Quai D'Orsay 50 OER DIC 19 (QRCRW)

[Str8BlkCoffee]

I never tried this marca Before so I grabbed a box running through duty-free. I was able to pick the best of the 5 boxes displayed so I felt more confident than just buying blind.

The first I tried was disappointing due to my over eagerness to try them and not let them settle down and the fact that the first one I grabbed was very underfilled. That gave me my my first impression a little low.

Once I saw the contest I was interested how they had settled in and I am glad I did. 

Nose was earthy, rich tobacco. Firm, but a bit spongy but not super soft spots so I opted for a punch to tame the possible wind tunnel that affected the first of the box I smoked. Cold draw was light but not overly so some bits of pepper on my tongue, earthy tobacco again. Wrapper was veiny with a large vein running up under the wrapper.

After the toasting and the initial first few pulls I note strong black tea with some pepper on the back of the palette with toasted shortbread. This last through the 1st 1/3 and into the second without much change. Lots of flavors but nothing that stood out. Deep tobacco with a sourness continued in the the final third pepper still on the back of the palette with hints of anise. Again nothing that really jumped out.

I was thoroughly enjoying this cigar and gladly nubbed this down. It was a pretty good smoke that will be even batter after some down time.