Qd'O Imperiales

[GavLew79]

So, are these discontinued?

CCW says No.  http://cubancigarwebsite.com/list.aspx?&brandid=;27;&specialtype=Current_Production;&includeimages=True&sortorder=noorder

But I've heard elsewhere (some on here) say that they are. 

Thanks

Gav

[JohnS]

I believe the Quai d’Orsay Imperiales was last seen in the second half of 2014. Confirmed by @El Presidente in the following thread...

 

[potpest]

It was confirmed they were discontinued. But then Fonseca Nr1 were and then they reappeared. Who knows what's discontinued these days.

Sent from my Wileyfox Swift using Tapatalk

[GavLew79]

Thanks Gents. Should have searched first. 

[JohnS]

3 minutes ago, GavLew79 said:

Thanks Gents. Should have searched first. 

It's good to bring it up anyway. I know that @billh1 has raved about them only recently in the Daily Smoke thread. I've not been fortunate enough to sample this Churchill-sized cigar, but for those of you who have, how do they differ from the Coronas Claro, which I've appreciated for their mild, tangy flavour (akin to orange zest)?

[oliverdst]

It was offered some months ago in 24:24 but I cant remember the year code.

[Fugu]

You never know....

Problem is that HSA delists vitolas but almost never announces a cigar as being "discontinued" (as to my info from retailers). You only know for sure when they don't reappear... . Different case were the 'mopping up'-operations effected by Altadis etc. I guess Rob will be able to shed a light on this.

Great lighter-bodied cigar, I like it. @JohnS the imperiales has a very similar aromatic characteristic (for me, in the floral/herbal-nutty realm, but generally light toasted tobacco), but quite typical for a Julieta, starting out much milder than the Coronas (which is a touch more on the earthy-side, in partic. when with some age on it), going up to a solid under-medium. Too light for some, you have to like and appreciate it. For me a very nice, relaxing and 'refreshing' (as MRN sais, I can somehow agree with that) - change of pace cigar. Latest production (2014) has been very good quality-wise. And although lighter in body, aging nicely as to my experience.

[billh1]

3 hours ago, JohnS said:

It's good to bring it up anyway. I know that @billh1 has raved about them only recently in the Daily Smoke thread. I've not been fortunate enough to sample this Churchill-sized cigar, but for those of you who have, how do they differ from the Coronas Claro, which I've appreciated for their mild, tangy flavour (akin to orange zest)?

My impression was it has the same basic flavour profile but with more intensity and depth.  Definetly more complex...Corona Claro on steroids!  Worth seeking one out to sample.

Cheers!

Bill

[earthson]

Tobacco supply is short due to a couple years of bad weather, fungi, etc. so expect the way leaves are apportioned to change on a dime!  God bless whomevers blended these '14 Fonseca no. 1!  Immaculate!

[BonVivant]

16 hours ago, GavLew79 said:

So, are these discontinued?

CCW says No.  http://cubancigarwebsite.com/list.aspx?&brandid=;27;&specialtype=Current_Production;&includeimages=True&sortorder=noorder

But I've heard elsewhere (some on here) say that they are. 

Thanks

Gav

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/Cuban-Quai-D-Orsay-Brand-Cut-Down-to-One-Size-17983

 

[QuaiDorkay]

Fantastic Cigar with complexity and lots of flavor, sorry to see it go.  Not to be smoked young, really open up starting in year 4.  Has to be experienced to be believed.  Have amazing legs, some '02's I have are still gaining flavor with caramel and a floral note that I love.   The '13's and '14's seem to have been rolled with darker wrappers but I haven't touched the boxes yet.  This would lead me to believe they may be more approachable a little younger... possible anyway.  One of those consistently rolled cigars but if you smoke when they aren't ready it's a total waste.  Just an overall perfect journey to me, not a change of pace but a staple.

[fabes]

1 hour ago, QuaiDorkay said:

Fantastic Cigar with complexity and lots of flavor, sorry to see it go.  Not to be smoked young, really open up starting in year 4.  Has to be experienced to be believed.  Have amazing legs, some '02's I have are still gaining flavor with caramel and a floral note that I love.   The '13's and '14's seem to have been rolled with darker wrappers but I haven't touched the boxes yet.  This would lead me to believe they may be more approachable a little younger... possible anyway.  One of those consistently rolled cigars but if you smoke when they aren't ready it's a total waste.  Just an overall perfect journey to me, not a change of pace but a staple.

I wholeheartedly agree. 

[Fugu]

6 hours ago, fabes said:

I wholeheartedly agree. 

Me too. But from his handle and French 'accent', I guess he is heavily preoccupied...

 

7 hours ago, QuaiDorkay said:

The '13's and '14's seem to have been rolled with darker wrappers but I haven't touched the boxes yet.  This would lead me to believe they may be more approachable a little younger...

This reasoning, however, I can't quite follow (?)

Have tried some '14 Imperiales, yes, they tend to be darker (very nice and smooth light-colorado wrappers that would be a pride to any Espy) but don't see any basic difference to previous production, at least nothing that would lead me to suspect a different aging potential. At least surely not judging from the wrapper colouration.

Edit: example pic ULA MAY 14 (appearing a tad darker than in real life)

Edited July 24, 2016 by Fugu
Pic added

[QuaiDorkay]

13 hours ago, Fugu said:

but don't see any basic difference to previous production, at least nothing that would lead me to suspect a different aging potential. At least surely not judging from the wrapper colouration.

Probably right, was just hoping.  

[polarbear]

I think we'll see fewer and fewer 'large format' cigars being discontinued over the next few years, production on them may stop or slow but I doubt they'll be formally discontinued.

With new markets opening up it would make sense to keep your current portfolio intact and instead reduce the production of certain vitolas

LGC is a good example of this, I could've sworn the marca was more or less boned out by 2009 but certain vitolas seem to be re-appearing in limited numbers of late

[NSXCIGAR]

It appears that Imperiales were being handed out at the Habanos Festival as part of the QdO revamping celebration. Interestingly, however, they were sporting the old-style bands while the Coronas did have the new-style bands along with the new 54 and the 50. 

So perhaps the Imperiales isn't dead and buried yet...could it be the next Fonseca No 1?

[cookj1]

There was a bunch of aged Imperiales at Publicis Drugstore just off the Arc de Triumphe in Paris when I was there July '15.  I bought a bunch of singles but there were plenty more.  

On another note, of all the cigar stores I visited in Paris, this unpublicized store is an absolute gem for old and odd Cubans.  It's a strange store; it has a bakery, drug store, cafe, cinema, gift store, and a fairly decent selection of spirits and wines.  It was only by chance that I stumbled on it.  ...stopped in for a bottle of water and left with boxes of cigars.

If anyone is in the area, I'd love a report on the current stock selection because I've never come across anything like it before.

[Smallclub]

1 hour ago, cookj1 said:

On another note, of all the cigar stores I visited in Paris, this unpublicized store is an absolute gem for old and odd Cubans.  It's a strange store; it has a bakery, drug store, cafe, cinema, gift store, and a fairly decent selection of spirits and wines.

"unpublicized"? The Drugstore Publicis is probably one of the most famous store in France!

When I lived in Paris I could find there some Bolivar Churchill A/T, Sancho Panza belicoso in cabinets of 50, SLR corona A/T and churchills A/T…

[skarolla]

It appears that Imperiales were being handed out at the Habanos Festival as part of the QdO revamping celebration. Interestingly, however, they were sporting the old-style bands while the Coronas did have the new-style bands along with the new 54 and the 50. 

So perhaps the Imperiales isn't dead and buried yet...could it be the next Fonseca No 1?

At the informational seminar during the day they stated that the imperials was discontinued in 2013. They also said it was the founders favourite QDO so I believe that's why we were treated to one.

[Corylax18]

52 minutes ago, skarolla said:

At the informational seminar during the day they stated that the imperials was discontinued in 2013. They also said it was the founders favourite QDO so I believe that's why we were treated to one.

The Fonseca No. 1 was "discontinued" in 2012, but there were ENE 15 boxes for sale two days ago. I also bought a 14 box last year fro the Hotel Nacional LCDH. Its continuing to be produced, for at least 2 if not 3 years after discontinuation. But there are other cigars like the Sir Winstons, SLR DCs, LGC No. 4, that haven't been discontinued but haven't been seen for a couple years now. I would love it if they brought the Imperiales back, but I'm  not holding my breath. I think it will be a few years of bumper crops before we start to see any uptick in production of lesser rolled regular production cigars. The proportion of tobacco going to "new", "special" cigars is just too high right now. They will need ALOT of good leaf, especially wrapper, on their hands before we see any huge change in the production decisions. 

[Fugu]

2 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

I would love it if they brought the Imperiales back, but I'm  not holding my breath.

Me neither. It is unlikely to come back. The Julieta No. 2 format is quite obviously out of fashion. HSA might keep it for some celebratory cigars such as the Espy, Swinny and perhaps the emblematic RyJ. Look at all those fine - and more affordable - Churchills that have been axed in recent years. The last one just recently with the Boli CG. And since in particular QdO will soon be coming up with a new range of Short&fatties, that tobacco will likely be diverted to those. This - plus the parallel upside that it saves them precious large wrapper leaf, which is always limiting production. Wrappers of the Imperiales had always been impeccable. I bet, from today's perspective (HSA's that is) too costly now for what was once one of the cheapest, if not THE cheapest Julieta out there. From a plain business-standpoint, even I can follow that to some point (as unfortunate and distressing as I find it myself - but who'd really care?....)

[Fugu]

2 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

... LGC No. 4, that haven't been discontinued but haven't been seen for a couple years now

... guess you mean the No. 2

4 hours ago, Smallclub said:

Sancho Panza belicoso in cabinets of 50

Hmmm...

[Blakes]

4 hours ago, skarolla said:

At the informational seminar during the day they stated that the imperials was discontinued in 2013. They also said it was the founders favourite QDO so I believe that's why we were treated to one.

Typical HSA!!  

[BrightonCorgi]

I split a recent box with friend and haven't been so impressed.  Imperiales need some time to shine.  Very well made, but a someone else mentioned they need like 4+ year minimum to be worth considering smoking.  They may be hyrdoscopic or something, but flavors were dull.  Had boxes from early 2000's I enjoyed more.  If you saw my recent ones, they look at wonderful as the ones pictured in this thread.  I am big churchill fan, but I am not rushing out for these

[oliverdst]

1 hour ago, Blakes said:

Typical HSA!!  

 

13 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

It appears that Imperiales were being handed out at the Habanos Festival as part of the QdO revamping celebration. Interestingly, however, they were sporting the old-style bands while the Coronas did have the new-style bands along with the new 54 and the 50. 

So perhaps the Imperiales isn't dead and buried yet...could it be the next Fonseca No 1?

they will relaunch it in 2019 with an extra band: Añejados  

I am kidding.

 

BTW, if I am not wrong, Italian distributor had something like 2000 boxes in their warehouse of discontinued Gran Corona and they put on the shelves in the end of last year.