Quai d'Orsay

Quai d’Orsay is a modern Cuban brand created in 1973 by Cubatabaco at the request of France’s state tobacco monopoly, SEITA. The idea—reportedly championed by then–Finance Minister (and future President) Valéry Giscard d’Estaing—was to develop a milder Habano that would pair elegantly with French luxuries such as foie gras and champagne. Commercial release followed in 1974. The name “Quai d’Orsay” most obviously references the Paris riverside avenue, though some claim it nods to the nearby French Foreign Ministry or SEITA’s former headquarters on that same street. Whatever the origin, the brand was initially managed directly by SEITA and Cubatabaco. After SEITA merged with Spain’s Tabacalera to form Altadis, Quai d’Orsay was folded—like other Cuban marques—under the Habanos S.A. umbrella, where it is categorized in the “Other Brands” portfolio. All Quai d’Orsay cigars are crafted Totally by Hand with Long Filler, using filler and binder leaves from the coveted Vuelta Abajo region. Wrappers are characteristically light—primarily Claro or Colorado Claro. Historically, the flagship Corona was offered in two shades (Claro and the ultra-pale Claro Claro), but the lighter variant was discontinued in the late 1980s as tastes shifted. The brand remained a French niche until about 2005, when production volumes rose and a full revamp introduced new bands, packaging, and vitolas aimed at a global audience. Despite these updates, Quai d’Orsay has stayed true to its original concept: a refined, mild cigar with understated complexity. Flavor Profile: Mild