Quai d Orsay No. 54

Length: 5 1/3"
Ring Gauge: 54
Flavour: Light
Vitola: Edmundo Grueso
Smoking Time: 45-60 Mins

Rating by Surrey Cigars: 94/100

Quai d'Orsay No. 54

The Quai d'Orsay No. 54 is an elegant Cuban cigar combining a generous 54 ring gauge with the refined, approachable character for which Quai d'Orsay has become renowned.

Measuring 5 1/3" x 54, the No. 54 is presented in the distinctive Edmundo Grueso vitola, a format introduced specifically for this cigar as part of the international revitalisation of the Quai d'Orsay brand. Handmade in Cuba using long-filler tobacco from the prestigious Vuelta Abajo region, it provides a smooth and beautifully balanced smoking experience.

Lighter in strength than many Cuban cigars of comparable dimensions, the No. 54 delivers complexity through finesse rather than power. Cream, cedar, toasted nuts and delicate sweetness combine with subtle floral and spice notes, making this an exceptionally accessible premium Habano.

Flavour Profile

The Quai d'Orsay No. 54 opens gently with creamy cedar, soft tobacco and a subtle natural sweetness. Notes of vanilla and toasted nuts soon emerge, accompanied by a delicate floral character that gives the cigar its distinctive elegance.

As the cigar develops, the profile becomes richer without becoming heavy. Toasted bread, almonds, and hints of honey mingle with creamy coffee and restrained spice, while the generous ring gauge produces a cool, plentiful volume of smoke.

The final stages introduce slightly deeper notes of cedar, coffee and earth alongside a gentle peppery warmth. A lingering sweetness remains through the finish, preserving the smooth, refined character that defines the Quai d'Orsay blend.

Construction and Smoking Experience

At 5 1/3" with a substantial 54 ring gauge, the Quai d'Orsay No. 54 offers a relaxed smoking experience of approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

The broad Edmundo Grueso format lets the blend develop gradually while delivering a cool, generous smoke. Its substantial size and relatively light strength make the No. 54 particularly enjoyable when you have time to appreciate its more delicate nuances.

Rather than relying on strength for impact, this cigar rewards a measured smoking pace, allowing its creamy, sweet and aromatic qualities to develop throughout the experience.

Ideal for Discerning Aficionados

The Quai d'Orsay No. 54 is an excellent choice for aficionados who appreciate refinement, balance and complexity without excessive strength.

Its lighter profile makes it particularly suitable as a morning or early afternoon cigar, pairing beautifully with coffee, Champagne, white wine or a lighter aged spirit. The generous 54 ring gauge also appeals to smokers who favour contemporary, wider Cuban formats but want something more delicate than many similarly sized habanos.

It can also provide an excellent introduction to premium Cuban cigars, offering plenty of flavour and development without the intensity associated with fuller-bodied marques.

About Quai d'Orsay

Quai d'Orsay was created in 1973 by Cubatabaco at SEITA's request. Originally produced for the French market, the brand takes its name from the famous Parisian avenue along the River Seine where SEITA maintained its offices.

For more than four decades, Quai d'Orsay remained one of the more discreet marques within the Cuban cigar portfolio and was principally familiar to French cigar enthusiasts.

A major new chapter began when the brand was revitalised for international distribution. The range expanded with two contemporary formats, the No. 50 and No. 54, along with redesigned presentation and branding.

The No. 54 introduced the Edmundo Grueso vitola to the regular Habanos portfolio, measuring 135 mm with a 54 ring gauge. Like all Quai d'Orsay cigars, it is fully handmade with long-filler tobacco made from selected leaves from Cuba's celebrated Vuelta Abajo growing region.

Today, Quai d'Orsay offers a distinctive alternative within the Habanos portfolio, combining traditional Cuban craftsmanship with an elegant, lighter style originally developed to suit the refined tastes of the French market.