Quai D’Orsay No. 54 Prelight
Quai D’Orsay is a relatively new brand in the Cuban portfolio. It was founded in 1973 in an attempt to make a brand catered to the French palate. The name Quai D’Orsay comes the Parisian avenue by the edge of the River Seine.
The Quai D’Orsay No. 54, more often referred to as the QD54, comes in the Edmundo Grueso vitola. Similar to a modern toro, it’s 5 3/8″ x 54. The blend is made entirely of Cuban tobacco, and Habanos has virtually nothing else to say about the blend. This specific example has small but prominent veins, and a bit of a tear in the wrapper, which I’m almost certain happened in my humidor. The tear is very minimal and doesn’t puncture the wrapper though, so I don’t believe it’ll effect performance. A punch cut shows a draw that is just a bit too snug for my preference, but seems like it should be serviceable. The cold draw is showing notes of salt, and some natural tobacco sweetness. This was dry boxed for 14 hours prior to smoking.
Quai D’Orsay No. 54 First Third
Big notes of milky coffee, and brioche at the start of the cigar. There’s also a touch of saline on the lips. I can’t tell if it’s the brand or just the profile itself, but I immediately feel like I’ve been transported to a Parisian Café. The palate is toasty brioche, honey, and salt. The retrohale is cappuccino, and a touch of floral spice. The smoke output is very strong, and construction seems great so far. There’s a lingering coffee finish, with a slightly wispy smoke texture. The profile here in the first third could be summed up as a honey latte, and brioche. Very unique, and very tasty so far!
Quai D’Orsay No. 54 Second Third
The second third essentially the same as the first, but with a bit of a flavor ramp up. The palate tones are all cream, honey, and salty brioche. The retro is cappuccino, and floral spice. This is a very classy cigar, and would be an excellent pairing for a morning cup of coffee. I’m starting to pick up on some sweet peanut butter notes in the background. The blend is very linear, but when it’s this tasty I really do not mind. The burn line is also a bit ugly, but see the prior statement.
Quai D’Orsay No. 54 Final Third
In the final third, we’re losing a bit of sweetness, and cream, but the blend is still keeping it’s pace. The coffee and peanut butter notes are taking over the creamy tones. The palate is showing toasty brioche, salt, and peanut butter. The retro is all coffee bean, vanilla, and a bit more of the floral spice. The blend is very close to tasting like a peanut butter croissant. Past the band the nutty flavors begin to dip, and the woody, coffee tones are the dominant flavors. I put this one down with just under an inch left.
Quai D’Orsay No. 54 Conclusions
Quai D’orsay somehow manages to fly under the radar for many Cuban cigar enthusiasts while possessing a strong cult following. I may be joining that cult. The blend was delicious and very well executed. This cigar really took me to a roadside café in Paris. Cappuccino, honey, and pastry tones were the big take-aways from this one. This may be one of the best “good morning” cigars I’ve ever smoked. I’d pick some up if you haven’t already, and if you have…you don’t need me to tell you.
