Quai D'Orsay Coronas POS April 07 Colorado Claro

[ewipper]

Rob asked me in our very first conversation, "Eddie, what are your favorite marcas?". I answered, Juan Lopez, QDO, and Punch. Incredulous about the virtues of this post-revolution marca and factory vagabond, Rob asked point blank what I liked about these. Being least articulate about the cigars I love and smoke almost entirely with my heart, I searched for the words. Effervescent, sweet, and floral, I answered, like a great champagne. Blended to perfection for me, I continued, to suit slow smoking intended to refresh after a hard day's work.

So I came across a box purchased from Rob, my least favorite presentation of the brand, the Corona, and I tentatively dipped in to check on its progress, slightly before the five year mark I struggle for in my religious zeal to smoke and age more like Zino.

Sometimes, and with Coronas especially so, I find that Quai D'Orsay is an expression of its factory and not its marca. This is less true of Gran Coronas, the crown jewel of the marca, which is truer to the aromatic floral intent of this French market exclusive. Indeed, Coronas were at home when steeped in Romeo tobaccos floral wrapper and beany seco at the turn of the century.

This box smells of dried pungent fruit on the cusp of maturation, the turning for which agers strive. And from the cut, the dry draw rings with honey and a sweet sugary spice. As the edge of the flame jumps to singe the wrapper, the surrounding area is uplifted with daisies and daffodils and just a touch of talcum. This cigar is going to be a symphony.

The Partagas tobacco is unmistakable throughout. Not the cliched black pepper blended and picked for the Western palate, but the wonderful floral perfume in the finish of the great La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 2s with a decade of age. Indeed, were the perfume any stronger, it could be described as soapy, the downfall of poorly fermented Partagas factory cigars, but not so as it stops just short of that.

In the center of the palate, in the roof of the mouth, more Partagas. Sweet, intensely gritty and syrupy fruit, almost like date paste garnished with rock candy. And did I mention the finish. Because the finish does not end.

Still too powerful to be described as ready, the final third smokes like a cigar that has matured. Only slight traces of acid that would normally plague this vitola when fresh, with a finish that is unyielding. These are not the cigars of the Romeo factory, which could only be described as nectar and sugar cane, but they are the essence of Quai D'Orsay, effervescent, sweet, and simple enough to give pleasure and to relax.

Why do I love Quai D'Orsay? Because it treats me right and it serves, always.

[PigFish]

Wonderful review and very nicely written. I am glad to see these cigars get more ink. I have always loved the Coronas Claro, actually my favorite of the brand. These are excellent cigars and I think '07 was a great year for them.

Cheers, Piggy

[El Presidente]

Eddie, that would go down as one of the top 10 reviews in FOH history

The word "Passion" is overused these days....but you have it in spades.

[Ghabanos]

This fricken fantastic... Your words Painted a perfect picture in my mind...

[investandprosper]

Eddie, with the writing ability you have, I wish you would post more

Very well done, I felt that I was smoking one along with you.

[Vortigan]

Very well done, I felt that I was smoking one along with you.

I'll second that! Wonderfully articulated

[android]

Very nice

[beamer]

Excellent review. Sounds like a delicious cigar.

[nonameno]

Hello Eddie,

Wonderful review. Why is the corona your least favorite of this marqa, and how do the other vitolas compare to this one? Does this marqa generally need at least 5 years age?

There has been a number of postings concerning QdO lately, and it has certainly piqued my interest in a cigar I might otherwise have never even noticed or considered. I am intrigued by smaller market production cigars vs the more main stream variety.

Thank you for sharing with us,

Curtiss

[riazp]

Wonderful review, thank you!

[CUBANO]

Great review, glad I purchased a box.

[laficion]

This box smells of dried pungent fruit on the cusp of maturation, the turning for which agers strive. And from the cut, the dry draw rings with honey and a sweet sugary spice. As the edge of the flame jumps to singe the wrapper, the surrounding area is uplifted with daisies and daffodils and just a touch of talcum. This cigar is going to be a symphony.

In the center of the palate, in the roof of the mouth, more Partagas. Sweet, intensely gritty and syrupy fruit, almost like date paste garnished with rock candy. And did I mention the finish. Because the finish does not end.

Why do I love Quai D'Orsay? Because it treats me right and it serves, always.

For years I've been trying to describe QuaiD'Orsay. YOU Eddie, have taken the sensuous and put it into words.

Bravo l'ami

[Orion21]

Your words created a beautiful portrait of the cigar. Wonderful review.

[BobKincaid]

It's reviews like this that make one consider marcas one might not otherwise try. Nicely, intelligently and knowingly written. Like those of the boys on the deck, this review has an authenticity that exudes trustworthiness.

It's much more likely now that I'll put QdO on the list.

Thanks!

[Van55]

I'd say the review is every bit as floral as the cigar! LOL

[khomeinist]

Gotta agree with Van (RIP). We need a purple font for certain reviews.

Love the Gran Coronas though.

[oldirtyewok]

Very well written Eddie. I enjoyed painting the picture in my head!

[alloy]

Awesome review. I've smoked all but one from a 13 box I got from Rob. Even young, these smoke just like the reviewer said.

[bresdogsr]

Great review. Have only had one from '13, but I get what everyone is talking about. Making sure I put some away to age.