Hoyo De Monterey – Excalibur Epicure No. 1 (Presidente – Non Cuban) is a little unfair for me review. It holds a lot of sentimental value in my life. I will give you the back story, and I will try to be as fair and impartial as I can. Reader discretion advised. This, ladies and
gentlemen, if the first premium, handmade cigar I smoked when I was 18. This was 20 years ago. Prior to this, all I had known were the convenience store, machine made sticks. Over the holidays, my cousin gave me my first humidor. It was a small, 25 count wooden humidor with 5 Excalibur sticks. He taught me how to cut it, and light it. Since then, this cigar has had a huge place in my heart! The Hoyo de Monterey Excalibur is made with a complex blend of Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and an
Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Made and distributed by General Cigar, this is a treasure that would inspire any king.
Stats:
Rating: 90
Profile: Mild-Medium bodied
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Shape: Presidente
Length: 7 ¼
Gauge: 54
Country: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic
Binder: US Connecticut
Sweet: Yes. Mild.
Pricing Per Box: $179.80 MSRP
Sizes:
Epicure Robusto: 5.2 x 50
No. 1 – Presidente: 7.2 x 54
No. 2 – Churchill: 6.7 x 48
No. 3 – Toro: 6.1 x 50
No. 4 – Natural – Corona: 5.6 x 46
No. 5 – Lonsdale: 6.2 x 44
No. 660 – Gordo: 6.0 x 60
Short Crystal – Robusto: 5.2 x 50
Some sizes available in Maduro
First Impression:
I’ve been smoking this cigar for 20 years and it never disappoints. On this occasion, this
wrapper was smooth and oily, the aroma was soft, mellow and smooth.
Lighting, Draw, and Burn:
It was a nice and even burn, but it did require a few touch-ups throughout the smoke. The draw was effortless with awesome smoke coming through.
Flavor:
The flavor profile one this cigar is very simple and complex at the same time. It’s overall very smooth with hints of cedar, and a peppery finish. If you pair it with a coffee, you’ll note some chocolate and a “hay” flavor.
My Preference:
Rest: 6 months minimum
Cutter: Guillotine
Lighter: Soft Flame Butane
Final Thoughts:
This is the cigar that started it all for me. It’s a very simple stick, no frills, nothing fancy, just a good old fashioned cigar. If you’re just starting out, this is a great place to start exploring.