What is the history of Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro and when was it first released?

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro debuted in 1974, making it one of the longest-running productions in the brand's history. Originally created for the French market, the brand itself was established in 1973 as a diplomatic gift cigar before becoming commercially available. The Coronas Claro has maintained continuous production for nearly five decades, surviving the brand's 2005 restructuring when other vitolas were discontinued. It remains a benchmark for the marca's lighter-bodied profile.

What are the dimensions and smoking time of Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro?

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro measures 142mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge, fitting the classic corona format. This translates to approximately 45-60 minutes of smoking time for most enthusiasts. The 42 ring gauge provides a comfortable draw while concentrating the smoke, and the length allows the cigar's subtle flavor transitions to develop gradually without becoming monotonous.

What does Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro taste like and how does it compare to other Cuban coronas?

The Coronas Claro delivers a mild-to-medium bodied profile with dominant notes of cedar, cream, and toasted bread, accented by subtle floral and honey sweetness. Unlike the more assertive Partagás or Bolívar coronas, this cigar emphasizes finesse over power. The claro wrapper contributes to its restrained character. It shares philosophical similarities with H. Upmann's lighter offerings but maintains a distinct French-influenced elegance that rewards patient smoking and morning or afternoon occasions.

Cigar Information

Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro

Ramón ValdésEditor-in-Chief

Introduced to the market in 1974, the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro remains one of the most enduring expressions within the brand's portfolio. This handmade Cuban cigar continues to be produced today, offering enthusiasts a classic corona format with the distinctive flavor profile that has defined the Quai d'Orsay marque for decades.

Specifications

Factory Name	Coronas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	142 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	9.29 g
Construction	Handmade
Packaging	Semi boîte nature box of 25 cigars
Status	Current Regular Production
Release Year	1974

Quai Dorsay Coronas Claro — cigar packaging

Quai Dorsay Coronas Clar — cigar packaging

Band and Packaging History

The Coronas Claro has seen notable changes in its presentation over the years. Initially, cigars produced before 2017 featured the standard band A design. Following the brand's revitalization around 2017, the cigar received a dedicated Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro band that better reflects its identity within the modern lineup.

Collectors and enthusiasts should note the naming conventions that have evolved throughout this cigar's history. Prior to 2017, boxes were stamped simply with "Coronas," though official catalogues and records consistently referred to the cigar as the Coronas Claro. Going back further, before 1995, the color grade "Claro" was stamped on the base of each cigar—a distinction that separated it from its sibling, the Coronas Claro Claro, which shared otherwise identical packaging. Since 2017, the box stamping has been updated to read "Coronas Claro," bringing consistency between the physical product and official documentation.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Coronas Claro delivers a nuanced smoking experience characterized by elegance and balance rather than raw power. With a strength rating that leans toward the milder side, this cigar appeals to those seeking a refined, contemplative smoke.

The flavor architecture is built primarily around bright, citrus-driven notes, with citrus elements appearing most prominently in enthusiast reviews. Brioche, butter, and cream contribute a rich, bakery-like quality, while hay and oak provide an earthy foundation. Secondary notes of orange, wood, shortbread, and baking spices add layers of complexity throughout the smoking experience.

Additional tasting notes reported by reviewers include cedar, vanilla, cake, ginger, spiced cake, and the distinctive Cuban "twang" that seasoned aficionados often seek. Subtle hints of baked bread, cinnamon, floral elements, and lemon round out the profile, with occasional appearances of citrus peel, coffee, Cointreau, honey, milk chocolate, and nut characteristics.

Average Ratings

Elegance	4/5
Balance	4/5
Strength	2/5
Complexity	3/5
Aftertaste	4/5
Overall Score	3.85/5 (based on 33 reviews)

Legacy and Position

As a current regular production cigar with nearly five decades of history, the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro represents both tradition and continuity. Its mild-to-medium strength profile, combined with excellent ratings for elegance and aftertaste, makes it particularly well-suited for morning or afternoon smoking sessions where subtlety and refinement are prized over intensity.

Questions & Answers