Cigar Review - Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur
Hoyo de Monterrey - Excalibur III
Vitola: No. III Maduro
Length: 6.125″
Ring Gauge: 48
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf - Maduro
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan, Dominican
Pairing: Padron Reposado Tequila - Neat
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur cigars were some of the first that I tried when I got into cigars. Once I graduated from the Macanudo Hyde Parks, looking for something with more of a cocoa profile and with a bit more strength, the reviews I read all seemed to point me to the Excaliburs. At the time (about 3-4 years ago) they were just what I wanted and became my favorite cigar. I haven't had one in quite a while as I drifted away from cigars for a bit due to a crazy schedule and because I was trying out other cigars. But I was going through and organizing my humidors a couple of weeks ago and found a nice little stash of these. So, with a few days off over the Holiday weekend and plenty of time for cigars, I brought one along to see if they were all that I remembered.
Fit and Finish: Beautiful wrapper, thinly veined, and slightly sweet on the nose, and excellent attention to detail with invisible seams and a great cap.
Draw: Using a v-cut I got a nice even draw. The Excalibur has a nice tobacco aroma and a bit of cocoa on the cold draw.
Toast/Light: The toasting was smooth and I quickly had a nice even burn going with plenty of great-smelling smoke from the foot. The draw was perfect.
First third: Oh yes, this is what I remembered, only better. With a bit of age on them these cigars have settled into a great flavor with tons of cocoa and nuts and a very creamy mouthfeel. Not much at all in the way of pepper, just smooth from the first draw. It is pairing really well with the tequila.
Second Third: The cocoa and nuts are hanging in there but it's moving into more cedar as I continue. It's really interesting: If I sip the tequila first and then draw on the cigar, I'm getting strong caramel notes. If I draw first and then sip the tequila I'm getting more of the cedar. I think the cigar is allowing me to pick up more from the tequila, which is a great thing as this is one of my favorite drinks. The burn line is even and razor-sharp with an ash that hangs in there for 2.5 inches at least before self-ashing.
Final Third: This cigar is like a Snickers Bar...loaded with nuts and guaranteed to satisfy! The nuts and cocoa are back, along with some coffee notes and it is all delicious. Nice thick smoke. Creamy as can be and a great finish. It never really picks up much in the pepper, but it does have a decent nicotine kick...probably in the medium range. During the entire outing I did not have to touch it up once. The burn and flavors were perfect throughout.
Final Thoughts: This really is one of my favorite cigars. It's only gotten better with age, despite my palate changing a bit over time. I smoked it after a great dinner, while relaxing on the balcony with my beautiful wife. There was a nice cool breeze, the tequila was perfect and the Excalibur was the cherry on top. It may not be everyone's thing, but as a nice relaxing end to the evening it is perfect for me. Stronger than a desert cigar but not overpowering, I will definitely make sure I always have some of these in my humidor.
