Description
A Hidden Gem That Deserves More Attention
You know what gets me about the Trinidad Coloniales? It’s one of those cigars that somehow flies under the radar despite coming from one of Cuba’s most exclusive brands. I remember the first time I got my hands on a box – a friend of mine who travels to Havana regularly brought them back – and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Trinidad has this reputation for being the “secret marca” (it was literally created for diplomatic gifts), but the Coloniales vitola? It’s kind of the overlooked middle child of the line.
Here’s the thing: this cigar deserves way more love than it gets. At 5.2 inches with a 44 ring gauge, it’s a robusto that doesn’t overwhelm you but doesn’t shortchange you either. And if you’re someone who appreciates complexity without having to commit to a two-hour smoke session, you’re gonna want to pay attention here.
What makes the Trinidad Coloniales special isn’t just the brand prestige – though let’s be honest, that doesn’t hurt. It’s the way this particular vitola captures everything great about Trinidad’s tobacco selection while giving you a smoke that fits into your actual life. Not everyone has 90 minutes to dedicate to a Fundadores, you know?
What Makes This Cigar Stand Out
Trinidad as a brand didn’t even exist for the public until 1998. Before that, it was Castro’s personal stash – gifts for foreign dignitaries and high-ranking officials. When they finally released it commercially, they started with just one size (the Fundadores), and the mystique was real. The Coloniales came later, and it brought something different to the lineup.
The thing about Trinidad cigars is they use tobacco from the very top leaves of the Vuelta Abajo plants – the ligero leaves that get the most sun and develop the most character. But unlike some brands that use ligero to create a strength bomb, Trinidad’s blenders have this knack for balancing power with elegance. The Coloniales exemplifies this perfectly.
Who’s this cigar for? In my experience, it’s ideal for the smoker who’s moved past the mild Montecristos and wants more complexity, but isn’t necessarily chasing the full-bodied punch of a Partagás or Bolívar. If you’ve got 60-75 minutes and you want a cigar that makes you think without making you work too hard, this is your stick. It’s also fantastic for someone building a serious collection – Trinidad boxes have this way of aging beautifully, and the Coloniales is no exception.
The construction quality is typically excellent. Trinidad tends to roll their cigars on the firmer side, which means they burn cooler and develop flavors more gradually. Some people find them tight (I’ve heard that complaint), but personally, I appreciate the control it gives you over the smoke.
The Details That Matter
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Coloniales (Robusto) |
| Length | 5.2 inches / 132 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 44 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Long Filler Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Alright, let’s talk about what actually happens when you light one of these up. The cold draw usually gives you hints of cocoa and dried fruit – sometimes I pick up a slight nuttiness too. Not gonna lie, I’m a big believer in taking my time with the cold draw on Trinidads because there’s always more going on than you initially notice.
The first third opens with this beautiful creamy smoke. Think café con leche with a touch of white pepper on the retrohale. What really stands out is the leather notes – not harsh, but refined, like the smell of a well-worn leather chair in an old library. There’s wood too, cedar mostly, but it’s balanced with this underlying sweetness that keeps things interesting. The burn line at this stage is usually razor-sharp (Trinidad’s quality control is pretty solid), and the ash holds on for a good inch or more before dropping.
Ever noticed how some cigars hit you with everything right away and then plateau? The Coloniales doesn’t do that. The second third is where things get really interesting. The cream transforms into more of a roasted coffee character, and you start picking up spice – not pepper heat, but actual baking spices. Cinnamon, maybe a touch of nutmeg. A buddy of mine who’s way more into wine pairings than I am swears he tastes dark chocolate with orange zest in this section. I don’t always get the orange, but the chocolate? Absolutely.
The strength builds gradually through the middle section. If you started thinking this was a medium-bodied smoke, by the halfway point you’re realizing it’s got more muscle than that. But here’s the catch: it never gets aggressive. That’s the Trinidad signature – power with polish.
The final third is where you really earn your money with this cigar (speaking of which – we’re not talking about price, but you get what I mean). The flavors concentrate and deepen. The leather comes back stronger, joined by earthy notes and a lingering sweetness on the finish that reminds me of molasses or dark honey. Some sticks get harsh in the last couple inches. Not this one. If anything, the Coloniales gets smoother and richer as you approach the band.
Construction-wise, I’ve smoked probably 20 or 25 of these over the years, and I can count on one hand the number that needed any touch-ups. The draw can be firm – sometimes requires a bit more effort than I’d prefer – but it’s never plugged or difficult. The ash is light gray, firm, and holds well. Smoke production is moderate but consistent. This isn’t a cigar that billows huge clouds (if that’s your thing, look elsewhere), but the quality of the smoke more than makes up for quantity.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinidad Coloniales | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Complexity seekers who want refinement with character |
| Cohiba Siglo IV | Medium | 50-65 minutes | Smokers wanting elegance and prestige in a shorter format |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 45-60 minutes | Classic Cuban profile without surprises |
| Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill | Medium | 55-70 minutes | Balanced, approachable smoke for any time |
Look, the Cohiba Siglo IV gets compared to everything in this size range because, well, it’s a Cohiba. But honestly? The Trinidad gives you more evolution and complexity. The Montecristo No. 4 is the safe bet – you know exactly what you’re getting every time – but it doesn’t challenge you the way the Coloniales does. And the Romeo Short Churchill is a fantastic everyday smoke, but it lacks that special something that makes you stop and think about what you’re tasting.
What to Drink With It
The truth is, I’ve enjoyed this cigar with everything from black coffee to aged rum, and it holds its own with pretty much anything. But if you want the ideal pairing? Here’s what I’ve found works best.
Coffee drinkers, try this with a strong espresso or Cuban coffee in the morning. The roasted notes in the second third create this perfect harmony with dark roast beans. I’ve had it with Café Bustelo many times – it’s a match made in heaven.
For spirits, go with a medium-bodied rum. Flor de Caña 12 year is my go-to, but Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva works beautifully too. The sweetness and vanilla notes from the rum complement the spice and leather from the cigar without competing. If you’re a whisky person (I am, most of the time), try it with a Highland Scotch – something like Glenmorangie or Dalwhinnie. The lighter, floral characteristics play nicely with the cigar’s complexity.
Occasion-wise? This is my late afternoon cigar. That window between 4 and 6 PM when you’ve finished the day’s work but dinner’s still an hour or two away. It’s contemplative without being heavy. I’ve also found it works great after a light lunch – it won’t knock you out the way some fuller-bodied sticks can in the middle of the day.
Common Questions About the Trinidad Coloniales
How does the Trinidad Coloniales differ from other Trinidad vitolas?
The Coloniales sits right in the middle of Trinidad’s strength range – fuller than the Vigia but milder than the Fundadores. What makes it unique is the smoking time – it gives you the complete Trinidad experience in about an hour, while the Fundadores requires 90+ minutes. The ring gauge (44) also means you get more wrapper-to-filler ratio, which brings out slightly more of those leather and spice notes compared to the thicker vitolas.
Do Trinidad Coloniales need aging, or can they be smoked fresh?
They’re smokeable right out of the box if they’ve been properly stored, but honestly, they really shine with a few years on them. Fresh Trinidads can be a bit tight and the flavors aren’t as integrated. Give them 2-3 years and the spice mellows, the sweetness emerges more prominently, and everything just harmonizes better. I’ve got a box from 2019 that I’m still working through, and they’re spectacular now.
What’s the best way to cut a Trinidad Coloniales?
Straight cut works perfectly fine, but because they’re rolled firmly, I actually prefer a V-cut or punch with these. The V-cut opens up the draw just enough without making it too easy, and you get a nice concentrated stream of smoke. Some guys swear by the punch cut for Trinidads specifically because it prevents the wrapper from unraveling (which can happen if you cut too much off these oily wrappers).
Is the Trinidad Coloniales too strong for someone moving up from mild cigars?
Not at all – it’s actually a great “next step” cigar. If you’ve been smoking Montecristos or Romeo y Julietas and want something with more character, the Coloniales won’t overwhelm you. Just make sure you’ve eaten something first (don’t smoke it on an empty stomach) and pace yourself. The strength builds gradually, so you’ll have plenty of warning if it’s getting to be too much.
What humidity level is ideal for storing Trinidad Coloniales?
I keep mine at 65% RH, which is slightly lower than the traditional 70% most people use. Trinidad cigars are rolled firmly, and I’ve found that keeping them a bit drier improves the draw and prevents them from being too tight. Temperature should stay around 65-68°F. Anything higher and you risk beetle issues, especially with these oily Cuban wrappers.
Can you tell if a Trinidad Coloniales is authentic?
Check the band carefully – authentic Trinidad bands have a very specific gold color and detailed printing. The boxes should have the Habanos hologram, proper factory codes, and quality seals. The cigars themselves should have a slight oil sheen on the wrapper (Trinidad’s wrappers are notably oily), triple cap, and consistent construction. If you’re buying from a reputable source with proper authentication, you shouldn’t have issues. But yeah, fakes exist, so buy smart.
What time of day is best for smoking a Trinidad Coloniales?
Late afternoon is perfect – that 4-6 PM window I mentioned earlier. It’s substantial enough that you don’t want it first thing in the morning (unless you’re a serious veteran), but it won’t wreck your appetite before dinner the way some fuller cigars can. I’ve also enjoyed them after lighter evening meals. They’re versatile enough for different times, but avoid smoking them on an empty stomach or too late at night if you’re sensitive to nicotine.
Final Thoughts
Thing is, the Trinidad Coloniales represents something that’s getting harder to find in the Cuban cigar world these days – consistency, complexity, and character in a format that respects your time. It’s not trying to be the biggest or strongest or most exclusive. It’s just trying to be excellent. And in my book, it succeeds.
If you’re building a serious humidor and want something that’ll age beautifully over the next 5-10 years, grab a box. If you want a cigar that makes you slow down and actually pay attention to what you’re smoking, this is it. And if you’re tired of the same old recommendations everyone gives (yeah, we all love Cohiba, but come on), the Coloniales gives you something a bit different to talk about.
My take? This deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s special enough for occasions but refined enough that you won’t feel guilty lighting one up just because it’s Tuesday. And honestly, isn’t that what great cigars are supposed to be about?
Ready to experience what you’ve been missing? Add the Trinidad Coloniales to your collection and discover why this underrated vitola has such a devoted following among serious Cuban cigar enthusiasts.
