J.C Newman’s Quorum Cigars – The Classic, Maduro & Shade Robusto

Introduction

Quorum cigars are manufactured by the world famous J.C. Newman Cigar Company and marketed as quality hand-rolled, affordable everyday cigars. Through these principles Quorum has gone on to become the #1 selling hand-made cigar bundle in the world.

In this blog we will look at how this came to pass by looking at each of their cigar ranges. Quorum’s journey has been curious, from a prominent fixture in the early nineties, to its mysterious twenty year hiatus and eventual rebirth and subsequent return to dominance.

Quorum – Classic Robusto

Many people struggle to find an enjoyable everyday cigar that is hand-rolled and doesn’t break the bank. Quorum cigars are the solution to this quandary and the Quorum Classic Robusto is the perfect size to experience the full spectrum of flavour and character provided by this quotidian stogie.

The Classic Robusto, as with all the Quorum cigars, is made by hand at the prestigious J.C. Newman Pensa Factory in the Esteli region of Nicaragua. A selection of Nicaraguan leaves are chosen for the filler, these are a mixture of long and short cuts, a technique that is fondly called a “Cuban sandwich”.

These filler leaves provide a surprisingly well rounded flavour. The Ecuadorian wrapper has been grown in direct sunlight, the result of which is a spicy and decadently rich leaf that compliments the filler perfectly. To the eye this wrapper is a shade of distinguished dark matte brown and has some visible veins.

At 4¾ inches long by 50 ring gauge, the Classic Robusto provides a rewarding smoke lasting anywhere between 20 – 40 minutes. For the bargain price it retails at (when compared to other hand-rolled new world cigars) this cigar is hard to beat.  When factoring in cost, quality and size the Quorum Robusto is unparalleled and global sales reflect this. In turn it can be said that this is not conjecture but rather an irrefutable fact.

When it comes to smoking the Classic Robusto the first third provides a mixture of flavours. Espresso and chilli with a hint of earthiness can be detected by the discerning smoker. In the second third it starts to mellow out into a blend of cedar whilst still retaining the coffee notes. The final third spices up again with a distinct taste of black pepper present.

When compared against other cigars some people claim that the Quorum Classic is one dimensional, but as we have proven this is not the case. Smoke Magazine rated the Quorum Classic Robusto 92/100, an accolade that many cigars could only dream of. Try out the ‘people’s cigar’ today and find out if you have found your new creature comfort.

Quorum – Maduro Robusto

For those seeking a stronger experience with more robust flavours J.C. Newman released the Quorum Maduro range. The Spanish word maduro translates to “mature”, and this cigar lives up to that title.

As with the Classic Robusto, a smooth Nicaraguan tobacco is selected for the filler. This is then bound in a Connecticut Broadleaf before being finished with a sun-grown Sumatra wrapper.

The latter is what gives this cigar its character. Grown in Ecuador, this Sumatran tobacco is often referred to as “black tobacco”.

This tobacco has been exposed to the sunlight for long periods of time and the outcome is a wrapper leaf that bears pleasant sweet aromatic properties. It shares many of the best qualities of its progenitor whilst adding a new, interesting dynamic. 

When gazed upon the Quorum Maduro Robusto shows signs of good construction. The wrapper is a deep oak brown that calls out to be smoked. Upon first lighting a Quorum Maduro Robusto one’s taste buds are overcome with a combination of deep cedar and dark chocolate tones accompanied by the obligatory pepper kick. After the first third is complete and the initial spice settles, a blend of pleasant leather and earth notes take centre stage. After this it reverts to the same flavours as the first third with a little stronger potency.

This cigar is recommended for the more experienced cigar smoker due to its stronger nature.

Quorum – Shade Robusto

The third and final blend we are going to discuss is that of the delightful Quorum Connecticut Shade. As with the previous two, this blend consists of the same Nicaraguan long and short filler tobaccos that have been well aged and bound in Nicaraguan Connecticut Broadleaf. Here is where the divergence takes place. A special golden/fudge coloured Connecticut leaf that has been shade grown (Connecticut Shade) in Ecuador is selected for the wrapper. This simple alteration results in a cigar that is vastly different from its siblings.

A notable sweet aromatic quality is present when nosing the wrapper and foot of the cigar. A hint of some verdant qualities are accompanied by a saccharine tobacco scent. This is the blend for those who seek a milder smoke, as displayed by the welcoming Connecticut wrapper that assuages any concerns as to its strength. 

Upon lighting a Quorum Connecticut Shade Robusto you are first presented with a creamy smoke imbued with a smooth white pepper flavour. After progressing through the first third these transmogrify into a laid back, earth-like flavour that is punctuated with an ambiguous sweetness. 

Again, this is an easy going all day cigar that may not contain the most complex flavours, but, this plays into its strengths as it is unlikely to offend any cigar smoker’s palate. This is where it stands tall among

many other everyday cigars that fail to meet this basic but essential criteria. As the cigar enters the final leg it does spice up again slightly, bringing a more medium bodied flavour for the finale. Here one can expect to be treated to flavours such as nuts, cappuccino and light milk chocolate. 

This cigar is highly recommendable for those new to cigar smoking or those who consider themselves “blue moon smokers”.

Quorum – Bundles Of 10 Cigars

All three of these Quorum Robusto cigar blends are also sold in cellophane wrapped bundles of 10 cigars. Infact, as stated previously they are the #1 selling cigar bundle in the world! These cigars are ideal for functions, parties, weddings etc.