Cigars

Quai D'orsay No 52, lets see if its on smoke or not

Can one cigar really deliver elegance without feeling overcomplicated?

BY SHAHN DURRANI

When I first smoked one of these bad boys, I wasn’t entirely sure what angle to take. It was good, no doubt, but I hadn’t quite figured it out yet. After a few more, though, it started to make sense.

Before we get into the flavour and performance, let’s start where we always do, with the history.

Whether it’s cigars, fashion, fitness, or wine, the beginning matters. Understanding where something comes from tells you a lot about what it’s trying to be.

History

Quai d’Orsay was established in the 1970s, not in Havana, but in Paris. The French government, through its state-owned tobacco monopoly SEITA, wanted a Cuban cigar that reflected French taste: lighter, refined, more elegant than the earthier profiles Cuba was known for at the time. The brand was named after the famous Parisian street that houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, giving it a quiet link to diplomacy and national identity from the very start.

Unlike the heavier Cuban classics, Quai d’Orsay leaned into a milder, more aromatic character. It paired naturally with French wines, cognacs, and even the slower rhythm of café culture. For years, it was largely exclusive to France, which only added to its appeal. For cigar enthusiasts outside the country, it felt like discovering something slightly off the beaten path.

That’s exactly why I like this cigar so much. It carries the DNA of a Cuban, but without the intensity that can overwhelm newer smokers. If you’re just starting out, you’ve probably heard the big names, Cohiba, Montecristo, the usual suspects. But introducing someone to something less obvious, something a little more refined, that’s where the fun is. And for a beginner, this is a very strong place to start.

Taste

Now to the part that really matters: the taste.

The No. 52 leans firmly into medium-bodied territory rather than full. You get creamy cedar straight away, followed by a gentle sweetness, almost honeyed, with a subtle spice running through it. It’s refined without being bland.

I remember sitting in a lounge with Matthew when we paired it with biscuits. I wasn’t expecting much, but the combination genuinely surprised me. It rounded everything out and brought the sweetness forward in a way that felt indulgent without becoming heavy. Let’s just say the cigar responded very well to the pairing.

For me, though, the most prominent characteristic is the nuttiness. Think toasted almonds or walnuts, that slightly roasted depth that lingers on the finish. When I compare it to other cigars I’ve had, Nicaraguan, Honduran, even other Cubans, nothing quite mirrors it. The No. 52 has its own identity.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t try to overpower you. It stands on its own.

Construction

Let’s cover the technical details quickly. I won’t dwell on this too long, because at the end of the day, we’re here for flavour, heritage, and how to enjoy the experience properly.

Size: Robusto Extra (6 1/8″ x 52) Origin: Cuba Strength: Light to Medium Wrapper: Corojo

Care

Now, given that you're not a pus*sy and that you are going to smoke your cigar as soon as you get it, you won't need to read further than this part. But if you are truly interested, be my guest.

Now, if you don't have a humidor and you will be smoking it in a few days, the best thing to do is get a plastic ziplock bag with a Boveda pouch and stick it in there just to keep the correct humidity control. Always remember to keep your cigars in a dark, cool place for ideal storage conditions.

However, if you have a humidor, make sure it is seasoned correctly; otherwise, it will draw all the moisture out of your cigar and dry them out. Always use distilled water, as tap can cause mould and mineral build up. If your cigar feels brittle or dry, the humidity is too low; if it feels soft or spongy, it’s too high. White powdery bloom can be brushed off gently, it’s usually a harmless plume, not mold.

Editors Pick

If you’re planning to smoke it the moment you get home, you can probably skip this section. But if you actually care about keeping your cigars in good condition, read on.

If you don’t have a humidor and you’re smoking it within a few days, a simple solution works fine. A sealed ziplock bag with a Boveda pouch will maintain the right humidity short term. Keep it somewhere dark and cool, and you’ll avoid any unnecessary drying.

If you do own a humidor, make sure it’s properly seasoned. An unseasoned humidor will pull moisture from your cigars and dry them out. Always use distilled water, tap water can cause mould and mineral build-up over time.

As a rule of thumb, if your cigar feels brittle or dry, humidity is too low. If it feels overly soft or spongy, it’s too high. And if you notice a light white powder on the wrapper, don’t panic. That’s usually plume, a harmless crystallisation of oils, not mould.

Matches or Dupont?

You can’t smoke a cigar without lighting it properly. It’s the step that comes right after the cut, and it matters more than people think. How you light your cigar plays a real role in how it tastes, but ultimately it comes down to the occasion and personal preference.

The most traditional method is to use matches. They burn cooler, which allows the cigar to toast gently without scorching the tobacco. If you go this route, use long cedar or wooden matches rather than short paper ones, and always let the sulphur tip burn off before bringing the flame to the foot. The only downside is practicality. Outdoors, especially in wind, matches can be frustrating and slow to get an even light.

That’s where jet flame lighters and Duponts come in. If you’re at a wedding or on the golf course, wind isn’t going to wait for you. A jet flame gets the job done quickly and efficiently. And yes, pulling out a Dupont at the right moment does carry a certain presence. That distinctive “ping” isn’t subtle.

But does that mean you should always use one? Not necessarily.

Personally, I lean toward cedar matches when the setting allows. The slower toast gives the wrapper and filler time to warm gradually, preserving the intended flavour profile. The first few draws feel smoother and more rounded.

Jet flames, especially powerful ones, can overheat the tobacco if you’re not careful. That slight charring can create a harsher or ashy start, even if it settles after a few puffs. A soft flame butane lighter, such as an ST Dupont Ligne 2, offers a nice middle ground: clean flame, steady control, no unwanted chemical interference, provided you’re using properly refined gas.

In truth, technique matters more than the tool. Keep the flame just below the foot of the cigar, don’t let it touch the leaf, and take your time. Done properly, you’ll achieve the same rich, clean light whether you’re using a match or a quality lighter.

At the end of the day, there’s no absolute right or wrong. It’s about preference, setting, and how you like to enjoy the ritual.

On Smoke or Not?

On smoke or not?

Hell yes. This cigar is firmly on smoke.

Its versatility is what makes it stand out. Whether you’re lighting up your first proper Cuban or you’ve been through your fair share of humidors, the No. 52 has something to offer. It’s approachable without being dull, refined without being pretentious.

Yes, it’s a little on the pricey side, but value isn’t just about cost, it’s about experience. And for what it delivers in flavour, balance, and overall enjoyment, I’d say it earns its place.

It’s a cigar I genuinely look forward to smoking. It has never disappointed me.

Final score? A solid 8 out of 10.