Trinidad Fundadores Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Tuesday 07 June, 2016 by Staff

Reviewed by Joe Gellman (22nd October 2001) I have often heard smokers describing the Trinidad as a glorified Lancero with an aged wrapper. While there are certainly some things in common between the two, the Trinidad has a life of its own. Both the Trinidad and the Lancero are rolled are the El Laguito factory. On a recent trip to Cuba our group was given a thorough tour of the El Laguito factory. The factory is nestled between mansions, a short trip from Old Havana. The care given to each step of production at the factory was drilled home after over one-hour, having been taken to every department at the factory. We were even given a tour of the "classroom" where novice rollers are taught the ins and outs of production of the cigars rolled at El Laguito. It is not unusual, therefore, to be pleased with every Trinidad one buys. This cigar was first made for distribution in late 1990, and, at first, was reserved as a gift from Castro to "special' people. After a while the cigar became available, in very limited production, to the public. Having had the good fortune to sample some of the original cigars I can attest that the blend has been changed, somewhat, and is not as strong as the original. I feel this is a boon to smokers since the flavors and aromas are now quite distinct and, frankly, more enjoyable. I am certain that a few, Francois LeGal included, would argue that the cigar is 'wimpy', but he always has something negative to say (though he smokes them all the time). The cigar is considered a Laguito Numero 1, or a long (grand) panatela. It measures 7 ½ inches long and has a ring gauge of 38 (192 x 15.08), though several of the tomes on the subject measure the cigar at 7 inches. The cigar is perfectly rolled, having a color between a maduro to a negro. When describing the color many smokers are used to seeing a maduro as a brown-black leaf; this is not the way the Cubans describe the color. A maduro is a cigar without reddish tones, i.e., all brown, while a negro is a brown-black leaf. Each selection I have seen starts out with a little sheen on the leaf and, after a few months of age, starts to glisten as the oils begin to be prominent. I have not seen any Trinidad with veiny wrappers, all are smooth and soft to the touch. Each cigar is silky smooth and supple. Before lighting up the cigar has a hint of saltiness to the taste but that disappears on the first or second draw. The first minutes of the cigar will surround you with a pronounced floral and dulcet taste and aroma. The draw is even throughout, providing plenty of smoke. The aroma, through the first half of the cigar is fresh and light. After that, the cigar begins to strengthen, giving off hints of seasonal spices, reminding me of the smell of fresh juniper berries. At the last three inches the cigar starts to get richer, but stays cool. Hints of pepper and undergrowth appear, and the dulcet tones disappear, completely. Towards the end of the smoke the cigar has an intoxicating impression and becomes a bit piquant. The cigar does not finish with a bang, but continues to be strong and pleasant. The ash is dark gray to black through the entire smoke and is reduced to a powder when sampled in the ashtray. Thus, one notes that every bit of the leaf has been burned and the cigar is constructed with the highest regard.

Date Added: Thursday 28 July, 2011 by andrew

suprisingly im the first to review this exquisite cigar have smoke a few now i have a good idea first was to young and needed a little more ageing but smoke was creamy smooth with coffee and nuts and a slight leathery taste never harsh and did i mention smooth if you enjoy the trinidad range and have not yet indulged you are missing get one now find you favourite chair and a good brandy and prepare for an hour and half of pure bliss