Quai d Orsay No.54

The Quai d’Orsay No. 54 is a standout in the brand’s line-up, introduced as part of the 2017 relaunch. It uses the “Edmundo Grueso” vitola — an entirely new size within the Habanos portfolio, very similar to the Montecristo Edmundo but a fraction wider. A light-bodied, easy-going and thoroughly modern Havana, it is packed with Gallic charm: creamy, elegant and subtly sweet-and-savoury. Cigar Aficionado captured it neatly, calling it one part sweet and one part savoury, like a salted-caramel praline.

More to explore: how a premium cigar is rolled, aged and boxed

About Quai d’Orsay

Quai d’Orsay is a unique Cuban brand, established in 1973 at the request of the French government to create a luxury cigar embodying French refinement and prestige. Its name comes from the iconic avenue along the Seine in Paris — home to both the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the headquarters of SEITA, France’s former state tobacco monopoly. Originally intended exclusively for the French market, Quai d’Orsay cigars are known for elegant presentation, lighter wrappers (Claro and Colorado Claro) and approachable, nuanced flavours. The brand has since expanded internationally and is appreciated worldwide for its subtlety, sophistication and connection to French luxury culture.

Tasting Notes of the Quai d’Orsay No. 54

A light, creamy, refined Havana — a Parisian café in cigar form.

- Pre-Light: Aromas of cedarwood, light hay and a touch of salt with natural tobacco sweetness.

- First Third: Creamy and light, with milky coffee, brioche, honey and a subtle saline finish; floral and vanilla on the retrohale, with a smooth, toasty character.

- Mid-Smoke: Deepens with sweet peanut butter, cream and more pronounced honey and brioche; light and elegant, with floral spice and cappuccino on the retrohale.

- Final Third: Sweetness and cream recede to coffee, peanut butter and toasty bread; nutty, woody notes become prominent, with oak, coffee and a delicate floral undertone lingering.

- Aroma: Inviting, with wood, chocolate, nuts and a subtle floral bouquet.

English Market Selection — sourced through Hunters & Frankau, the sole official UK distributor of Cuban cigars, confirming these Havanas reached the UK through the authorised channel and passed additional authenticity and condition checks.

Free UK delivery for purchases over £50.

Explore more Quai d’Orsay: No. 52 | Quai d’Orsay Collection

For another elegant, lighter Cuban, compare it with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1, or browse our Cuban cigars collection.

Fun Facts About the Quai d’Orsay No. 54

The No. 54 arrived with the brand’s 2017 relaunch, using the brand-new “Edmundo Grueso” vitola — a size not previously seen in the Habanos portfolio.

It’s closely related in size to the popular Montecristo Edmundo, just a fraction wider — a modern, larger-ring-gauge format that suits the brand’s easy-going style.

Cigar Aficionado’s “salted-caramel praline” description captures the No. 54’s signature trick — a delicate balance of sweet (honey, brioche) and savoury (that subtle saline note) that sets it apart.

FAQ About the Quai d’Orsay No. 54

Is the No. 54 a mild cigar?
Yes — it’s light-bodied, creamy and elegant, one of the most approachable Cubans, with a distinctive sweet-and-savoury character that keeps it interesting.

How does it compare to the No. 52?
Both are light-to-medium, refined Quai d’Orsay Havanas. The No. 54 (Edmundo Grueso) is a slightly shorter, wider format; the No. 52 (Lanzas) is longer and slimmer. The No. 54 is the lighter, creamier of the two.

What does it taste like?
Creamy milky coffee, brioche, honey and a subtle salted note — Cigar Aficionado likened it to a salted-caramel praline.

Where are your Cuban cigars sourced from?
Through Hunters & Frankau, the sole official UK distributor of Cuban cigars.