Description
Why This Robusto Extra Has Been Hiding in My Humidor for Special Moments
I’ll be honest: when I first heard Trinidad was releasing a Robusto Extra, I rolled my eyes a bit. Another vitola? Really? But then I smoked one during a weekend trip to Miami back in – I think it was 2012? Maybe 2013. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that cigar made me rethink everything I knew about the Trinidad line. This isn’t just another robusto with “Extra” slapped on the name. This is what happens when you take Trinidad’s signature elegance and give it room to breathe. If you’ve been sleeping on this one, you’re missing out on what I genuinely believe is one of the most underrated Cuban cigars of the past decade.
The Trinidad brand has always occupied this interesting space in the Cuban cigar world. Born in 1969 – originally just for Fidel Castro and Cuban diplomats, no joke – it eventually became available to us regular mortals in 1998. The Robusto Extra came later, and it fills this perfect gap between the standard Robustos T and the bigger Fundadores. It’s got enough tobacco to develop complexity, but you’re not committing to a two-hour smoke. For someone like me who loves a good Cuban after dinner but doesn’t always have time for a Churchill, this thing is perfect.
What Makes the Trinidad Robusto Extra Stand Out
Trinidad cigars have this reputation for being refined. Elegant. Some people call them “cerebral” which – okay, maybe that’s a bit pretentious, but I get what they mean. These aren’t punch-you-in-the-face cigars. The Robusto Extra takes that refined Trinidad DNA and adds just enough body to keep things interesting throughout the entire smoke. The wrapper is pure Vuelta Abajo – that’s the holy grail of Cuban tobacco regions, by the way – and it shows.
What really gets me about this vitola is how it seems designed for the modern cigar smoker. You know, someone who appreciates complexity but doesn’t always have ninety minutes to spare. The extra length compared to a standard robusto gives the smoke more time to develop, more time to cool between the tobacco and your palate. And that ring gauge – not too thick, not too thin – it’s like they actually thought about draw resistance and flavor concentration. Shocking concept, right?
This is definitely a cigar for the experienced smoker. Not because it’s overly strong – it’s not – but because the flavors are subtle enough that if you’re still figuring out cedar from leather, you might miss what makes it special. If you’ve been smoking cigars for a few years and you’re ready to appreciate nuance over power, the Robusto Extra is calling your name.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Extra |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 155 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Experience: From Light to Nub
Right off the cold draw, you get this beautiful preview of what’s coming. There’s a sweetness – not candy sweet, more like dried fruit – mixed with that classic Cuban hay note. The wrapper smells incredible. That oily sheen catches the light just right, and you can tell before you even toast the foot that this is quality tobacco.
The first third is where Trinidad shows its pedigree. You get clean, crisp flavors – cedar dominates but there’s this creamy undertone that keeps it from being one-dimensional. There’s white pepper on the retrohale, but it’s gentle. Refined. My buddy Carlos, who swears by Rocky Patel cigars and usually goes for bigger, bolder smokes, tried one of these at my recommendation and admitted – grudgingly – that the subtlety was “kind of nice.” High praise from a guy who thinks anything less than full-bodied is a waste of time.
Moving into the second third, things get interesting. The cigar opens up. That cedar mellows a bit and you start picking up leather, maybe some light coffee notes. There’s an earthiness that creeps in – not dirt, more like… hmm, how do I put this… like walking through a tobacco barn? If that makes sense. The construction on these is typically flawless. I’ve smoked maybe two dozen of these over the years, and I can count on one hand the ones that had any burn issues. The ash holds solid, usually makes it to about an inch and a half before you need to tap it.
The final third is where medium smokers might find it getting a bit too full. The strength builds – not aggressively, but noticeably. Those earthy notes deepen, the pepper comes back stronger on the retrohale, and there’s this lingering cocoa bitterness on the finish that I absolutely love. Some people don’t like when a cigar gets stronger at the end, but I think it’s perfect for this vitola. You started elegant, you’re ending with authority. If it stayed mellow the whole way through, it’d be boring.
One thing about the burn – it’s almost always razor-sharp. The draw is perfect, maybe a 7 out of 10 in terms of resistance, which gives you nice thick smoke without having to work for it. The ash is light gray, holds well, and the smoke output is generous without being overwhelming. These are the construction details that separate Cuban cigars from… well, from a lot of other cigars, frankly.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinidad Robusto Extra | Medium to Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting refined complexity |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full to Full | 50-60 minutes | Those seeking bolder, earthier flavors |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 50-65 minutes | Milder alternative with creamy profile |
What to Pair It With
I’ve had this cigar with everything from coffee to bourbon, and honestly? My go-to pairing is a good aged rum. Not the sweet stuff – I’m talking about something like a Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa 23. The rum’s complexity matches the cigar’s, and that slight sweetness plays beautifully against the cedar and leather notes without overpowering them.
If you’re a whiskey person, go for something smooth. A Highland Scotch works wonderfully – Glenmorangie 10 Year is perfect. I wouldn’t pair it with a peaty Islay though; that’d be a fight between two strong personalities. For non-alcoholic options, a good espresso works, or even a quality dark hot chocolate if you’re smoking it on a cool evening.
Timing-wise, this is an after-dinner cigar all the way. Maybe late afternoon on a weekend when you’ve got time to sit and think. It’s not a morning smoke – too refined for that – and it’s definitely not something to rush through on a work break. Save it for when you can give it the attention it deserves. I usually reach for mine during poker nights or when I’m reading on the patio. It pairs perfectly with good conversation or comfortable silence.
Common Questions About the Trinidad Robusto Extra
How does the Trinidad Robusto Extra compare to other Trinidad vitolas?
It sits right in the sweet spot between the smaller Robustos T and the larger Fundadores. You get more complexity than the smaller ring gauges but without the time commitment of the bigger vitolas. If you like Trinidad’s signature elegance but want something with a bit more body and a longer smoke time, this is your answer. I think it’s actually the best vitola in the line for showcasing what Trinidad does well.
Are these cigars available at LCDH stores?
Yes, you can typically find Trinidad Robusto Extras at La Casa del Habano stores, though stock varies by location. They’re part of the regular production line, not a limited edition, so they’re generally available year-round. That said, Trinidad isn’t as widely distributed as brands like Cohiba or Montecristo, so if you see a box in stock, I wouldn’t wait too long to grab it.
What’s the ideal aging time for Trinidad Robusto Extras?
They’re honestly great straight from the box if they’re fresh stock, but – and this is my personal preference – they really shine with 2-3 years of aging. That extra time mellows out any rough edges and lets the flavors marry together beautifully. I’ve smoked some with five years on them that were absolutely phenomenal. If you’re patient enough to age them, you won’t regret it.
How do Trinidad cigars compare to vintage cigar offerings from other brands?
That’s comparing apples to oranges a bit. Trinidad’s profile is more refined and elegant compared to, say, the earthier Partagás or the more full-bodied Bolivar. If you’re used to vintage releases that pack a punch, Trinidad might seem subtle at first. But that subtlety is the point – these are thinking person’s cigars. They reward attention and patience rather than overwhelming your palate.
Should I buy a full box or singles first?
If you’re new to Trinidad, grab a couple singles first – or better yet, a five-pack if you can find one. The flavor profile isn’t for everyone, and you want to make sure it matches your preferences before committing to a box of 12 or 24. That said, if you’ve had other Trinidad vitolas and enjoyed them, the Robusto Extra is similar enough that you can confidently buy a box.
How should I store these cigars?
Standard Cuban storage applies – 65-70% humidity, around 65-68°F if you can manage it. I keep mine at 65% because I find Trinidad smokes better at slightly lower humidity. The wrappers are delicate enough that you don’t want them too moist, and the flavor seems crisper when they’re not over-humidified. Give them at least a week to acclimate to your humidor before smoking if you just bought them.
What makes Trinidad cigars special compared to other Cuban brands?
Trinidad has always been about finesse over power. They use some of the finest tobacco from Vuelta Abajo, and their blending emphasizes elegance and complexity rather than strength. The brand’s history – originally made exclusively for diplomatic gifts – means they’ve always had this reputation for being special occasion cigars. Whether that matters to you is personal, but the quality of tobacco and construction definitely backs up the reputation.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time?
If you’re looking for a bold, in-your-face Cuban experience, this probably isn’t your cigar. But if you’ve reached that point in your cigar journey where you appreciate refinement, where you can sit with a smoke and pick out individual flavor notes, where you value construction and consistency – then yes, absolutely pick up a Trinidad Robusto Extra. It’s been a staple in my humidor for years, and every time I smoke one, I remember why.
The beauty of this vitola is how it balances accessibility with sophistication. It’s not so rare that you can’t find it, but it’s special enough that lighting one up feels like an occasion. Whether you’re adding to your collection or looking for something to share with fellow aficionados who appreciate the finer things, the Trinidad Robusto Extra delivers. Check our current stock and treat yourself to what might just become your new favorite Cuban robusto.
