Let's look into refinement and complexity with the Quai d'Orsay Especial d'Orsay
A Gentle Dance of Flavor and Elegance
Hello dear reader,
The Quai D’Orsay brand may not be the loudest voice in the Cuban cigar world, but it’s one that has its own quiet elegance. Founded in 1973, Quai D’Orsay was originally crafted for the French market, known for its softer, more refined flavor profiles. Over the years, the brand has developed a following among those who appreciate a cigar that offers sophistication without overwhelming strength. A brand created with Champagne pairings in mind is never a brand to ignore. Their latest release, Especial D’Orsay, is a perfect example of that balance.
The Quai D’Orsay Especial D’Orsay is a cigar that immediately catches your eye. Its wrapper is a light, golden-brown color, what we call a claro, smooth and slightly oily to the touch. There’s a subtle sheen that reflects the care put into the construction. The wrapper is flawless, with almost no visible veins and a near-perfect cap. It’s rolled into a Sobresalientes vitola, measuring 53 ring gauge by 153mm, a size that offers a lengthy and refined smoking experience.
Holding it in hand, it feels balanced—neither too heavy nor too light. The ring gauge feels elegant between the fingers, making it ideal for those who appreciate a thicker format. The construction is firm, with just the right amount of give when you press gently along its length.
After a clean cut, I took a moment to enjoy the cold draw. The first impression was a soft, honeyed sweetness, immediately reminding me of the brand’s signature smoothness. Alongside the sweetness, there was a delicate layer of hay and cedar, with a faint hint of dried fruit in the background—perhaps dates. The draw itself was effortless, with just enough resistance to let you know the construction is sound. It’s the kind of cold draw that sets your expectations high.
Lighting up the Especial D’Orsay, I was greeted with a burst of light pepper on the tip of my tongue, quickly mellowed by a creamy, almost buttery texture. The cedar notes from the cold draw were present but subtle, allowing a more floral character to emerge as the cigar settled in. The cedar grew its presence, giving the smoke a brightness that balanced beautifully with the softer, creamier notes.
The smoke was delicate but flavorful—never overwhelming, but rich enough to keep your attention. It’s a cigar that starts with a gentle introduction.
The first moment was a continuation of the creamy, floral profile that started at the light-up. The pepper faded quickly, allowing softer flavors to take center stage. Hints of almonds appeared, mingling with the ongoing floral sweetness. The smoke itself was smooth and cool, coating the palate gently without being too intense. The cedar note that appeared earlier remained in the background, adding a touch of class to each puff.
The cigar began to deepen in flavor. The floral notes took a step back, and a richer, more toasted character started to develop. Almonds gave way to toasted bread and hints of caramel, adding complexity without losing the cigar’s inherent smoothness. The cedar wasn't subtle anymore, it became more pronounced, anchoring the sweetness with a pleasant earthiness. I noticed the retrohale brought out a light spice, almost like cinnamon, adding an unexpected but welcome layer of warmth.
The second and final moment was where the Especial D’Orsay truly revealed its complexity. The creamy, nutty flavors gave way to darker, more robust notes. There was a hint of cocoa, and the caramel evolved into a deeper molasses-like sweetness. The cedar remained steady, balancing the sweetness with a touch of bitterness, reminiscent of dark chocolate. The smoke thickened slightly, but never became harsh, it was a gentle crescendo, leading to a smooth, satisfying finish.
Pairing Recommendations
For an alcoholic pairing, I recommend enjoying the Quai D’Orsay Especial D’Orsay with a glass of aged rum—specifically, something like Edmundo Dantes or a Havana Club Don Navarro. The sweetness and depth of the rum will complement the creamy, nutty flavors of the cigar, while its spiced finish will enhance the subtle pepper and woodiness.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try pairing this cigar with a high-quality oolong tea. The floral notes of the tea will play beautifully with the cigar’s lighter, more delicate flavors, while the tea’s natural earthiness will provide balance to the creamier, toasted elements of the smoke.
I chose a glass of Champagne and a creamy coffee, you can never go wrong with coffee, can you?
I enjoy Champagne and cigars and you should definitely give this pairing a try.
The Quai D’Orsay Especial D’Orsay is a cigar for those who appreciate refinement over power. It’s a slow, delicate journey through flavors that evolve with grace, offering complexity without ever becoming overwhelming. This cigar provides an experience that’s worth savoring to the very end.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company, until we meet again.