Quai D'Orsai

Quai d'Orsay is a favorite landing place for cigar smokers wanting a milder, more refined Cuban cigar experience. The cigars came about when France's tobacco industry requested a Cuban cigar that better matched the mellow, yet sophisticated character French cigar smokers prefer. The brand was announced in 1973 to the delight of French cigar smokers and enthusiasts throughout Europe. While the brand developed a loyal following through its early years, Quai d'Orsay did not achieve the same status as other more famous Cuban cigars, such as Cohiba or Montecristo. However, with a brand makeover in 2017, Quai d'Orsay has reasserted itself as one of the great Cuban brands that earned its place next to the Cuban cigar greats.

Quai d'Orsay refers to the quay and avenue that stretches along the Seine's left bank in the heart of Paris. Here, you will find the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Assembly, and other government buildings. This included the former seat of France's tobacco monopoly, which was instrumental in creating the Quai d'Orsay brand. While heavily influenced by French tastes, Quai d'Orsay is a connoisseur's favorite rooted in its Cuban heritage. The cigars continue to garner acclaim from critics and aficionados worldwide.

Today, Quai d'Orsay cigars are handmade alongside Partagas, Bolivar, Ramon Allones and La Gloria Cubana cigars at Havana's Carlos Balino factory, which initially gained fame as the El Rey del Mundo factory. Expert cigar rollers use mellow yet flavorful tobaccos from the famous Vuelta Abajo region to craft each Quai d'Orsay cigar. Each cigar offers a silky smooth representation of Cuba's best tobaccos, maintaining balance and refinement from first draw to last. Favorites like the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro deliver pleasantly approachable smokes highlighted by cedar, earth, graham cracker, leather, pepper, honey, citrus, and caramel flavors.

If you are searching for a smooth and tasty change of pace from Cuba's other, more robust options, the Quai d'Orsay brand is a must. Likewise, if you are exploring Cuban cigars for the first time, then Quai d'Orsay cigars are a perfect jumping-off point. You'll be treated to a classic Cuban cigar-smoking journey that pumps the brakes on strength without sacrificing taste, complexity, and smoothness.