Trinidad Coloniales

Description

The Trinidad Coloniales proves that El Laguito’s magic extends beyond the Cohiba shadow. Released in 2003 alongside the Reyes and Robustos Extra, this petit corona brought Trinidad’s legendary refinement into an everyday format. The signature pigtail cap—that twisted flourish marking El Laguito’s finest work—crowns a cigar that delivers complexity without demanding your entire afternoon. If the Fundadores is a symphony, the Coloniales is a perfectly executed concerto.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The Coloniales opens with characteristic Trinidad elegance. Creamy cedar establishes the foundation, supported by light nuttiness and delicate spice. Sweet notes emerge immediately—vanilla prominent, black cherry lurking beneath. Oak adds depth while roasted nuts provide earthiness. Exotic fruit hints dance at the edges, elusive but present. The smoke is silky, the draw effortless thanks to expert construction. Floral and grassy notes typical of the marca appear on the retrohale, confirming the El Laguito pedigree.

Mid-Section: The heart of the Coloniales deepens considerably. That opening vanilla gracefully yields to almond-kissed coffee, roasted and rich. Earthy tones strengthen—moist soil, forest floor—while subtle cocoa emerges. Black pepper adds complexity without aggression. The body remains firmly medium but gains presence. Walnut joins the nut chorus. Sweet woods persist as backbone while fresh notes of coconut surprise the palate. Each draw offers slightly different emphasis, keeping the experience engaging throughout.

Final Third: The conclusion intensifies without losing balance. Coffee dominates now, deep and roasted. Leather appears, supple and refined. Exotic spices strengthen—cinnamon, perhaps cardamom. The earthy notes reach their peak while that gentle sweetness persists, preventing any harshness. A slight salinity develops, adding savory contrast to the sweeter elements. The pigtail cap has long since been clipped, but the quality it promised delivers through the final inch.

Flavor Profile

El Laguito Excellence

Trinidad shares its birthplace with Cohiba—the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana’s Cubanacán district. Originally a mansion, converted to cigar production in 1966, El Laguito represents the pinnacle of Cuban manufacturing. The same torcedores who roll Behikes apply their skills to Trinidad, using the marca’s distinctive tobacco recipe. The pigtail cap that distinguishes every Trinidad requires particular expertise; not every roller can execute it properly. When you smoke a Coloniales, you’re experiencing the same craftsmanship that commands premium prices in the Cohiba lineup.

Perfect Pairings

• Coffee: Flat white or cappuccino—the cigar’s coffee notes find their mirror while milk softens any edges. A perfect breakfast combination.
• Rum: Aged añejo, three to seven years—smooth sweetness complementing the cedar and vanilla without competition.
• Port: Ruby or LBV—fruity richness highlighting the cocoa and spice notes beautifully.
• Pastry: A butter croissant alongside morning coffee transforms this into the ideal breakfast cigar experience.

Ideal For

The Trinidad Coloniales occupies the sweet spot between quick smoke and lengthy commitment. At 45-60 minutes, it fits a proper lunch break or post-dinner window without demanding schedule rearrangement. The medium body makes it approachable for developing palates while the complexity rewards experienced smokers seeking refinement over power. This is the Trinidad for regular rotation—prestigious enough for any occasion, priced reasonably enough for frequent enjoyment. Age a box two years and watch the flavors integrate into something approaching the Fundadores’ elegance at a fraction of the time investment. For those who love El Laguito’s work but can’t always commit to a Lancero, the Coloniales answers perfectly.