About the Quai D’Orsay Imperiales
Quai D’Orsay sits among the quieter jewels of the Habanos portfolio, a marca born in 1973 when Cubatabaco crafted it for the French market at the request of Seita, France’s old tobacco monopoly. The name borrows from the celebrated Parisian avenue along the Seine where Seita kept its offices, and that bit of diplomatic pedigree still clings to the brand. The Imperiales carries the line’s signature restraint into a full Churchill, a totally handmade long filler smoke that favours finesse over force.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third is soft and inviting, leading with sweet cedar and a clean creaminess that coats the palate without weight. Through the middle the cigar gathers a touch of toasted nut and a whisper of vanilla, while a gentle baking spice begins to peek through the smoke. The final third leans slightly warmer, adding hints of creamy coffee and faint cocoa, yet the whole experience stays smooth and measured from light to nub.
Pairings
- A lightly aged white rum or a soft añejo, which echoes the cigar’s cream and cedar without crowding it.
- A cup of café con leche or a mild espresso to lift the toasted nut and coffee notes.
- A glass of Champagne or a dry sparkling wine for a classic French-inspired match.
Aging and storage
Keep the Imperiales in a well seasoned humidor held around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and roughly 18 degrees Celsius. Because this is a mild, delicately balanced Habano, a few months of rest helps the cedar and cream marry, though it will not dramatically change strength the way a fuller cigar might. Stored patiently in stable conditions, the wrapper oils settle and the draw stays consistent, rewarding smokers who give it a little time.
Who it is for
This is an excellent Churchill for anyone stepping up to a longer format without wanting heavy intensity, and it makes a forgiving introduction to the larger ring gauges. Seasoned aficionados who appreciate subtlety and a long, unhurried smoke will find plenty to enjoy here too. If your taste runs toward bold, peppery Cubans, this gentler stick may read as too quiet, but as a relaxed afternoon companion it is hard to fault.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the Quai D’Orsay Imperiales?
It is a mild to medium cigar, widely regarded as one of the gentler Cuban Churchills, which makes it approachable for newer smokers while still pleasing experienced palates.
What size is the Imperiales?
It is a Churchill (Julieta No. 2) measuring 7.0 inches, about 178 mm, with a 47 ring gauge, offering a smoke time of well over an hour.
What does the Quai D’Orsay Imperiales taste like?
Expect a smooth, creamy profile led by sweet cedar, with toasted nuts, light vanilla, gentle spice, and a touch of creamy coffee toward the finish.
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.
Jack Peterson –
Great smoke for the price. This Quai D’orsay Imperiales offers excellent value for a premium Cuban Cigar cigar. Good flavor with notes of cocoa and pepper, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Philip Mason –
Exceptional cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Quai D’orsay Imperiales delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of leather and wood throughout the 90 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Ryan Hall –
Very pleased with this Quai D’orsay Imperiales. Cuban Cigar quality shines through with nuts and earth flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Cynthia Bailey –
Exceptional cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Quai D’orsay Imperiales delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of coffee and cream throughout the 75 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Roy Torres –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Imperiales is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of coffee and cream. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Jennifer Brown –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Imperiales is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of cocoa and pepper. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Betty Lewis –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Imperiales delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of leather and wood. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Richard Howard –
The Cuban Cigar Quai D’orsay Imperiales is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the cocoa and pepper notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Larry Barnes –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Quai D’orsay Imperiales showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of nuts and earth. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Lisa Barnes –
Solid cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Quai D’orsay Imperiales has nice flavors of leather and wood and good construction. Enjoyed about 56 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Cuban Cigar.
Brandon Wright –
A true masterpiece from Cuban Cigar. This Quai D’orsay Imperiales is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of cedar and spice, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Timothy Kelly –
Incredible cigar! The Quai D’orsay Imperiales from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of honey and tobacco throughout the smoke. Lasted about 67 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Joshua Clark –
Solid cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Quai D’orsay Imperiales has nice flavors of nuts and earth and good construction. Enjoyed about 77 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Cuban Cigar.