Description
The Trinidad Everyone Wants But Few Can Find
Look, I’m just going to say it: the Trinidad Fundadores is one of those cigars that separates casual smokers from serious aficionados. This isn’t your country club smoke – this is what you pull out when someone claims they “know Cuban cigars.” I remember the first time I got my hands on one back in 2008. A buddy of mine, Carlos, brought a box back from Havana and we smoked them on his deck overlooking the bay. That night changed how I thought about what a perfectly balanced Cuban could be.
Here’s the thing – Trinidad as a brand has this mystique that’s actually earned, not manufactured. And the Fundadores? It’s the flagship. The one that started it all. In this piece, I’m going to walk you through everything that makes this cigar special, from its secretive origins to that incredible flavor profile that builds throughout the smoke. And I know this sounds dramatic, but if you only smoke one Trinidad vitola in your life, make it the Fundadores.
What Makes the Trinidad Fundadores Special
Trinidad didn’t even officially exist to the public until 1998. Think about that. For years, it was produced exclusively for Fidel Castro to give as diplomatic gifts – which sounds like marketing nonsense until you realize it’s actually documented history. The Fundadores was the original vitola, the one they made for heads of state and visiting dignitaries.
When Habanos S.A. finally released it commercially, cigar smokers went crazy. And rightfully so. This isn’t just another Cuban cigar trying to cash in on the mystique – the Trinidad Fundadores genuinely delivers something different. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, which you probably already know is the primo growing area. But Trinidad gets access to some seriously select leaves. The whole operation is smaller, more controlled than your typical Cuban production.
Who should smoke this? Real talk: if you’re new to cigars, start elsewhere. The Fundadores is for someone who’s already worked their way through the Cohiba Robustos and Montecristo No. 2s of the world. Someone who can appreciate subtlety and complexity. Someone who has the patience for a two-hour smoke and won’t rush it. This cigar demands your attention – but rewards it generously.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Laguito No. 1 (Fundadores) |
| Length | 7.6 inches / 192 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo Selection) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From Light to Last Puff
Okay, so let me walk you through what actually happens when you light one of these up. And I’m not going to give you that generic “notes of leather and spice” garbage. I’m talking about the real experience.
The cold draw – before you even light it – gives you this subtle sweetness. Almost floral? My buddy Tom always says it reminds him of honey, and you know what, he’s not wrong. There’s a cedar component too, but it’s delicate. The wrapper on a fresh Fundadores has this light, almost golden-brown color. Milk chocolate, maybe. The construction is usually flawless – I mean, you’re paying for premium here, and it shows.
First third: this is where the Trinidad shows its restraint. A lot of Cuban cigars punch you in the face right away. The Fundadores? It introduces itself politely. You get cream, definitely cedar (that classic Cuban cedar that’s different from the cedar in, say, a Davidoff). There’s a sweetness that’s hard to pin down – not sugar sweet, more like… hmm, how do I put this… like the sweetness in fresh bread? The smoke is smooth, almost silky. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you’re not puffing like a freight train.
Second third – and this is where it gets interesting. The complexity builds. That creamy base stays consistent, but now you’re picking up coffee. Not espresso – more like a really good medium roast with cream in it. There’s a nuttiness developing. Some people get almonds, I get more of a cashew thing. The strength picks up slightly here, moving from mild into medium territory, but it never gets aggressive. The aroma at this point? Chef’s kiss. If you’re smoking this in a lounge, people will notice.
Final third: okay, this is where a lot of long cigars fall apart. They get harsh, or bitter, or just boring. Not the Fundadores. It stays elegant all the way down. The coffee notes deepen a bit, you might get some cocoa showing up. There’s a slight spice on the retrohale – white pepper maybe – but it’s balanced by that persistent creaminess. The wrapper never gets acrid or sharp. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than I probably should admit. Between you and me, the last inch might be the best part of the whole experience.
The ash holds for a solid inch, sometimes more. It’s that light gray color that tells you the tobacco is burning clean. And the room note? Your non-smoking spouse might actually tolerate this one. It’s not heavy or pungent – it’s refined.
How Does It Stack Up Against Similar Cigars?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinidad Fundadores | Mild-Medium | 90-120 min | Sophisticated sessions requiring focus and time |
| Cohiba Lancero | Medium | 90-110 min | Special occasions, more assertive flavor seekers |
| Montecristo Especial No. 2 | Medium | 75-95 min | Classic Cuban experience, slightly shorter commitment |
Thing is, comparing the Fundadores to other long, thin vitolas is a bit like comparing fine wines. They’re all good in their own way. The Cohiba Lancero is more assertive, more in-your-face Cuban. The Montecristo Especial gives you that classic Monte earthiness. But the Trinidad? It’s the most elegant of the three. The most… refined? I hate using that word because it sounds pretentious, but it fits.
What to Pair With Your Trinidad Fundadores
No joke, I’ve spent way too much time figuring out what works best with this cigar. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Coffee pairs beautifully, especially in the morning or early afternoon. I’m talking about a really good medium roast, maybe a Colombian single-origin. The coffee echoes what’s already in the cigar without overwhelming it. If you’re a whisky person – and honestly, who isn’t – try a lighter Scotch. I’ve had great experiences with Glenlivet 12. Highland Park works too. Stay away from the peaty Islay stuff; it’ll bulldoze right over the cigar’s subtlety.
For non-alcoholic options, a good aged rum actually works if you’re just sipping it. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is my go-to. Or honestly? Sparkling water with a twist of lemon. I know that sounds boring, but it cleanses your palate between draws and lets you appreciate the flavor evolution.
Time and place matter here. This is not a golf course cigar. This is not a “standing around at a barbecue” cigar. This is a Saturday afternoon on your porch, or a quiet evening in your favorite leather chair. No distractions. Phone on silent. You want to actually pay attention to what’s happening as you smoke it.
Storage and Aging: Getting the Most From Your Fundadores
Look, I’ll be honest with you: these cigars benefit from rest. If you buy a box – and I know that’s a serious commitment – don’t smoke them right away. Let them sit in your humidor at 65-68% humidity for at least a month. Three months is better. I’ve got some from 2019 that are smoking like absolute dreams right now.
The filler tobacco in Trinidads responds really well to aging. That creamy character becomes even smoother, the flavors integrate more seamlessly. I think it was 2015? Maybe 2016. Anyway, I bought a box and smoked one immediately, then forgot about them for about eight months. When I came back to that box, the difference was night and day. More refined, more complex. The aging potential here is legitimate – we’re talking five, ten years if you have the patience.
Cedar in your humidor? Absolutely. The wrapper on these cigars loves absorbing just a touch of cedar aroma. It complements what’s already there. Just keep them away from stronger cigars. A Partagas Serie D No. 4 will bully a Trinidad in the humidor. Keep your Trinidads with other mild to medium cigars, or in a separate section if you can.
What strength is the Trinidad Fundadores?
The Fundadores sits in the mild to medium range, leaning more mild in the first half and building to a gentle medium by the final third. It’s not going to knock you over – this is a refined smoke that prioritizes complexity over strength. Perfect for daytime smoking or if you want something sophisticated without the nicotine punch of, say, a Bolivar.
How long does it take to smoke a Trinidad Fundadores?
You’re looking at 90 to 120 minutes, depending on your pace. I usually clock in around the two-hour mark. This isn’t a cigar you rush. The long, thin format means it smokes slowly and coolly, which is part of the appeal. Make sure you’ve got the time before you light it up – there’s nothing worse than having to put down a Fundadores halfway through.
Should I age Trinidad Fundadores or smoke them fresh?
Age them if you can resist the temptation. At minimum, give them a month of rest in your humidor after purchase. But honestly? These cigars really shine with 6-12 months of aging, and they have the potential to improve for years. The flavor integration becomes even more seamless, and that creamy character intensifies. I’ve got some with five years on them that are absolutely stunning.
What makes Trinidad different from other Cuban brands like Cohiba or Montecristo?
Trinidad operates on a smaller scale with more selective tobacco. The brand emphasizes elegance and subtlety over power. Where a Cohiba might give you bold, assertive flavors and a Montecristo delivers that classic earthy Cuban profile, Trinidad is all about refinement and complexity in a milder package. It’s a different philosophy entirely – not better or worse, just different. Some people find it too subtle; I find it perfectly balanced.
Is the Trinidad Fundadores a limited edition cigar?
No, the Fundadores is part of the regular Trinidad lineup, though production volumes are smaller than mainstream brands. That said, availability can be spotty depending on your market. Trinidad doesn’t pump out cigars at the same rate as, say, Romeo y Julieta, so when you find them, it’s worth grabbing what you can. They’re not officially limited edition, but they might as well be in terms of scarcity.
What humidity level should I store Trinidad Fundadores at?
I keep mine at 65-67% humidity, around 65-68°F if possible. The wrapper on Trinidads is delicate, and they don’t respond well to being over-humidified. Too much moisture and you’ll mute those subtle flavors. I learned this the hard way when I first started collecting – had my humidor running at 70% and these cigars just didn’t perform. Dropped it to 65% and the difference was immediate.
What flavor notes should I expect from a Trinidad Fundadores?
The core profile is cream and cedar throughout, with coffee developing in the second third. You’ll pick up nuts – almonds or cashews depending on your palate. There’s a subtle sweetness that’s almost floral or honey-like. In the final third, some cocoa and very mild white pepper on the retrohale. But here’s what gets me: it’s not about individual flavors jumping out at you. It’s about how everything blends together seamlessly. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Final Thoughts: Is the Trinidad Fundadores Worth It?
Hear me out: this isn’t the cigar for everyone. If you want bold, assertive flavors and lots of nicotine punch, go smoke a Partagas Serie P No. 2. If you want something you can puff on while doing yard work, grab a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. But if you’re at a point in your cigar journey where you appreciate subtlety, where you want to taste the skill of the master blender, where two hours of contemplative smoking sounds appealing rather than tedious – then yes, absolutely yes, you need to experience the Trinidad Fundadores.
I genuinely don’t understand why this cigar isn’t talked about more. Maybe it’s the price point keeping casual smokers away. Maybe it’s the length – not everyone wants to commit to a two-hour smoke. Or maybe it’s that the Fundadores doesn’t shout at you. It whispers. And in today’s world of big ring gauges and aggressive flavor bombs, that whisper gets overlooked.
But once you tune in to what Trinidad is doing here, once you slow down and pay attention, you realize you’re smoking something special. Something that reminds you why Cuban cigars earned their reputation in the first place. Not gonna lie, I’ve converted more than a few skeptics with this cigar. The look on their face about halfway through, when the complexity really starts building? That never gets old.
So if you’ve been curious about Trinidad, if you’ve been wanting to expand beyond the usual suspects, make the Fundadores your entry point. Set aside a weekend afternoon. Get your favorite drink ready. Put your phone away. And experience what a truly refined Cuban cigar can be. You’ll either love it and become a Trinidad devotee like me, or you’ll decide it’s too subtle for your taste and that’s fine too – at least you’ll know. But I’m betting you’ll love it.
