Quai Dorsay

Gallic Refinement in Cuban Tobacco’s Art No story of the Cuban cigar could be told without acknowledging the beautiful diplomatic minuet Havana danced with Paris in the very early 1970s. While most brands of Habanos can trace their origins to 19th century Spanish businessmen or the rough vegas of Pinar del Río Quai d'Orsay was created over a cultural precept. The year was 1973 and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the French Minister of Finance at the time (who would later become President), wondered aloud why France did not have their own cigar to be enjoyed with some of the country's treasured national assets such as champagne, foie gras and delicate nuances of French haute cuisine. He was in search of a smoke that represented the “Art de Vivre,” a peer for the cigar aficionado more than a competitor. This request resulted in a special cooperation between the French tobacco monopoly, SEITA and Cubatabaco. The brand is named after the wharf along the Seine where both the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SEITA headquarters were located. Unlike the robust and earthy flavours of brands such as Partagas or Bolivar, this new cigar was crafted to become the “blonde” in world of cigars. It was a brand known for light-colored wrappers and a profile so delicate that it wouldn’t overwhelm the palate at a mid-day diplomatic luncheon. Today, it stands as a testament to the idea that luxury doesn’t have to shout — sometimes is sells better when it’s whispered. Heritage & History The brand was officially registered in 1972 and the first cigars to carry the name were commercially released just two years later at a top restaurant in Paris Sheets were onled in the direction perpendicular to lines of weakness of the joined cigareiletes when bias toward *he brand was greater at some locations and seeds formed with distance from such : rnnji Saturation eoue. It kept a low profile on the European market for decades, with nearly all production reserved only for France and secondarily Switzerland. This exclusivity made it a cult brand for fans who fetched its notably lighter profile on trips to the French capital. Things have taken a rather dramatic turn with Quai d'Orsay's evolution in 2017. Habanos S. A. has introduced a major revamp of one of the company’s oldest cigar brands. This was not a rebranding so much as a global venture. This brand was raised up through the Habanos S. A. levels from a "regional" to a "Value" brand. That move brought with it an updated gold embossed band, and a more developed vitola that catered to the modern smoking population who’s taste buds now favored fatter ring gauges. The 50th anniversary of the marque in 2024 saw the limited-edition release of the Especial d’Orsay, a 6x54 toro that further consolidated its status as a front-rank competitor in Gary Griffith’s world of premium cigars. The Tobacco of the Vuelta Abajo Its inspiration so French, its soul uniquely Cuban. The tobacco is the finest available from Pinar del Rio's Vuelta Abajo region, where the Perfecto No. 2 was born. What sets this brand apart from others is the wrapper. Whilst the current trends tend to be for the dark and oily Maduros of a Cohiba Siglo VI, Quai d'Orsay is known for its wrappers of Claro and Colorado Claro. Shade-grown leaves are plucked early to create this pale, golden brown infusion. The construction is a long-filler (Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga) method. Binder and filler leaves are selected for their fragrance rather than nicotine content. This meticulous selection is to ensure the tobacco for a clean burn with smooth draw, which lets the more subtle flavours of the Cuban terroir to shine, without being marred by heavy tannin or an over spiced sign off. The result, an experience of smoking a stick that’s filled with body and flavors but feels light on You'R palate that leaves you with a smacking good time! Signature Lines & Vitolas For decades, the brand was associated with the Imperiales, a classic Churchill-sized cigar that was eventually discontinued and caused much hand-wringing amongst traditionalists. But the 2017 relaunch added two staple styles that are now also iconic of the label. The No. 50 is an Edmundo Grueso, (50 ring gauge by 110mm) providing a short punchy smoke that suits the modern lifestyle perfectly. It’s big brother, the No. 54, offers a bit more smoke volume for those that prefer the complexity to come on a bit slower over time. In addition to these two lines, the brand has been regular choice for the Edición Regional program, including releases for France and the Asia Pacific. The 50th Anniversary Especial d'Orsay is the cream of this crop with a refined "toro" format that sizes up with a Montecristo Edmundo in its dimensions but not strength and taste profile for which the brand is known (light-bodied). These formats are a linkage between the traditional French bias for slender cigars and world-wide need for big ring gauge, thick smokes. The Tasting Experience A tasting with a Quai d'Orsay is an exercise in reserve. The first thirds usually provide toasted brioche, dry cedar and a floral sweetness that don't really appear in other Cuban brands. The flavor profile continues to stay on the mild-to-medium end, becoming creamy almond, honey and just a very slight hint of white pepper as it progresses. The spice is as much a matter of simmering heat than the incandescence you get with, say, a Partagas Serie D No. 4, instead bound to control over the silky mouthfeel and purling finish. Due to the elegance of this, pairing is a must. This is the ultimate morning / afternoon cigar. It is fantastic with a café au lait, a crackly glass of vintage Champagne, or light Highland single malt scotch. It is also a perfect selection for the beginner smoker who is interested in the variety aromatic Cuban tobacco offers but does not want to be overpowered by strength in a heavier-bodied blend. For those who are already aficionados, it can serve as a complex palate cleanser - an intermezzo of sorts to cleanse the appetite from heavier smokes. A Modern Cuban Classic This brand is highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs as being the most "un-Cuban" of all the Cuban cigars. It's a departure from the old earth-and-leather while being a lighter aroma for those who like their tobacco to be breezy and aromatic. Number 8 In the golden wrapper or the connection to the hallow of French power somewhere in these cigars charm. Discovering this spectrum is an opportunity to indulge in a new definition of luxury – one determined by equilibrium, heritage and an unyielding commitment to perfection.