Quai d'Orsay Belicoso Royal

[CaptainQuintero]

Just a quick review, the reasons will become apparent later..

A 2013 release but only hitting stores in January this year.

52 x 125

Good looking bunching at the foot but when clipped, the head of the cigar was almost solid. I kept clipping until the draw loosened but it literally went form plugged to windtunnel due to a large gap in the bunching. Again another example of Cuba seemingly just not having the rollers experienced to pull off piramides heads consistently. At least from my experience.

The first few draws deliver a very rich nutty cream with lots of berry fruit. Good start.

Sadly the youth or blending of the cigar shows after the first third and it becomes very muddy and acrid. Strong leather and earth. A very tangy citrus peel is prominent on the tip of the tongue throughout the rest of the cigar from this point however.

That first third was very nice but the final two thirds were really quite dire. But this did show all the signs of a very young cigar to me. Will revisit most probably in a years time as it will be Winter in 6 months down the line!

Sadly another use of the new QDO glossy band. Just looks cheap and plastic compared to the matt paper version on regular production. I can;t explain properly how naff and cheap this band being used on RE QDO is, especially when the regular production version is possibly the classiest band out there.

82/100 (Generous)

[BonVivant]

Thank you! The same experience here.

[Blakes]

Nice review Cap.

Couldn't agree more on the band, almost has a artificial limb pink hue to it.

I've only smoked one of these so far, it was the ugly duckling out of the sampler I got, rolled pretty loose with a dry wrapper. (I tend to find cigars like this smoke better sooner than ones that are tighter and have more oils)

I was actually surprised how well it tasted given the age, the youth didn't show up until the last third.. however Looking and smelling the others I don't think this'll be the case and probably won't touch them for a while.

[Rye]

While I would love to have this "double bander" in my stash, I will wait thanks to your honest review.

Thanks Cap'n!!!

[Ghabanos]

I also prefer the old band!!!

[MattW]

I picked up a couple in Paris at the weekend, may leave them a little while longer before giving them a go by the sound of it!

[Torch]

Right on with your comments as these definitely need down time.

[mk05]

Do you think this is a watered down BBF?

[Stevieboy]

I bought one today in Paris and smoked it on ave. Victor Hugo whilst watching the world go by: bloody marvellous it was too. Just goes to show how everyone's tastes are different! I bought a box off the back of it..

[CaptainQuintero]

Do you think this is a watered down BBF?

Interesting comment, I see a few similarities. There was no bran in the QDO for me though. But yeah I see what you mean. The blend seems very similar to the QDO Asia Pacific release, maybe a little heavier but that could be the cigar I smoked. I've two left from the box split of thes, it is probably time to revisit the Asia Pacific release soon too. (Same issues for me)

[Maplepie]

Oh thank the lord. I just passed on a few of these after hearing about how good they were...

I now don't regret that at all

[Lotusguy]

I'd still love to get a box...

[Skyfall]

I'd like to see how these are in 3-5 years for sure!

[CaptainQuintero]

For the price (13 euro) imo it's a no-brainer; grab the coronas!

I'm looking forward to seeing how they progress as QDO is one of my favorites, but I'm not going to go looking for a box

[dangolf18]

Thanks you just saved me quite some money. The previous QDO RE Francia was very good.

[jvel79]

I've been very intrigued about this regional release. I have read a lot of good things about it. Since I haven't tried this brand yet. I think I'll try their regular production before trying to pick this up.

[CaptainQuintero]

I've been very intrigued about this regional release. I have read a lot of good things about it. Since I haven't tried this brand yet. I think I'll try their regular production before trying to pick this up

I'd certainly recommend the regular production, wonderful cigars!

[jvel79]

I'd certainly recommend the regular production, wonderful cigars!

Im hoping my first box purchase will a PSP or HQ from the Pres!! Here's keeping my fingers crossed.

[CaptainQuintero]

Im hoping my first box purchase will a PSP or HQ from the Pres!! Here's keeping my fingers crossed.

Don't be put off by PE standard, it is still very good quality. Certainly better than 90% of EMS cigars I have bought that have been 'hand picked by specially trained professionals'

You certainly won't be disappointed by any PE standard boxes.

[jvel79]

Don't be put off by PE standard, it is still very good quality. Certainly better than 90% of EMS cigars I have bought that have been 'hand picked by specially trained professionals'

You certainly won't be disappointed by any PE standard boxes.

Thanks CaptainQuintero I will take your advice and pull the trigger on a box of coronas

[ChanceSchmerr]

Home at last from Greece, Smoking one now that a friend picked up while in Paris last week. Very tasty indeed, with none of the construction issues noted by others. Blend is very similar to the AP RE (I never got to try the other French RE QDO). I would heartily pick up at least one box the next time I have the opportunity. I've got three singles left that my friend picked up for me, and I look forward to each and every one!