When you think of the Hoyo de Monterrey brand, what comes to mind? Amazing flavor and aroma? A semi-slow burn that leaves you satisfied but wanting more? Or maybe old-world craftsmanship and the finest blend of tobacco and wrapper that Central America has to offer? Perhaps it is the history and tradition that makes Hoyo de Monterrey a preferred cigar around the globe since the 1800s.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight is a mid-priced cigar as well known for its rich and creamy taste as it is for one of its best known celebrity fans – legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who famously smoked one after each Celtics win during his 50 year career.
The brand’s storied history began when Don José Gener y Batet immigrated to Cuba from Spain in 1831 to work on his uncle’s plantation, and then opened his own cigar factory in Havana twenty years later. Batet launched the Hoyo de Monterrey brand in 1865, and his cigars soon became legendary as a premium smoke that offered fine Cuban tobacco at a reasonable price. The Batet family sold their cigar brands, and Hoyo de Monterrey are now made in both Honduras and Cuba (by two different companies – the Honduran version is produced by General Cigar) but retain the craftsmanship and flavor Batet made famous 150 years ago. As a side note, Batet took the name for his new brand from the name of one of the finest tobacco farms in Vuelta Abajo, Cuba.
Dubbed the “espresso” of cigars, Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight is a full-flavored smoke that draws on a complex blend of Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Cuban seed and Dominican leaves and Connecticut wrapper. This cigar is widely regarded as one of the most interesting from this brand, and for good reason: Cuban heritage, handmade craftsmanship, cedar aged, a very dark wrapper almost chocolate in color, and a flavorful smoke throughout that also has a hint of sweetness.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight is an excellent value, going for about $5 each, robust at almost six inches long with a beefy 54 ring gauge. This cigar begs to be shared, with friends, family, with new acquaintances you want to introduce to the pleasures of a good smoke with a sweet, smoky after taste. The best time to enjoy this cigar is after a long day, perhaps with a good, dark roast coffee.