Size: 50 × 155 (6.1")
Shape: Robusto Extra
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Smoking Time: 1 ½ hours
Beverage: Anarchist Amber Ale
Previous experience with several other Trinidad cigars (including the Fundadores, the 2007 limited edition Ingenious, and the Reyes), the reputation of the Trinidad line, as well as the fact that these cigars run around $50 bucks a stick here in Canada, had me “pumped” for this weeks Friday Cigar. To my knowledge, few Cuban brands have as much mystique and mystery attached to their labels as Trinidad which was originally created in 1969 and released to the public in 1998. Some claim that Trinidad was originally created as a diplomatic gift – much like Cohiba – and this claim is even mentioned on the Habanos website. However, several other very reliable sources (including Fidel Castro himself in his biography “My Life”) have argued that Trinidad has never been used as a gift for diplomats. Who knows…and who really cares. Here at the Friday Cigar we believe that a cigar should speak for itself and I was interested to see what this golden stick of finely rolled tobacco had to say.
My initial impression of this cigar was good. It was finely rolled, well constructed with few noticeable veins or tears in the wrapper, and produced a fine aroma of cedar, tobacco, and hay. I was pleased with the pre-draw – not too tight – which is always my primary concern with Cuban cigars. Everything seemed to going well with this stick as I touched two lit matches to the foot and began the process of creating an even burn. My initial impression of this cigar was “wow” – this is a lot stronger than I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy a nice full-bodied smoke – but I had always assumed that Trinidad was generally a mild to medium cigar and I would certainly classify this particular stick as full-bodied. The first third of the cigar was a little disappointing – lots of strong tobacco flavor and very little changes or subtleties.
The rest of the cigar was equally uninspiring. I was expecting a lot from this cigar and I really felt it didn’t produce. I detected some faint notes of spice and coffee…but mostly lots of strong tobacco flavors that seemed to overpower any attempts at other flavors from emerging. As well, it became harsh after the second third of the stick and began to show some signs of youth. However, I’ve read plenty of reviews that sing the praises of this cigar so I might purchase another one on our upcoming trip to Cuba and let it sit in my humidor for a few years. On this occasion I’m only able to give the Trinidad Robusto Extra two Castro heads out of five.
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