About the Quai D’Orsay Gran Coronas
Quai D’Orsay occupies a singular place among Cuban marcas. Cubatabaco created the brand in 1973 at the request of the French state tobacco monopoly, SEITA, naming it after the elegant riverside avenue in Paris that runs along the left bank of the Seine. From the beginning the blend was tailored to the French taste for subtlety and finesse, and the Gran Coronas is a faithful expression of that philosophy. Rolled as a classic Corona measuring 5.6 inches (143 mm) with a 42 ring gauge, it is a totalmente a mano, long-filler Habano built from tobaccos grown in the Vuelta Abajo region. This particular size has become harder to find over the years, which only adds to its appeal among collectors who appreciate the brand’s understated history.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third opens softly, with a clean draw and an immediate impression of cedar and fresh cream that sets the gentle tone of the smoke. As the cigar settles into its middle section, light notes of vanilla and toasted bread emerge alongside a faint nuttiness, the smoke turning thick and lush on the palate. The final third holds its composure rather than building toward strength, carrying those creamy, woody flavors through to a smooth and lingering finish that rarely strays into bitterness. Throughout the experience the body stays in mild to medium territory, which is precisely what this marca was conceived to deliver.
Pairings
- A milky morning coffee or a soft cappuccino, which echoes the cigar’s creamy character without overwhelming it.
- A lightly aged Cuban rum or a delicate white port, both of which complement the cedar and vanilla notes.
- A pot of green or oolong tea for a calm, contemplative afternoon smoke.
Aging and storage
Like all fine Habanos, the Gran Coronas rewards patient, stable storage. Keep your cigars in a well seasoned humidor held at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Because this is a milder blend, extended aging tends to round out any youthful sharpness and deepen the creamy, cedary notes rather than dramatically transform them. Give the cigars a few weeks to settle after they arrive, and check your hygrometer regularly so the wrapper stays supple and the draw remains effortless.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who values grace over intensity. Newcomers will find the mild to medium body and forgiving draw approachable, while seasoned aficionados often return to Quai D’Orsay precisely when they want something refined and undemanding rather than bold. It suits a morning or early afternoon occasion, when the palate is fresh and a lighter Habano can be fully appreciated. If you enjoy the elegant end of the Cuban spectrum, the Gran Coronas deserves a place in your humidor.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the Quai D’Orsay Gran Coronas?
It sits in the mild to medium range, in keeping with a brand that was blended specifically for the French preference for subtlety and finesse.
What does the Gran Coronas taste like?
Expect a creamy, smooth profile centered on cedar and vanilla, with light toasted bread and a gentle nuttiness in the background.
What size is this cigar?
It is a Corona vitola measuring 5.6 inches (143 mm) with a 42 ring gauge, giving a relaxed smoke of roughly 40 to 50 minutes.
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.
Brandon Wright –
Very pleased with this Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas. Cuban Cigar quality shines through with cedar and spice flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Harold Wells –
Excellent corona from Cuban Cigar. The Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas has a refined flavor profile – lots of cedar and spice. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 48 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Gloria Ferguson –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of honey and tobacco. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Annie Griffin –
A true masterpiece from Cuban Cigar. This Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of coffee and cream, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Carol King –
Great cigar! Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of cocoa and pepper throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Eric Turner –
Great cigar! Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of coffee and cream throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Paul Price –
A true masterpiece from Cuban Cigar. This Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of nuts and earth, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Janet Gray –
Very good cigar. The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted cedar and spice with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Deborah Stewart –
The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is a quality corona. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the honey and tobacco notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Kimberly Roberts –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 63 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – coffee and cream. Will definitely order more!
Elizabeth Taylor –
A true masterpiece from Cuban Cigar. This Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of nuts and earth, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Kathleen Cooper –
Great cigar! Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of cocoa and pepper throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Albert Fisher –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of coffee and cream. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Kenneth Brooks –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of nuts and earth. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Catherine Murray –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 83 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cedar and spice. Will definitely order more!
Tyler Hill –
The Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas is a respectable corona. Nice notes of coffee and cream, decent construction. However, I found it a bit one-dimensional compared to other Cuban Cigar offerings. Not bad, but there are better options in this price range.
Daniel Moore –
Best corona I’ve had in a long time! Cuban Cigar really knocked it out of the park with the Quai D’orsay Gran Coronas. Rich flavor profile featuring honey and tobacco, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!