Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck: A Tribute to Lebanon's Heritage

Konstantin Denishev
Oct 14, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Mar 13

The Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck is an exclusive release for Lebanon under the Edición Regional program, marking the first time that the Quai d'Orsay brand has been used for a Lebanese regional edition. Originally scheduled for release in 2018, it finally made its debut in 2021 due to political unrest and logistical delays. This cigar pays homage to the historic city of Baalbeck, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ancient Roman temple complex.

Flavour Profile

The Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck offers a medium-bodied smoking experience that starts with creamy and sweet notes. From the first puff, you are met with a delightful combination of creaminess, nuttiness, and pepper, with a subtle touch of vanilla that complements the overall smoothness of the smoke. As the cigar progresses, the flavours deepen, revealing hints of white pepper, toasted bread, and a mild earthiness. The final third brings a gentle complexity, where the nuttiness becomes more prominent, balanced by a peppery finish that lingers on the palate without overwhelming the senses.

This cigar demonstrates a refined evolution of flavours, making it approachable yet sophisticated, offering just enough complexity to keep both seasoned smokers and newcomers engaged throughout the entire smoking session.

Vitola Details

Factory Name: Duke
Dimensions: Ring gauge 54 x Length 140 mm (5 1/2 inches)
Construction: Handmade using Cuban tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region
Bands: Standard Quai d'Orsay band with an additional Edición Regional band for Lebanon
Packaging: Available in numbered slide-lid boxes of 50 cigars, with a total of 1,200 boxes produced
Release Date: Released in June 2021 (originally slated for 2018)

The Duke vitola has become a favourite for Edición Regional cigars, offering a robust format with its 54-ring gauge, allowing for a rich and full draw. It is designed to deliver an hour-long smoking experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a slow, contemplative smoke with complex flavours.

The Significance of the Baalbeck Release

The Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck stands out in the Quai d’Orsay portfolio, not only because it is an Edición Regional release but also because it is the first time the brand has been used for a region outside of its traditional association with France. This marks a significant expansion for the Quai d'Orsay brand, which was originally created in 1973 to appeal to the French market, with a lighter flavour profile designed to pair well with Champagne and foie gras.

The release of the Baalbeck cigar underlines the importance of the Lebanese market for Habanos, with Phoenicia Trading—one of the largest distributors of Cuban cigars—responsible for this exclusive edition. The name Baalbeck itself refers to the ancient city of Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding a sense of history and prestige to the cigar.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate the experience of smoking the Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck, consider pairing it with a Champagne or a well-aged rum. The creaminess of the cigar complements the sweetness of a fine Champagne, while the peppery notes are balanced beautifully with the deep caramel and vanilla undertones of a high-quality rum. For coffee lovers, a rich espresso would enhance the cigar’s toasted bread and nutty notes, making for a refined pairing.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The construction of the Baalbeck is impeccable, reflecting the high standards of Cuban craftsmanship. The cigar is perfectly rolled, with a smooth, firm wrapper and minimal veins. The burn is even and consistent throughout the smoking experience, and the ash holds firmly. The draw is easy, delivering an impressive amount of rich smoke with each puff.

Rating for Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck

Here’s how the Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck scores based on my rating system:

Appearance: 9/10 – Beautifully crafted with a smooth wrapper and an elegant band.
Aroma: 8/10 – Light, creamy aroma with hints of vanilla and toasted bread.
Flavour: 18/20 – Well-balanced creaminess, nuttiness, and pepper.
Draw: 9/10 – Smooth and effortless, providing a rich, creamy smoke.
Burn: 9/10 – Even burn with a firm ash throughout.
Construction: 10/10 – Impeccable craftsmanship from start to finish.
Strength: 7/10 – Medium-bodied, approachable but with depth.
Finish: 8/10 – A satisfying, peppery finish that lingers on the palate.
Overall Experience: 9/10 – A refined and balanced cigar that offers complexity without being overpowering.

Total Score: 88/100

Watch My Full Video Review!

For a deeper dive into the Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck, be sure to check out my full video review! I explore the intricate flavour profile, ideal pairings, and give an up-close look at the construction and craftsmanship that make this regional edition for Lebanon exclusive a standout cigar. Watch to learn why the Quai d’Orsay Baalbeck deserves a place in your collection.

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