It is not trying to overwhelm you; it is trying to converse. The pre-light aroma is a whisper of cedar shavings and dried hay, with a faint honeyed sweetness on the foot that suggests the Colorado Claro wrapper is holding something in reserve. The cold draw is clean and open, offering a gentle note of almond paste that sets the stage without giving away the plot.
From the first ignition, the narrative is one of restraint and precision. The opening third is a study in golden textures — toasted almond and cedar lead, but they are carried on a wave of cream that softens every edge. There is a grassy sweetness here, reminiscent of a sun-warmed meadow, that speaks to the Connecticut-seed wrapper’s heritage. The retrohale is where the cigar shows its first bit of teeth: a mild white pepper that tingles rather than burns, a polite announcement that this is not a mild cigar, merely a medium one with impeccable manners. The ash forms a solid, flaky-free column, and the burn is so even it feels almost mechanical.
As the midpoint approaches, the Excalibur No. 6 begins to reveal its deeper intentions. The cedar recedes, replaced by a warm current of baking spices — cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg — that interweave with a supple leather note. The creaminess evolves into a distinct caramel sweetness, the kind you find in a well-made flan, which now coats the palate. The Honduran filler starts to assert its earthy character, a woody depth that grounds the smoke and prevents it from floating away into mere confection. This is the heart of the cigar, where the balance between the wrapper’s finesse and the filler’s substance is most harmonious. The pepper on the retrohale softens into a gentle warmth, and the smoke itself feels thicker, more substantial, yet still remarkably cool.
The final third is a masterclass in controlled intensity. The blend tightens, concentrating its flavors into a more focused expression. The toasted wood becomes darker, almost oak-like, and is joined by a distinct dark honey sweetness that lingers on the finish. A mild espresso note emerges, adding a welcome bitterness that cuts through the residual caramel. The nuttiness from the opening returns, but it is now roasted rather than raw, a deeper register of the same theme. As the cigar approaches the nub, there is a light peppery tingle on the lips, but it never veers into harshness. The smoke remains cool and composed, a testament to the construction and the quality of the aged tobaccos. It ends not with a bang, but with a satisfying, contemplative fade — a final note of toasted wood and sweet earth that leaves you wanting another, but also appreciating that it knew exactly when to stop.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — General Cigar / HATSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged approximately 3 years prior to rolling; additional aging improves complexity notably |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The No. 6 opens with gentle cedar and toasted almond, layered with a pleasant grassy sweetness from the Connecticut-adjacent wrapper. A light creaminess dominates early, with faint hints of hay and mild white pepper on the retrohale.
Second Third
The midpoint deepens appreciably — cedar gives way to warm baking spices, mild leather, and a distinct caramel sweetness. Woody earthiness from the Honduran filler begins to assert itself without overwhelming the smoke's fundamental elegance.
Final Third
The final third tightens into a more concentrated expression of toasted wood, dark honey, and mild espresso. A gentle nuttiness returns and there's a light peppery finish, though the cigar remains controlled and never harsh even as it approaches the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — the draw is open and effortless, the burn line remarkably even for a long-format cigar, and the ash holds firm for two inches or more before releasing cleanly. Smoke production is generous and cool throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum is the quintessential match — specifically a 12-year Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa 23; alternatively a lightly peated single malt Scotch such as Glenlivet 18 complements the cedar and caramel notes beautifully
Wine
A medium-bodied Spanish Tempranillo — Rioja Reserva from López de Heredia or Muga — mirrors the cedar, leather, and subtle sweetness without overpowering this medium-strength smoke
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a Guatemalan single-origin drip coffee; the nutty, caramel notes in both the coffee and the cigar harmonize exceptionally well
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has a humidor full of bold, high-octane blends but finds themselves reaching for them less and less. You are a veteran, perhaps ten years in, who has chased the nicotine rush and now craves something with a pulse rather than a roar. You are on a Tuesday evening, the work week is behind you, and you want a cigar that will not demand your full attention but will reward it when you give it. You have a glass of 12-year Diplomatico in hand, and you want a smoke that will not fight the rum but will dance with it. You appreciate the craft of a well-rolled Lonsdale, the way the 44-ring gauge focuses the flavors, and you are tired of explaining to younger smokers why a cigar doesn't need to be a 60-ring gauge monster to be profound. This cigar will give you an hour of honest, balanced complexity, a reminder that elegance is not a lack of flavor but a perfect arrangement of it.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur No. 6 is a quiet masterpiece of the Honduran tradition, a Lonsdale that proves balance is the most daring blend of all. It is an essential smoke for anyone who values nuance over noise, and a benchmark for what an everyday premium cigar should be.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated at a Medium 3/5 strength. Physically, this means you will feel a gentle, warming presence on the palate and a mild nicotine buzz that is comfortable and never overwhelming, even on an empty stomach. It is a cigar you can smoke in the afternoon without needing a meal beforehand.
What does Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with toasted almond, cedar, and a grassy sweetness with white pepper on the retrohale. The middle third introduces baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, leather, and a distinct caramel sweetness. The final third deepens into toasted oak, dark honey, mild espresso, and a return of roasted nuts.
How long does Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 take to smoke?
As a Lonsdale vitola measuring 6.5 inches with a 44-ring gauge, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 60 to 75 minutes. The relatively narrow ring gauge and longer length encourage a slower, more contemplative pace to avoid overheating the tobacco.
What is the best pairing for Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6?
A 12-year Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum is the quintessential match. The rum's inherent notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark dried fruit directly mirror and amplify the cigar's caramel and baking spice character in the second half, creating a harmonious, dessert-like synergy without either component overpowering the other.
Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 good for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a beginner who is ready to move past mild cigars. Its Medium strength is forgiving, and the flavor profile is approachable and clearly defined, making it easy to pick out individual notes. However, at $9–$13 per cigar, it is a slightly higher price point for a novice, so it is best suited for a special first step into premium territory rather than a daily budget smoke.
Where can I buy Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6?
You can find this cigar at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those with a dedicated premium cigar humidor. It is also widely available from reputable online cigar retailers, where you can often find better pricing on single cigars or boxes.
What is the price of Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6?
The expected retail price is between $9 and $13 per single cigar. This places it in the 'Everyday' premium tier, making it a reasonable choice for a regular smoke for an enthusiast, though not the cheapest option on the market.
Is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. While the tobaccos are already aged for three years prior to rolling, which makes it smoke well right away, additional humidor aging of 1-3 years will notably improve its complexity. The medium-bodied profile will mellow further, the caramel and honey notes will deepen, and the peppery edges will round off into a silkier, more integrated smoke.
What wrapper does Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 use?
It uses a Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown wrapper, which is a shade-grown leaf that produces a Colorado Claro color. This wrapper is responsible for the cigar's signature creaminess, grassy sweetness, and the subtle silky sheen on the surface, contributing a smooth, elegant character rather than a bold, spicy one.
Where is Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 6 made?
It is hand-rolled at the HATSA (Honduran American Tobacco S.A.) factory in Danlí, Honduras, which is a General Cigar facility. This factory is renowned for its consistency and high construction standards, which is why the burn line on this Lonsdale is so remarkably even and the draw is so effortless.