Quai D’Orsay No. 50 MSU MAR 2018 (PQDRW)

[Bram Smoker]

This is my first QdO, so I was very excited to try the much talked about relaunched brand.

Nose: Slightly floral with stronger cinnamon and pepper. Cold draw: Floral and almost peachy.

First 3rd: Initial impression is bready to start with easy retro. The peach from the cold draw is present but not prominent and a nice tingle of pepper. Draw is darn near perfect with plenty of thick smoke. The burn wants to be perfect, but it can't seem to get itself right. I'm smoking outside but it is perfect weather: 72, sunny, no wind, hasn't rained in almost a week.

Second 3rd: Touch-up the burn but still having issues which remained for the entire cigar. Pepper and floral noting on retro, but not much progression overall. Steady thick smoke that is smooth cream, but nothing dynamic.

Third 3rd: Tasting a light cinnamon now, the enjoyable pepper profile is still there and never came close to being overwhelming. Close to the end the wrapper splits wide open. Likely should have dry boxed and will in the future.

Overall: Great expectations. As others have stated, the potential is there, but a year on it is still too young. I agree with the general consensus that 24-36mo is where this cigar will start to shine and will continue to age very well.

[TheMonk]

Good job!