Hoyo Excalibur Legend Conqueror and Piraat Ale

The Safari – The Trophy Mount 

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican Ligero
Size: 6.25 x 54
Strength rating: 7.5/8
I really like this baby. To me, it is a Hoyo that is truly on the fuller side. The taste, just classic tobacco flavors that I enjoy. Bold spice and pepper greet the palate on the opening and continue throughout the experience. This Hoyo is complex. A solid woody (oak) character with a strong black walnut taste making this a fuller smoke than most Hoyos. The cigar gives off tons of smoke.

When this cigar came out a couple of years back, I asked my tobacconist to get me a box. I think it was in the spring of 09 when I was driving up north Michigan (to a casino) when I realized how full the cigar really was. I had to pull into a gas station to buy a soda to sooth the palate. I would recommend to have something to eat before enjoying this cigar.

This cigar looks rich. You could make a 6,000 dollar leather sofa out of its wrapper. When I get done with this, I am going to buy another box of these. I get the concept of leather on the appearance of the wrapper but, I still do not get the concept of leather for taste.

The Pairing
Now, I was not expecting much from this pairing but, wow this is going very good. I was thinking that maybe these two would collide because they are similar in some of their profiles. But, it is the slight honey malt sweetness that balances the bold spice and oak of the cigar. The nice carbonation gives the ale a crisp feel on the palate and that helps with the thick smoky mouthfeel that fills the sinuses and the palate from the cigar. The oak and black walnut taste of the cigar mingles well with the tropical fruits of the ale.

This is a pure big boy treat. If you want to feel like a pirate that is ready to plunder and pillage the village this is it! It is a bold treat. Look at the strength ratings: a 6.5 for the Piraat and an 8 on the cigar during this pairing.

The only drawback is the ash on the cigar. This cigar will ash you, so have an ashtray ready. It must have a thick binder, because it does need some correcting along the way. But, the bold flavor makes up for that.

Also, remember this ale has a 10.5% abv and that can sneak up on you if you have a few.
This cigar and ale would be great after a hearty meal. And, I had a lamb chops for dinner tonight so, this is perfect.