When was the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro discontinued and why is it so rare today?

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro was discontinued in 1995 after a 21-year production run that began in 1974. Its scarcity today stems from limited original distribution—Quai d'Orsay was primarily created for the French market—and nearly three decades of aging since the last boxes left Havana. Surviving examples command substantial premiums at auction, with well-preserved specimens from the early 1990s particularly sought after by collectors seeking pre-1990s Cuban tobacco.

What are the exact dimensions and factory vitola of the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro?

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro measures 142mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge, corresponding to the Mareva vitola de galera factory name. This classic corona format was standard for the brand's Claro Claro line, distinguished by its exceptionally light Connecticut-seed wrapper grown in Cuba. The slender 42-ring construction delivered a 30-45 minute smoking experience, shorter than modern robustos but typical of the era's elegant, daytime-oriented Cuban cigars.

How does the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro compare to the current Quai d'Orsay No. 50?

The Coronas Claro Claro and modern No. 50 share little beyond branding. The discontinued corona featured a lighter wrapper and milder, more delicate profile suited to morning smoking, while the 2019-released No. 50 is a 50-ring gauge robusto with substantially fuller body. The original emphasized subtle floral and cedar notes with minimal strength; the No. 50 delivers more pronounced cocoa and toasted bread character. Collectors value the Claro Claro for its historical significance and aged complexity unavailable in contemporary releases.

When was the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro discontinued and why is it so rare today?

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro was discontinued in 1995 after a 21-year production run that began in 1974. Its scarcity today stems from limited original distribution—Quai d'Orsay was primarily created for the French market—and nearly three decades of aging since the last boxes left Havana. Surviving examples command substantial premiums at auction, with well-preserved specimens from the early 1990s particularly sought after by collectors seeking pre-1990s Cuban tobacco.

What are the exact dimensions and factory vitola of the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro?

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro measures 142mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge, corresponding to the Mareva vitola de galera factory name. This classic corona format was standard for the brand's Claro Claro line, distinguished by its exceptionally light Connecticut-seed wrapper grown in Cuba. The slender 42-ring construction delivered a 30-45 minute smoking experience, shorter than modern robustos but typical of the era's elegant, daytime-oriented Cuban cigars.

How does the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro compare to the current Quai d'Orsay No. 50?

The Coronas Claro Claro and modern No. 50 share little beyond branding. The discontinued corona featured a lighter wrapper and milder, more delicate profile suited to morning smoking, while the 2019-released No. 50 is a 50-ring gauge robusto with substantially fuller body. The original emphasized subtle floral and cedar notes with minimal strength; the No. 50 delivers more pronounced cocoa and toasted bread character. Collectors value the Claro Claro for its historical significance and aged complexity unavailable in contemporary releases.

Cigar Information

Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro

The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro Claro represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history. Introduced in 1974 as part of the regular production lineup, this cigar eventually faded from existence with its discontinuation in 1995. What makes this particular release noteworthy is its distinctive labeling and the curious path its production took during its two-decade run.

Historical Background

When the Coronas Claro Claro first appeared on the Cuban cigar scene in 1974, it joined the Quai d'Orsay portfolio as a standard offering. However, the cigar's later years tell a different story. Production became increasingly sporadic from the late 1980s onward, suggesting diminishing market demand or strategic shifts within the brand. By 1995, the cigar was officially retired from production.

Collectors and enthusiasts should note an important detail regarding packaging: the box itself bears the name "Coronas," while the base carries a "Clarisimo" stamp. This dual nomenclature reflects the sometimes complex naming conventions employed by Cuban cigar manufacturers during this era.

Specifications

Attribute	Details
Cigar Name	Coronas Claro Claro
Factory Name	Coronas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	142 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	9.29 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard Band A
Packaging	Semi boîte nature box of 25 cigars
Status	Discontinued (1974–1995)

Construction and Presentation

As a fully handmade cigar, the Coronas Claro Claro embodied the traditional Cuban craftsmanship expected of the era. The vitola follows the classic Coronas format, measuring 142 millimeters in length with a 42 ring gauge—a size that offers approximately 30 to 45 minutes of smoking pleasure depending on the smoker's pace.

The cigar was presented with Standard Band A, consistent with other Quai d'Orsay offerings of the period. Packaged in semi boîte nature boxes containing 25 cigars, the presentation adhered to the understated elegance that characterized the brand.

Collectibility and Legacy

Given its discontinuation in 1995 and the reduced production volumes during its final years, the Coronas Claro Claro has become a sought-after piece for serious collectors of vintage Cuban cigars. The "Claro Claro" designation refers to the exceptionally light wrapper shade, making this release particularly distinctive within the Quai d'Orsay family.

For those interested in exploring the complete Quai d'Orsay range, this discontinued release serves as an important reference point in understanding the brand's evolution and the broader landscape of Cuban cigar production during the 1970s through 1990s.

Questions & Answers

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