About the Quai d’Orsay Coronas Claras
Few Cuban marcas carry as distinctly Parisian a pedigree as Quai d’Orsay. The brand was created by Cubatabaco in 1973 specifically for SEITA, the French state tobacco monopoly, and it takes its name from a famous avenue on the Left Bank of the Seine. That French connection shaped its character from the start, favoring elegance and restraint over raw power. The Coronas Claras sits at the heart of this philosophy, a classic corona blended from light, carefully selected leaves grown in the Vuelta Abajo region. It is a cigar built for the smoker who prizes subtlety and a clean, polished smoking experience.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third is gentle and inviting, leading with light cedar, a soft creaminess, and a faint bronzed sweetness that recalls honey. Through the middle, the smoke gathers a touch more nuance, layering in roasted nuts and a quiet thread of light spice without ever raising its voice. The final third stays smooth and composed, with cedar and cream carrying through to a clean finish that lingers softly rather than building toward intensity. Throughout, the body remains firmly on the mild side, which is exactly what this vitola promises.
Pairings
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mild espresso, which echoes the cigar’s gentle roasted notes.
- A lighter aged rum or a glass of cognac, complementing the soft sweetness without overwhelming it.
- Sparkling water or a crisp white wine for those who want the tobacco’s delicacy to stay front and center.
Aging and storage
Like all hand-rolled Havanas, the Coronas Claras rewards patient, stable storage. Keep your cigars in a seasoned humidor held at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Because this is a milder blend, its delicate cedar and cream notes can soften and marry beautifully with a year or two of rest, though it is perfectly enjoyable fresh. Avoid storing it alongside fuller, more aromatic cigars that might overpower its quieter character.
Who it is for
This corona is a natural choice for smokers who prefer a light, refined cigar over a bold one. It suits newcomers easing into Cuban tobacco, morning smokers who want flavor without weight, and seasoned aficionados looking for an unhurried, low-intensity break. If your taste runs toward power and spice, you may find it too gentle, but for lovers of elegance it is a genuine pleasure.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the Quai d’Orsay Coronas Claras?
It is a mild cigar, one of the lighter-bodied options in the Cuban range, making it approachable and easy to enjoy at any time of day.
What size is this cigar?
It is a Corona measuring 5.6 inches (143 mm) with a 42 ring gauge, a classic and balanced format.
What is the history behind the Quai d’Orsay brand?
Quai d’Orsay was created by Cubatabaco in 1973 for the French state tobacco monopoly SEITA, and it is named after a well-known Parisian avenue.
Explore more
Browse all Quai D'Orsay cigars, or try the Quai D’orsay No. 50 and Quai d’Orsay Senadores. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from the official Habanos S.A. site.