Quai d’Orsay No 50 MSA MAY 19 (XNYRC)

[Deeg]

This was my second stick (and probably my last for a little while) from the Xmas Sampler, and my first ever QdO.  So are they worth all the hype?

Wrapper was a modestly oily Colorado, with just a hint of burnet umber.  Quite smooth, no large veins or imperfections.  Looks "expensive".  Fill seems even, feel very lightly spongy.  Pre-light (and post-light draw) was perfect - an intoxicating mix of spices I can't put my finger on.

The first thing I'd note about this cigar is how slowly it burns.  I had to check a couple times to make sure I wasn't losing the light but no, it just burns that slowly.  I got 75 minutes out of it and didn't nub it, which is impressive for a petit robusto. 

As to the profile, I can honestly say I've never tasted anything quite like it in any cigar Cuban or otherwise.  It starts out with a bit of burnt brown sugar, then quickly transitions into a spicy pastry note.  But what dominates for me is how distinctly Asian this all was.  Chai tea for sure, a bit of gingerbread, sandalwood, and a general exotic Eastern spice market.  A hint of nuttiness.  Over the second third I began to get a bit of a "greener", fresher note - lemongrass maybe - and in the final third a very distinct essence of fresh cucumber emerged.  It's striking how strongly Thai cuisine came to mind - very unusual and memorable.  Lengthy and distinct finish which stays with you, especially for a cigar which was just on the light side of medium-bodied.  Burn was consistent with only minor touch-ups needed and, as you'd expect from the smoking time, the stick burned quite cool.  Lovely plumes of creamy smoke on a perfect draw.

On balance I think I'm about 89/100 here.  No detectable youth or harshness.  I'm not sure how I feel about the flavor profile generally, because it's quite unique - I certainly don't think this would be an everyday cigar for me, but it does make a fascinating change of pace. I'm interested to see how the 54 compares.

[Derboesekoenig]

Brilliant. I hopped on the QD train when they released these. Wasn't a believer until I started smoking them. Love them young, and I imagine I'll love them even more in 5 years.

Wait a second. You're telling my you get fresh cucumber notes???

Bloody hell, I'm going to keep revisiting these until I get that too ?

[Deeg]

Only for a few puffs in the second half, but to me unmistakable.

[Jaesian]

What an interesting sounding profile. I might look to get some next year. Thanks for the review ✌️

[bbguardsp]

QdO have a unique "vibrancy" to the flavor profile for me.  Almost like a citrus type flavor but without the slightly acidic texture on the palate like the citrus I get from other cigars.  Peaches/nectarine/mandarin neighborhood is the closest I can describe.  Thanks for the review.

[CptGoodTimes]

Interesting review.  My TOU DIC18 has that distinct Cuban twang for the first half then it disappears, but no harshness. Just toasted tobaccy over the back half.   I bet it stretches out by end of year 2.