Description
Indulge in the understated elegance of the **Quai d’Orsay No. 50**, a Cuban Petit Robusto that delivers a captivating, mild-to-medium smoking experience. This meticulously crafted cigar, with its signature **50 ring gauge**, offers a symphony of refined flavors, including delicate **cedar, vanilla, citrus zest, and hints of floral sweetness**. Experience the quintessential Gallic charm in every puff, a testament to the artistry of Habanos S.A.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 | 10 |
| Packaging Type | Varnished wooden box | Varnished wooden box |
| Ideal For | Stocking your humidor, sharing with friends, extended enjoyment | Sampling the blend, gifting, occasional indulgence |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (when stored properly) | Excellent (when stored properly) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Petit Robusto |
| Length | 110 mm (4 3/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban, Colorado |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban |
| Strength | Light to Mild-Medium |
| Body | Light to Medium |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Factory | Cuba, Habanos S.A. |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Born in 1973, Quai d’Orsay holds a unique place in the world of Cuban cigars. Named after the prestigious Quai d’Orsay avenue in Paris, home to the former French tobacco authority SEITA (Tabacalera), the brand was initially conceived to cater specifically to the discerning tastes of the French market. From its inception, Quai d’Orsay cigars were characterized by their lighter body, exquisite craftsmanship, and the use of light wrappers, resulting in an aromatic profile with subtle woody and dry notes.
The brand underwent a significant transformation in 2017 when Habanos S.A. relaunched Quai d’Orsay globally. This revitalization included the introduction of thicker vitolas, such as the No. 50 and No. 54, updated packaging and bands, and a reblended profile designed to appeal to modern palates. Despite these changes, Quai d’Orsay has retained its inherent Gallic charm and commitment to understated luxury, making it a favorite among those who appreciate sophistication and subtlety in their smoking experience.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial puffs of the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 greet the palate with a delightful burst of freshness. Dominant notes of bright **citrus (lemon and orange zest)** intermingle with delicate **floral nuances** and a creamy **cedar** base. The strength is mild-medium, creating an inviting and intoxicating introduction reminiscent of spring blossoms.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses, the flavor profile evolves gracefully. The **cedar** becomes more pronounced, complemented by the sweet warmth of **vanilla** and a subtle spice of **cinnamon**. Hints of **hazelnut** and freshly baked **bread** emerge, while the lingering **citrus** adds a touch of brightness. A whisper of white pepper on the retrohale provides a gentle counterpoint to the overall sweetness, maintaining a medium strength.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final third, the flavors intensify and converge into a harmonious blend. The **citrus zest** becomes more concentrated, beautifully balanced by the creamy **vanilla** sweetness. All the preceding notes meld together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and outstanding finish. The strength remains at a comfortable medium, providing a satisfying culmination to the smoking experience.
Finish
The Quai d’Orsay No. 50 leaves a clean and lingering aftertaste of sweet **vanilla-citrus**, accompanied by subtle **woody spices**. This nuanced and relaxing finish makes it an ideal cigar for daily luxury, offering a memorable and refined smoking experience.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Citrus Zest |
| Secondary Notes | Vanilla, Floral, Cinnamon |
| Tertiary Notes | Hazelnut, Baking Spices, Bread |
| Finish | Sweet Vanilla-Citrus, Woody Spice |
| Aroma | Sweet Herbal, Warm Baking Spices, Cedar |
Aging and Collector Value
The Quai d’Orsay No. 50, crafted with premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco, possesses excellent aging potential. While enjoyable fresh, this cigar truly shines with a few years of maturation. Over time, the flavors deepen and become more complex, revealing layers of sweetness and savoriness. Expect the emergence of nuanced notes such as salted caramel praline, all while maintaining its inherent light elegance.
Optimal aging for the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 is between 1 and 3 years. During this period, the floral, citrus, and woody notes evolve into a symphony of refined flavors. To preserve its quality and enhance its aging process, store the cigar in a humidity-controlled humidor at 65-72% RH and 65-70°F. Tubed options can provide an added layer of protection. Collectors will appreciate the post-2017 reblend, which supports a flavorful evolution, making this cigar a worthwhile addition to any collection.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Rum | Amplifies the cigar’s inherent sweetness and adds complementary notes of caramel and spice. |
| Cognac | Enhances the cigar’s vanilla and citrus notes, creating a luxurious and harmonious pairing. |
| Light Whiskey (e.g., Irish Whiskey) | Provides a subtle spice that complements the cigar’s cedar and cinnamon notes. |
| Espresso | The bold coffee flavor cuts through the cigar’s sweetness, highlighting the cedar and floral notes. |
| Sparkling Wine (e.g., Champagne) | The effervescence cleanses the palate, allowing the cigar’s delicate flavors to shine. |
| Earl Grey Tea | The citrus notes in the tea mirror the cigar’s zest, creating a refreshing and balanced pairing. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when investing in fine Cuban cigars. Rest assured, every Quai d’Orsay No. 50 we offer is guaranteed to be 100% genuine, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. To ensure your peace of mind, here are key features to verify the authenticity of your purchase:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – A sophisticated holographic seal is affixed to the box, featuring intricate designs and anti-counterfeiting measures.
- Box Code Verification – Each box is stamped with a unique code that can be verified through the Habanos S.A. website or app.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the factory stamp on the bottom of the box, indicating the origin and date of production.
- Triple Cap – Authentic Cuban cigars feature a distinctive triple cap, a hallmark of skilled craftsmanship.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar purchased from us fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. We have been a trusted source for collectors since 2015, committed to providing only the finest and most authentic Cuban cigars.
Explore More Cuban Cigars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strength of the Quai d’Orsay No. 50?
The Quai d’Orsay No. 50 is classified as a light to mild-medium strength cigar. It offers a balanced and approachable smoking experience, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cigar aficionados.
How long does the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 take to smoke?
The estimated smoking time for the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 is approximately 60 minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon smoke or a sophisticated after-dinner indulgence.
What vitola is the Quai d’Orsay No. 50?
The Quai d’Orsay No. 50 is a Petit Robusto, also known as a D No. 5 or Montesco in factory terms. This popular vitola measures 110 mm (4 3/8 inches) in length with a 50 ring gauge.
Is the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 a good cigar for beginners?
Yes, the Quai d’Orsay No. 50 is an excellent choice for beginners. Its mild-to-medium strength and approachable flavor profile make it a welcoming introduction to the world of premium Cuban cigars. The refined and elegant notes are complex enough to be interesting, but not overpowering to a new smoker.
