HdM Excalibur Royal Sterling Nobilis

HdM Excalibur Royal Sterling Nobilis
5 1/4 X 50
Filler – Hon, Nic, Dom, Binder – Conn, Wrapper – Hon Claro

The pewter colored band signalled that this was no ordinary Excalibur. The shade grown Honduran capa shone dark chocolate brown in color and was simply covered in fine tooth. Beautifully constructed, the cigar was rolled tighter than the joints of a Shaker cabinet and a pleasure to hold. Mold lines were clearly visible running the length of the stick. Pre-light draw was medium firm, but a somewhat vexing pre-light taste seemed almost chemical or plastic in nature.

Quick to take to light, the cigar burned perfectly with a razor sharp line ringed in black. The flavor was all Villazon with a deep leather and tobacco core edged with acorn and and tannin. Full strength and in-your-face, the Honduran wrapper simply added to the assault. The plastic flavor was still there as it smoked, but hovering in the background like an apparition.

With the stars in full display on a cold, clear night, the cigar drove the winter chill away. The aroma was strong and evoked images of rustic curing barns and memories of the smell of camp fires drifting above a mountain valley. The finish was strong and edged with the taste of oak sap, and both flavor and finish built in strength as the cigar burned. The last inch was a powerhouse, going so far as to cause tingling to the lips and tongue.

Overall, this cigar reminded me of the Hoyo 75th Anniversary Padron in EMS without quite as much complexity. Full and powerful, it waged a frontal attack on the palate and left no doubt as to its Villazon roots. I will wager that this cigar was pressed in some of the new plastic molds at the factory, and that is where the artificial polymer flavor was imparted to it. I further wager that it would benefit greatly from cedar-based aging. Possibly recommended.

Appearance: 10/10
Construction: 10/10
Flavor: 17/20
Finish: 8/10
Smoking experience: 18/20
Aroma: 8/10
Overall impression: 18/20

Total: 89/100