Description
The Underrated Gem from France’s Cuban Cigar Legacy
Look, I’m just going to say it: the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 is one of the most overlooked Cuban cigars on the market today. While everyone’s chasing Cohibas and Montecristos, this elegant Robusto sits quietly in the background, offering a smoking experience that’ll make you question why you ever spent twice as much on those flashier brands. I remember the first time I tried one – actually, it was during a rainy afternoon in Miami at this little lounge off Calle Ocho – and thinking, “Where has this been all my life?” Thing is, Quai d’Orsay has always been that brand for people in the know. The cigar lover’s cigar, if you will.
Here’s the thing about Quai d’Orsay: it was created specifically for the French market back in 1973, and the French, despite what some might say, know their way around premium tobacco. They wanted something refined, elegant, mild enough for daytime smoking but complex enough to keep your attention. The No. 50 vitola came later, and honestly? It might be the best expression of what this brand is all about. Not gonna lie, I’ve converted more than a few skeptics with this stick.
What Makes the No. 50 Special
The Quai d’Orsay No. 50 represents everything the brand stands for – elegance without pretension, flavor without overwhelming your palate, and that distinctly Cuban character that reminds you why Habanos are still the gold standard. This is a cigar for the discerning smoker who doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. You know what I’m talking about, right? That person at the lounge who’s quietly enjoying their smoke while everyone else is Instagram-ing their limited editions.
What sets this particular vitola apart is its perfect size for the blend. The Robusto format – and yes, I’ll get into specifics in a moment – gives you enough length to experience the full evolution of these tobaccos without committing to a two-hour smoke session. Between you and me, this is my go-to recommendation for someone transitioning from milder Connecticut-wrapped cigars into the Cuban realm. The wrapper leaf from Vuelta Abajo has this gorgeous, silky texture that catches light beautifully. I’m probably too obsessed with wrapper aesthetics, but when you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you notice these things.
The filler blend is pure Vuelta Abajo tobacco – the same region that produces leaves for those high-end Cohibas everyone obsesses over. But here’s what gets me: because Quai d’Orsay targets the mild-to-medium strength profile, the tobacco selection emphasizes finesse over power. This isn’t about knocking you sideways with nicotine. It’s about showcasing what Cuban tobacco can do when it’s not trying to compete in the strength Olympics.
Cigar Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto (No. 50) |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Light to Final Puff
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you actually light one of these up. The cold draw – and this is something I always check, maybe obsessively – gives you hints of that cedar sweetness that Quai d’Orsay is known for. There’s also this subtle hay-like quality, clean and fresh. Not gonna lie, if the cold draw doesn’t have that characteristic sweetness, I start worrying about storage issues.
First third hits you with creamy, almost buttery smoke. The cedar note I mentioned? It’s front and center here, but not in an overwhelming way. Think of opening a well-maintained Spanish cedar humidor – that exact aroma. There’s a gentle pepper spice on the retrohale, nothing aggressive, just enough to remind you this is proper Cuban tobacco we’re talking about. The construction on these is typically excellent. I’ve smoked maybe a dozen No. 50s over the years – wait, probably more like twenty if I’m being honest – and I can count bad burns on one hand. The ash builds firm and white, holding on for a solid inch before you need to think about tapping it.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the second third introduces this subtle cocoa element that weaves in and out of the cedar baseline. Some people describe it as milk chocolate, but I think that’s overselling it. It’s more like cocoa powder, slightly bitter-sweet, definitely present but not dominating. The creaminess from the first third continues, maybe even intensifies. The pepper picks up just a touch – and I mean just a touch – giving the profile more dimension without crossing into medium-full territory. Around this point, if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice hints of that classic Cuban twang. Hard to describe if you haven’t experienced it, but once you know it, you know it.
The final third is where mild cigars often fall apart, losing steam when you want them to finish strong. Not this one. The strength bumps up slightly – we’re talking from a 2 out of 5 to maybe a 3 out of 5 – and those spicy notes become more pronounced. But here’s the thing: it never gets harsh. Never bitter. The cedar remains throughout, almost like a throughline connecting all three acts. Some earthiness comes in during the last inch, grounding the sweeter elements. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than my fingers appreciate. The retrohale in this final stage adds a pleasant white pepper zing that wakes up your palate.
Real talk: if you’re getting harshness or tar flavors, you’re smoking it too fast. These cigars reward patience. Take your time, keep that smoking rate slow, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the smoothest mild Cuban experiences out there.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quai d’Orsay No. 50 | Mild-Medium | 45-60 min | Morning smoke, beginners, refined palates |
| H. Upmann Half Corona | Mild-Medium | 25-35 min | Quick smoke, similar elegance but shorter |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 40-50 min | Classic profile, slightly bolder |
| Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No. 4 | Mild-Medium | 35-45 min | Similar smoothness, different flavor notes |
Perfect Pairings for the No. 50
I’ll be honest with you: this cigar is versatile enough to pair with almost anything, but there are some combinations that just work better. My go-to pairing? A good Cuban coffee in the morning. I know that sounds simple, but the creamy smoke complements the espresso’s bitterness perfectly. If you’re more of a tea person – and no judgment here – try it with a Ceylon or Darjeeling. That subtle astringency cuts through the cedar notes beautifully.
For alcohol pairings, think lighter spirits. A smooth añejo rum like Havana Club 7 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is phenomenal. The rum’s sweetness plays off the cocoa notes in the second third. Champagne or a dry sparkling wine works surprisingly well too – there’s something about those bubbles that reset your palate between draws. If you’re a whisky drinker, skip the Islay peat bombs and go for something gentler. A Highland single malt like Glenmorangie or even a quality blended Scotch won’t overwhelm the cigar’s subtle flavors.
Occasion-wise? This is your daytime cigar. Morning golf round. Afternoon on the patio with a book. Post-lunch smoke that won’t wreck your productivity for the rest of the day. I’ve also found it works great as a “session” cigar when you’re hanging with friends and want something you can enjoy without requiring complete silence and concentration.
Common Questions About the Quai d’Orsay No. 50
Is the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 too mild for experienced smokers?
Look, I’ve been smoking Cubans for nearly thirty years, and I still reach for this cigar regularly. Mild doesn’t mean boring. The complexity and refinement here will keep any experienced palate engaged. Thing is, not every smoking session needs to be a full-strength assault on your senses. Sometimes you want elegance and nuance, and that’s exactly what this delivers. I genuinely don’t understand why some people equate strength with quality. They’re missing out.
How does the No. 50 compare to other Quai d’Orsay vitolas?
The No. 50 is my favorite vitola in the line, but I haven’t tried every single one, so grain of salt. Compared to the Coronas Claro, the No. 50 gives you more body and a fuller flavor expression thanks to that 50 ring gauge. The larger format allows the blend to really shine. If you’ve tried the No. 54 and found it too much, the No. 50 dials it back just enough while maintaining that signature Quai d’Orsay character. The smoking time is perfect too – long enough to experience the full evolution but not so long you’re committed for two hours.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these cigars?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, which is slightly lower than the traditional 70%. Here’s why: at 65%, the cedar and spice notes seem more pronounced, and the draw is a bit easier. These cigars already have a naturally sweet profile, and higher humidity can sometimes mute those subtle flavor distinctions you want to appreciate. That said, anywhere between 62-68% will work fine. Just avoid the extremes. Too dry and you’ll lose that creamy texture; too humid and you risk draw issues and muted flavors.
Are Quai d’Orsay cigars good for beginners?
Absolutely, and I recommend them all the time to people just getting into Cuban cigars. The mild-to-medium strength means you won’t get that nicotine hit that turns some beginners green. But here’s what makes them especially good for newcomers: the flavor profile is clearly defined without being overwhelming. You can actually taste the cedar, pick out the cream, notice when the cocoa comes in. It’s educational without being challenging. My buddy Carlos – who I mentioned earlier – started with these before moving on to bolder stuff, and he still comes back to them regularly. That tells you something.
Do these cigars need aging, or can I smoke them right away?
They’re great right out of the box – or after a couple weeks acclimating to your humidor conditions. But if you want my honest take? Give them six months to a year and watch what happens. The cedar notes become rounder, the creaminess intensifies, and any rough edges (not that there are many) completely smooth out. I’ve got a few from 2021 resting right now that I’m saving for a special occasion. That said, don’t feel like you need to wait. These aren’t Cohibas that require years of patience. They’re ready when you are, but they reward patience if you’ve got it.
Why isn’t Quai d’Orsay as popular as other Cuban brands?
Marketing, mostly. Or lack thereof. Quai d’Orsay doesn’t have the name recognition of Cohiba or the heritage story of Montecristo. It was created for the French market and has kind of stayed in that niche. Plus – and I know this sounds cynical – mild cigars don’t generate the same hype as full-strength powerhouses. People want to brag about smoking the strongest, boldest cigar, not the most refined. But between you and me, that’s what makes Quai d’Orsay special. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s confident in its elegance, and that appeals to a specific type of smoker – usually one who’s been around the block a few times.
What time of day is best for smoking the No. 50?
Morning through mid-afternoon is ideal. The mild strength won’t interfere with the rest of your day, and those cedar and cream flavors really shine in earlier hours. I’ve smoked them in the evening too, usually before dinner rather than after. Post-dinner, I tend to want something with more oomph. But honestly? Smoke it whenever you want. One of the beautiful things about a well-balanced mild cigar is its versatility. I’ve had them on fishing trips at sunrise, during lunch breaks, and lazy Sunday afternoons. They’ve never disappointed, regardless of timing.
Final Thoughts on This Elegant Cuban
If you’ve made it this far, you can probably tell I have a soft spot for the Quai d’Orsay No. 50. It’s not the flashiest cigar in anyone’s humidor, and it won’t impress people who judge cigars solely by strength or brand recognition. But for those who appreciate subtlety, craftsmanship, and that distinctly elegant Cuban character without the aggressive nicotine punch, this is absolutely worth your time and attention.
The consistent construction, the smooth creamy smoke, those cedar and cocoa notes that develop beautifully across three distinct thirds – this is what cigar smoking should be about. Not ego, not strength competitions, just quality tobacco rolled by skilled hands and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Hear me out: add a five-pack to your next order. See if I’m wrong. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Whether you’re new to Cuban cigars or you’re a seasoned aficionado looking for something different from the usual suspects, the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s become one of my reliable go-tos, and that’s about the highest compliment I can give any cigar.
