Quai D’Orsay Coronas or Coronas Claros?

[cfc1016]

Can someone please enlighten me? Are they the same? I hear so many people rave about the coronas, then I see so-so stuff about the claros. Everything I’ve read though lists them as the same vitola. Some places have the “coronas” for sale. Some have the “coronas claros”. You can all see why I’m terribly confused, yes?

 

I might like to try em, but if they’re two totally different cigars I don’t know which to get...

[NSXCIGAR]

There were actually two different cigars produced simultaneously until 1995--Coronas Claro and Coronas Claro Claro.

The official name of the cigar produced today and to which you refer is Coronas Claro. The front of the box has only ever shown "Coronas" but prior to 1995 had the word "Claro" stamped on the bottom, however the new revamped bands for this cigar correctly reflect Coronas Claro. I don't believe the new boxes for these have been seen yet, or whether there will even be revamped boxes for them.

Prior to 1995 the other cigar was Coronas Claro Claro and also only showed the word "Coronas" on the front of the box, but had the word "Clarisimo" stamped on the bottom. I believe these were essentially the same cigar but with lighter wrappers and were more popular in the English market. However, both the Coronas Claro and the Coronas Claro Claro were always two separate models. 

[canadianbeaver]

Great explanation @NSXCIGAR, thank you.

[cfc1016]

8 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

There were actually two different cigars produced simultaneously until 1995--Coronas Claro and Coronas Claro Claro.

The official name of the cigar produced today and to which you refer is Coronas Claro. The front of the box has only ever shown "Coronas" but prior to 1995 had the word "Claro" stamped on the bottom, however the new revamped bands for this cigar correctly reflect Coronas Claro. I don't believe the new boxes for these have been seen yet, or whether there will even be revamped boxes for them.

Prior to 1995 the other cigar was Coronas Claro Claro and also only showed the word "Coronas" on the front of the box, but had the word "Clarisimo" stamped on the bottom. I believe these were essentially the same cigar but with lighter wrappers and were more popular in the English market. However, both the Coronas Claro and the Coronas Claro Claro were always two separate models. 

Excellent elucidation. Thank you!

 

So if i pick up a box today of a cigar that is sold as either ‘coronas’ or ‘coronas claro’ I’m getting the same qd coronas that other people here have lauded. Is that correct? 

[NSXCIGAR]

46 minutes ago, cfc1016 said:

So if i pick up a box today of a cigar that is sold as either ‘coronas’ or ‘coronas claro’ I’m getting the same qd coronas that other people here have lauded. Is that correct? 

Yes, these cigars are referred to as both Coronas (incorrectly) and Coronas Claro (correctly) interchangeably. They are, at least since 1995, the same cigar. 

I think most people aren't aware that the official name of these is and always has been Coronas Claro as the box lid has only ever shown Coronas and many people associate the "Claro" with the Coronas Claro Claro that was discontinued in 1995. 

The new bands should eliminate the confusion and confirm the official name of this cigar as Coronas Claro despite the box only ever saying Coronas. 

[foursite12]

Are the newly banded ones the same blend we know and love?

[Fugu]

2 hours ago, foursite12 said:

Are the newly banded ones the same blend we know and love?

Habanos claims this to be their intention.

[cfc1016]

On 3/17/2018 at 12:41 PM, NSXCIGAR said:

Yes, these cigars are referred to as both Coronas (incorrectly) and Coronas Claro (correctly) interchangeably. They are, at least since 1995, the same cigar. 

I think most people aren't aware that the official name of these is and always has been Coronas Claro as the box lid has only ever shown Coronas and many people associate the "Claro" with the Coronas Claro Claro that was discontinued in 1995. 

The new bands should eliminate the confusion and confirm the official name of this cigar as Coronas Claro despite the box only ever saying Coronas. 

Awesome in depth info. Thank you. 

Any suggestions on a non-alcoholic pairing? I usually have coffee, diet coke or canada dry diet cranberry ginger ale (it’s actually a fantastic palate cleanser) to pair, but I’ve heard these cigars are really easy to drown out with anything else on your palate. I read someone suggesting mint tea? I know i could just do water, but I’m just so accustomed to having some sort of flavored beverage with my cigars. 

[NotLawReview]

6 hours ago, cfc1016 said:

Awesome in depth info. Thank you. 

Any suggestions on a non-alcoholic pairing? I usually have coffee, diet coke or canada dry diet cranberry ginger ale (it’s actually a fantastic palate cleanser) to pair, but I’ve heard these cigars are really easy to drown out with anything else on your palate. I read someone suggesting mint tea? I know i could just do water, but I’m just so accustomed to having some sort of flavored beverage with my cigars. 

I smoked one yesterday with some mio water flavoring and it worked out great 

[NSXCIGAR]

7 hours ago, cfc1016 said:

Any suggestions on a non-alcoholic pairing?

I'd recommend a ginger ale, sparkling cider or unsweetened/lightly sweetened iced tea for a cigar like this. Lightly flavored water like @NotLawReview suggested or water with lemon would be good as well.

[cfc1016]

1 hour ago, NSXCIGAR said:

I'd recommend a ginger ale

Excellent. My beloved cran ginger will work just fine then.

[Akela3rd]

Tonic water with a hint of lime, either bought flavoured or add your own. It's my go to and works a treat with any cost IMHO.