Quai D'Orsay No. 54

Size: Robusto 5 3/8" x 54

Filler: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Wrapper: Cuban

Country: Cuba

Created in the 1970s exclusively for the French market, the old Quai d'Orsay brand came in a handful of sizes and was considered a fairly mild to medium-bodied smoke. But the Cuban cigar monopoly recently launched a completely new Quai d'Orsay, transforming it from a regional cigar to a global brand. The bands and boxes were redesigned, the line was given two new sizes—thicker vitolas intended to appeal to a larger market—and the cigar was reblended, giving it more character. Now, the brand can be found all over the world, and we found the No. 54 to be quite remarkable. While today's Quai d'Orsay is different, it's still no powerhouse, but a subtle and refined Cuban cigar that's one part sweet and one part savory like a salted caramel praline.

The first third offers flavors of cream, vanilla, and a hint of sweetness, with a light-bodied smoke that evolves as it is smoked. The grassy and summer fruit notes become more prominent and the cream returns towards the end, joined by coffee and a subtle oak wood note.