Quorum Shade Robusto. A classic among price-conscious connoisseurs: The Quorum Shade Robusto. With its light-colored wrapper, this cigar immediately left me with the impression that it means business. Quorum is one of the best-selling bundle cigars in the world - and this is no coincidence. The traditional company J.C. Newman, which is also responsible for other popular brands such as Brick House, knows exactly how to produce an inexpensive and high-quality cigar. But how does the light-colored sister of the Quorum Classic fare in the tasting? I have tasted three examples and can say: there is pepper in it - in the truest sense of the word!
4 Minutes
Table of contents
- The first impression: Spicy, peppery and with a hint of dark chocolate
- Acclimatization: Even a quorum needs time to catch its breath
- Second half: Successful balance between acidity, bitterness and spiciness
- Conclusion: Good, affordable and ideal for uncomplicated moments of pleasure
- What do you think?
- Resources on the topic and buying cigars
The first impression: Spicy, peppery and with a hint of dark chocolate
The very first puffs show that the Quorum Shade Robusto is good for a surprise. A peppery start, combined with a pleasant spiciness and a pinch of acidity, which later turns into a subtle sweetness. No sooner had I noted the first note than the pepper disappeared, leaving behind a subtle, balanced spiciness. The retronasal aromas are slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness, which gives the cigar an interesting note.
Acclimatization: Even a quorum needs time to catch its breath
One point that should never be neglected with cigars such as the Quorum Shade Robusto: acclimatization. Even if these cigars are designed to be enjoyed quickly, they need a bit of rest after long transportation. Two weeks in the humidor often work wonders to give the cigars the necessary balance and freshness. If you light them straight from the store, you could miss out on their true potential. So - patience is also a virtue here!
Second half: Successful balance between acidity, bitterness and spiciness
The second half then shows how good the Quorum Shade Robusto really can be. Acidity, a slight bittersweet note and the remaining spice are well balanced and intensify until the end. The special thing is that the retronasal sweetness remains - a small detail that made the smoking experience surprisingly interesting for me.
Conclusion: Good, affordable and ideal for uncomplicated moments of pleasure
What is the bottom line? The Quorum Shade Robusto is an uncomplicated but solid cigar for thrifty smokers and beginners. For just CHF 3.20 (as of November 2024), you get a hand-rolled cigar with a good wrapper and a pleasant, even burn. The ash is not very firm, but you can get over that at this price.
Although it does not offer complex flavors, it convinces with a harmonious balance of acidity, bittersweet and spice, with a sweetish aftertaste retronasal. Anyone looking for an interesting, spicy cigar at a low price that is not too overpowering will certainly find the Quorum Shade Robusto a good companion for the evening.
What do you think?
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Resources on the topic and buying cigars
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