What size is the Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck Edición Regional Líbano and what makes the Duke vitola special?

The Baalbeck measures 140mm x 54 ring gauge in the Duke vitola, a robusto extra format that sits between a standard robusto and a double corona. The Duke is notably rare in Quai d'Orsay's regular production lineup, making this Lebanese regional release particularly distinctive. This size provides approximately 60-75 minutes of smoking time, allowing the blend's characteristic floral and honeyed notes to develop gradually through three distinct phases.

When was the Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck released and how many cigars were produced?

Habanos S.A. launched the Baalbeck in 2019 as Lebanon's exclusive Edición Regional, with production limited to 2,400 numbered boxes of 25 cigars (60,000 total). The release coincided with renewed international interest in the Quai d'Orsay marque following its 2017 brand repositioning. Each box bears the distinctive gold and burgundy Edición Regional band alongside the standard Quai d'Orsay band, with "Exclusivo Líbano" printed on the secondary band.

How does the Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck compare to the Coronas Claro in flavor profile?

While both share Quai d'Orsay's signature light-to-medium body and creamy texture, the Baalbeck delivers greater complexity through its larger Duke format. The Coronas Claro emphasizes toasted bread, vanilla, and mild citrus; the Baalbeck builds upon this foundation with pronounced cedar, white pepper, and dried apricot notes that intensify in the final third. The 54 ring gauge produces a cooler, more open draw that suits the blend's delicate character better than the Claro's 42 ring gauge constriction.

What size is the Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck Edición Regional Líbano and what makes the Duke vitola special?

The Baalbeck measures 140mm x 54 ring gauge in the Duke vitola, a robusto extra format that sits between a standard robusto and a double corona. The Duke is notably rare in Quai d'Orsay's regular production lineup, making this Lebanese regional release particularly distinctive. This size provides approximately 60-75 minutes of smoking time, allowing the blend's characteristic floral and honeyed notes to develop gradually through three distinct phases.

When was the Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck released and how many cigars were produced?

Habanos S.A. launched the Baalbeck in 2019 as Lebanon's exclusive Edición Regional, with production limited to 2,400 numbered boxes of 25 cigars (60,000 total). The release coincided with renewed international interest in the Quai d'Orsay marque following its 2017 brand repositioning. Each box bears the distinctive gold and burgundy Edición Regional band alongside the standard Quai d'Orsay band, with "Exclusivo Líbano" printed on the secondary band.

How does the Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck compare to the Coronas Claro in flavor profile?

While both share Quai d'Orsay's signature light-to-medium body and creamy texture, the Baalbeck delivers greater complexity through its larger Duke format. The Coronas Claro emphasizes toasted bread, vanilla, and mild citrus; the Baalbeck builds upon this foundation with pronounced cedar, white pepper, and dried apricot notes that intensify in the final third. The 54 ring gauge produces a cooler, more open draw that suits the blend's delicate character better than the Claro's 42 ring gauge constriction.

Cigar Information

Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck Edición Regional Líbano

The Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck stands as a distinctive addition to Habanos' Regional Edition program, crafted exclusively for the Lebanese market. This special release showcases the Duke vitola, a size not commonly found in the standard Quai d'Orsay lineup, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts seeking something outside the ordinary.

Vitola Specifications

Cigar Name	Baalbeck
Factory Name	Duke
Ring Gauge	54
Length	140 mm (5½″)
Official Weight	14.21 g
Construction	Handmade

Packaging and Presentation

Each Baalbeck cigar features the standard Quai d'Orsay Band B, accompanied by a secondary Regional Edition band marked "Líbano" to denote its exclusive destination. The cigars are presented in numbered slide-lid boxes containing 50 cigars each, reflecting the premium positioning of this regional release.

Production Details

The Baalbeck was produced in a total run of 2,400 cigars. The manufacturing was divided into two batches: the first numbered from 1 to 1,200, and the second from 1,201 to 2,400. This dual-batch production approach is documented in the official records for this release.

Release Timeline

Although officially designated as a 2018 release with a January 1, 2018 date stamp, the Baalbeck did not reach the market until mid-2021. The cigars were originally prepared for release in 2019; however, civil unrest in Lebanon prompted an extended holding period in distributor warehouses. As a consequence of this delay, both production batches became available to consumers simultaneously when the cigars finally entered the market.

Significance

The Baalbeck represents Quai d'Orsay's contribution to the Edición Regional program for Lebanon, joining a prestigious collection of region-specific releases. Named after the ancient Lebanese city famous for its Roman ruins, this cigar carries cultural significance for its intended market while offering the distinctive flavor profile associated with the Quai d'Orsay marca.

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Cigar Information

Quai d'Orsay Baalbeck Edición Regional Líbano

Vitola Specifications

Cigar Name	Baalbeck
Factory Name	Duke
Ring Gauge	54
Length	140 mm (5½″)
Official Weight	14.21 g
Construction	Handmade