Description
The afternoon light filtered through the humidor glass as I reached for what looked like an unassuming petit robusto. Its Colorado wrapper caught the light just so, smooth as silk between my fingers. That sweet herbal aroma mixed with something deeper—baking spices, maybe cedar—told me this wasn’t going to be another forgettable smoke.
I’d been curious about this particular Cuban for months, ever since Habanos reinvented the brand back in 2017. The weight felt perfect in my palm—all 10.34 grams of it—with that distinctive band catching my eye. Sometimes the best experiences come in smaller packages, and this 4.3-inch beauty was about to prove that point.
Flavor Journey Through Three Acts
The cold draw immediately revealed vanilla and citrus hints that had me eager to light up. Once the flame touched the foot, that first third opened with a symphony I wasn’t expecting.
Opening Third: Spring Awakening
Those citrus notes I’d caught on the cold draw bloomed into full lemon and orange zest, mixed with floral touches that reminded me of walking through a garden in May. But it wasn’t all delicate—baker’s spices provided the backbone, with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg dancing alongside cedar undertones. The strength stayed comfortably in mild-medium territory, never overwhelming but definitely present.
Middle Section: Creamy Complexity
Here’s where things got interesting. Hazelnut and bread roll notes emerged, creating this creamy texture that made each draw feel substantial. Those citrus and vanilla flavors reappeared like old friends, but now there was a distinct sweetness tying everything together. White and black pepper formed what I can only describe as a lively backbone—not harsh, just energetic. Softer hints of cedar, nutmeg, candied pecan, and toast rounded out the profile beautifully.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
If the first two thirds were impressive, the finale was outstanding. Lemon and orange zest returned with slight vanilla sweetness, but now there were leathery nuances adding depth. I caught touches of faint salted caramel—not overpowering, just enough to make me pause and appreciate the complexity. The finish brought orange spice before settling into sweet and earthy notes that lingered pleasantly.
Construction and Craftsmanship
Every aspect of this cigar screams quality craftsmanship. The smooth Colorado wrapper shows no visible veins or imperfections—exactly what you’d expect from the Carlos Balino factory’s “totalmente a Mano Tripa Larga” construction method. That’s totally handmade with long filler, for those keeping track.
The texture feels silky under your fingers, with just enough oil to indicate proper aging without being greasy. I’ve never had construction issues with these—the draw stays consistent, the burn line remains even, and the ash holds well throughout the 60-minute smoking experience.
All tobacco components come from Cuba’s premium Vuelta Abajo region, and honestly, you can taste the terroir. There’s something about Vuelta Abajo leaf that just can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 110mm (4.3 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Vitola | Petit Robusto (D No. 5) |
| Strength | Mild-Medium to Medium |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Wrapper | Smooth Colorado |
| Weight | 10.34 grams |
Who Should Add This to Their Wishlist
This cigar is perfect for smokers at all experience levels, which isn’t something I say lightly. Beginners will appreciate the mild-medium strength that won’t knock them over, while experienced aficionados will find plenty of complexity to keep things interesting.
It makes a fantastic companion to morning coffee or milder cocktails—I’ve enjoyed it both ways. The 60-minute smoking time is ideal when you want something substantial but don’t have the full afternoon that a churchill or double corona demands.
If you’re someone who typically reaches for a Montecristo or enjoys brands like Rocky Patel or Alec Bradley but wants to explore Cuban territory, this is an excellent entry point. It’s got enough character to stand out from the crowd without being challenging.
For those conducting a blind cigar test or writing a cigar review, this one offers enough complexity in that petit robusto format to keep you guessing and discovering new notes throughout.
Perfect Pairings
The mild-medium strength and complex flavor profile make this incredibly food and drink friendly. I’ve found that morning coffee brings out those vanilla and spice notes beautifully—try it with a medium roast Colombian or Ethiopian single origin.
For spirits, aged rum works wonderfully. Something like Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Mount Gay XO complements those citrus and vanilla notes without overpowering the delicate floral touches. If whiskey’s more your style, go for something smooth like Jameson 18 Year or a Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie.
Wine enthusiasts should consider a light to medium-bodied red—maybe a Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Oregon. The earthiness in the final third pairs surprisingly well with wine’s tannins.
For special occasions, I’ve paired this with champagne or cava. Those citrus notes create an unexpectedly harmonious combination with sparkling wine’s acidity.
Proper Storage and Aging
Like all Cuban cigars, these require careful attention to humidity and temperature. Maintain 65-70% relative humidity and temperatures between 65-70°F for optimal cigar preservation.
I’ve found these cigars benefit from at least six months of proper humidor aging after purchase. The flavors integrate beautifully over time—those citrus notes become more refined, and the spice elements develop greater complexity.
For long-term storage, consider using cedar-lined Spanish cedar trays. The wood helps regulate moisture while adding subtle aromatic qualities. If you’re serious about storage, invest in a quality humidor setup—proper humidor maintenance will reward you with perfectly conditioned cigars.
These cigars have excellent aging potential. I’ve smoked examples with two years of age that showed remarkable development—the vanilla becomes creamier, the citrus more integrated, and subtle leather notes emerge earlier in the smoking experience.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
With a 50 ring gauge, this petit robusto gives you several cutting options. I prefer a straight cut about 2mm from the cap, which provides excellent draw while preserving the wrapper integrity.
For lighting, take your time. The Colorado wrapper responds well to gentle toasting—hold your flame about an inch away and rotate slowly until the foot glows evenly. Don’t rush this process; proper lighting sets the stage for the entire smoking experience.
Once lit, take slow, measured draws. This isn’t a cigar you want to puff aggressively. The complex flavor profile reveals itself best with patience. I typically take a draw every 45-60 seconds, which maintains the ideal burn temperature without overheating the tobacco.
If you need to relight (though construction is usually excellent), gently ash the grey portion and toast the remaining tobacco before taking your first draw. This prevents bitter flavors from creeping into your experience.
For more detailed techniques, check out our guide on mastering Cuban cigar smoking.
Authentication Guide
With Cuban cigars commanding premium prices, knowing how to spot authentic examples is crucial. The Quai d’Orsay No. 50 features several key authentication markers.
First, examine the band carefully. Genuine bands show crisp printing with no color bleeding or fuzzy edges. The holographic seal should be present on the box, featuring the distinctive Habanos authentication hologram that changes appearance when viewed from different angles.
The box itself tells a story. Authentic boxes show precise construction with tight joints and high-quality printing. Look for the correct factory codes—these should reference Carlos Balino factory production.
The cigars themselves should feel substantial but not heavy, with that smooth Colorado wrapper showing consistent color. Authentic examples typically come in boxes of 10 and 25, never in other quantities for retail distribution.
When purchasing, buy only from authorized dealers. Our team at Cuban Cigars For Sale sources directly from authorized distributors, ensuring every cigar meets authentic standards.
Finally, consider the price. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Cuban cigars reflect the cost of premium tobacco and skilled craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 compare to other Cuban petit robustos?
The No. 50 stands out with its distinctive citrus and floral profile, which differs significantly from the earthier Partagás or the creamier Montecristo offerings. The strength stays consistently mild-medium, making it more approachable than some Cuban alternatives while still delivering complexity.
What’s the ideal aging time for peak flavor?
While enjoyable immediately, I’ve found these cigars hit their sweet spot after 18-24 months of proper humidor storage. The citrus notes integrate beautifully with the spice elements, and subtle leather undertones develop that aren’t present in younger examples.
Can beginners handle this cigar’s complexity?
Absolutely. The mild-medium strength makes it accessible for newer smokers, while the complex flavor profile provides an excellent education in Cuban tobacco character. It’s actually an ideal choice for someone transitioning from Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars to Cuban territory.
How does humidity affect the smoking experience?
This cigar is particularly sensitive to humidity levels. Over-humidified examples (above 72%) can mute those delicate floral and citrus notes, while under-humidified cigars (below 62%) tend to burn hot and lose the creamy texture in the middle third. The sweet spot is 65-68% relative humidity.
What makes the 2017 relaunch different from previous versions?
The updated packaging and redesigned bands are the most obvious changes, but the blend itself shows more consistency than earlier productions. Habanos clearly invested in quality control improvements, and the Carlos Balino factory construction shows remarkable consistency compared to pre-2017 examples.
Understanding the journey from plantation to perfection helps appreciate why these cigars represent such exceptional value in the Cuban market. Every element, from Vuelta Abajo soil to skilled craftsmanship, contributes to an experience that rewards both patience and attention to detail.
