Quai D'Orsay 50 SMA JUL 18 (PQWRC)

[JLinz]

This is a first from a box of QDO 50s that have been resting at 62% rh for about 4 months.  It was dry boxed for 2 days at about 50% rh.

Pre-light draw:  The draw was a bit on the firm side, but figured I would wait to see how things go before breaking out the PerfectDraw.  Not getting much flavor wise, a bit of sweet hay and leather. 

1st third: Caramel right off the bat.  This was odd because I usually needs few puffs to start noticing the flavors.  The tight draw is making me work for it, so I decide to cave and use the PerfectDraw. 

Draw is better now, but I’m not getting a ton of smoke.  The burn is a little uneven initially, but not enough to touch it up yet.

Now getting a fair amount of sweet grass and hay.  Medium-light at this point. The burn doesn’t even out, so I decide to touch it up.  Almost immediately I get the caramel back, now with some cocoa and a bit of spice.  As a recent point of comparison, I had a Vigia last night but am enjoying this much more flavor-wise.

About halfway through the 1st third, the burn worsens and starts canoeing badly.  It also seems to be a bit on the fire-proof side.  

After another touch-up, we’re back in business.  Lots of nice white smoke now!

But before the end of the 1st third full blown re-light is required . . .

2nd third:  Burn is starting to even out.  Not much change flavor-wise.  A tad spicier, perhaps from the re-light and touch-ups.

More nice, white smoke, but the draw is still on the firm side so I decide to break out the PerfectDraw again.  Another re-light required . . .
Continuing in the 2nd third, the flavor is very consistent even after the re-lights.  It never gets edgy, which is impressive.    But, unbelievably, we’re back to canoeing!  Another touch-up required. 

This one is stubborn.  It still doesn’t want to stay lit, as if I’m smoking too slowly, but I don’t think I am.   Really making me work for this one.

Final third: Here we get more of the same.  A very ‘clean’ flavor profile, mild to mild-medium now, but it just doesn’t want to stay lit.  I never get back that initial caramel flavor, unfortunately.  Mostly sweet hay and grass, with a bit of cream.   

I’m really torn on a grade here.  The taste and flavor profile would warrant an 87, but the burn issues warrant a failing grade.  Overall, I’ll give it a 75 and call it a day.  This one took a lot work.  I’m exhausted.

[THEMISCHMAN]

Nice review. I’ve had similar burn issues with the two singles I’ve smoked (can’t remember the code). I have a box with the same month and code and have decided I’m just going to leave them alone for a while.

[SenorPerfecto]

What’s SMA?