Quai D'Orsay - Corona (ULA SEP 14)

[jholen]

Cigar: Quai D’Orsay Corona (ULA SEP ’14)

Box Code: ULA SEP ‘14

Date: 7/9/15

Size: 5.6” x 42

Visual/Olfactory:

Colorado wrapper, moderate pack with no noticeably/felt soft spots. Off the wrapper I got a oily/rusty/wood mixture, almost reminiscent of a railroad tie/wood? I didn’t get much of anything off the foot, primarily was smelling the wrapper. Pre-light (single v-cut) gave way to a moderately restricted draw, though not too tight, and maybe a very slight hint of spice? I didn’t pick much else up and had to search for the spice I did find.

First Third:

Started off with a very subtle spice and maybe some hinting of wood on the forefront of the draw. I struggle to really place the spice flavor – not enough to really pinpoint. There was a slight hint of creamy/sweetness though it faded quick. I picked up on what I might think is some nutmeg/nut character + spice mixture towards the end of the first third.

Second Third:

The spice built in this portion and I noted it seemed more dynamic. The burn required a bit of touching up which continued through the smoke. I had one draw in this portion of the smoke that definitely had a very sweet character to it, but it only occurred once and I couldn’t really place the “sweet” flavor. Towards the end of the second third I got what might have been some sea salt/savory notes though was limited to two or three draws.

Final Third:

Final third featured much of the same, subtle spice beginnings of some heat but really no bitterness. Towards the nub it needed a relight and finished off with some very slight hints of sweet/nutty/spice.

Smoking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Drink Pairing: Water

Strength: None detected – smoked mid-afternoon after a sizeable lunch.

Final Thoughts: Certainly an enjoyable cigar though I struggled to really discern any distinct flavors throughout. I had hinting of wood (primarily on the forefront of the draws in which I got it), nut/nutmeg, sweet/cream, and predominantly a spice character I struggled to really identify. There was no bitterness and the burn seemed to lag behind on one side requiring about three touch-ups. There doesn’t seem to be much on the internet regarding this cigar but the little that is there suggests that this cigar has very good aging potential, where it really blossoms. I’ve been interested in this one for awhile and still am though wouldn’t see myself buying this if I was only picking up one box – I’d opt for something else if that were the case.

Final Rating: Would purchase again: box – I could see this being a box purchase, when bought along with two or three other boxes that I feel smoke more readily (Party Shorts/BRC/BPC/etc), with the intent to age/sample as it ages to see the progression. I don’t feel you’d get that benefit simply going with a fiver, the price is pretty reasonable, and it was a ‘decent’ cigar as is with nothing negative to really note minus the burn (high temps here, guessing it is largely storage conditions as my normal storage is 64F/62% and I’m at 70F/64%).

Possible Ratings:

• Wouldn't smoke again: it just doesn't interest you
• Would smoke again: experienced possible construction issue and or anomaly/flaw/dud/etc, worth another try to confirm
• Would smoke again: possible change of storage conditions (temp/RH) might improve the experience
• Would smoke again: cigar was clearly too young and after letting age it might improve
• Would smoke again: if received from someone
• Would purchase again: single or special occasion smoke
• Would purchase again: in smaller quantities
• Would purchase again: box
• Would purchase again: multiple boxes

[Stogieninja]

Nice review, and a great cigar. They are amazing with some downtime. Not talked about a lot outside of CC forums, but well loved. On the mild side, but great.

[westg]

very comprehensive review and great pictures as well ..beautifully done

[parabola66]

I have heard this is one cigar that almost requires 3-5 years down. I had one that I bought a single of... Definitely a good cigar with potential to be stellar. I would probably buy a box if it showed up in the 24:24.

[JohnS]

Nice review of an under-rated cigar and mild with light, delicate flavours which you've described well. I would add that the slight spice has a citrus tang in this cigar.

[jholen]

Nice review, and a great cigar. They are amazing with some downtime. Not talked about a lot outside of CC forums, but well loved. On the mild side, but great.

Thanks - yeah after smoking I poked around the net, and on here, and didn't see much discussion.

very comprehensive review and great pictures as well ..beautifully done

Thanks.

I have heard this is one cigar that almost requires 3-5 years down. I had one that I bought a single of... Definitely a good cigar with potential to be stellar. I would probably buy a box if it showed up in the 24:24.

For me, I'm just starting the transition from 90% NC and 10% CC to a more balanced level, so I don't have quite the stock yet, hence why I said I could only see myself picking these up along with two or three other boxes.

Nice review of an under-rated cigar and mild with light, delicate flavours which you've described well. I would add that the slight spice has a citrus tang in this cigar.

Thanks. Yeah I found the one flavor profile discussion thread on here but only peeked after I'd finished, I try to avoid reading up too much prior to smoking. Yeah, the spice just seemed masked, really hard to pinpoint. I could see some possible citrus though, but that nutmeg really shined through on two draws, but then was gone.

[fabes]

Love these! Fresh, rested and well aged. Had a handful with ~10 yrs and they were pure class. Worth loading up if you like the profile.

[jholen]

Love these! Fresh, rested and well aged. Had a handful with ~10 yrs and they were pure class. Worth loading up if you like the profile.

How does the flavor for you change with that much age?

[FalseCast]

Good review of one of my favorite cigars. Their delicate nature dictates the time and place they should be enjoyed, I think.

[fabes]

How does the flavor for you change with that much age?

I only had a few with that much age on them, but those were well balanced creamy and rich and velvety smooth. Then again I am biased as this is one of my favorites.

[Kyoung]

Love the look of that lighter! What kind is it?

[jholen]

Love the look of that lighter! What kind is it?

It's a pipe light, Kiribi Kabuto, (available from smokingpipes.com) - recently sold it for a torch, as it would easily go out in the wind, though was a great indoor lighter.

[Destino30]

I've recently become quite enthused with QDO, both these Coronas and the Imperiales. I've only had the 2014 Coronas and really enjoyed them. I'm trying to let a bunch of them rest but I don't have the patience to do that. Too enjoyable right now.

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