Description
The amber light of late afternoon filtered through the French doors of my study, casting long shadows across the leather armchair where I’d settled for what promised to be a sublime evening ritual. My fingers traced the smooth, oily wrapper of the perfectly constructed Cuban stick resting in my palm, its rich chocolate-brown hue catching the dying sunlight. This particular Trinidad Robusto Extra had been calling to me from my humidor for weeks, and tonight felt like the perfect moment to finally give it the attention it deserved.
There’s something almost ceremonial about preparing to smoke one of Cuba’s most prestigious cigars. The Trinidad brand has always held a special place in my collection – originally crafted exclusively for diplomatic gifts, these cigars carry a mystique that few other marcas can match. Tonight’s selection, measuring a substantial 6.1 inches with its commanding 50 ring gauge, promised the kind of extended smoking session that transforms an ordinary evening into something memorable.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 155mm (6.1 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Vitola | Dobles (Double Robusto) |
| Strength | Light to Medium (building to Medium) |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito |
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
The beauty of any great Cuban cigar lies in its evolution, and the Trinidad Robusto Extra delivers this journey in spades. Each third reveals distinct characteristics that showcase the masterful blending expertise of the El Laguito factory torcedores.
First Third: Elegant Restraint
The opening draws immediately transport you to the famous Vuelta Abajo region, where the finest Cuban tobacco leaves develop their legendary character. Floral notes dominate this initial phase, accompanied by beautiful cedar undertones that speak to proper aging and expert construction. I’ve found that this medium-bodied cigar delivers remarkable smoothness right from the first puff, with absolutely no rough edges or harsh bite that might plague lesser sticks. The long, balanced smoke creates an almost creamy finish that coats the palate beautifully.
Second Third: Building Complexity
As the cigar progresses past its midpoint, the strength builds to what I’d call a solid medium body – never overwhelming, but definitely more present than the gentle opening. This is where the Trinidad really shows its pedigree. Rich cocoa notes emerge prominently, weaving together with the continuing cedar backbone and an intriguing black tea character that adds depth and sophistication. Those initial floral notes don’t disappear entirely; instead, they retreat to provide a subtle background harmony that elevates the entire experience. The complexity during this phase is genuinely impressive – it’s the kind of reasonably complex flavour profile that keeps you analyzing each draw.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The concluding portion brings together all the elements that make Cuban cigars legendary. While maintaining that sweet flavor foundation established earlier, new dimensions emerge: roasted coffee notes that remind you why Cubans pair so beautifully with espresso, subtle spice that tingles without overwhelming, and hints of chocolate that complement the earlier cocoa perfectly. I’ve detected touches of pepper, earth, and grass – terroir expressions that speak directly to the soil and climate of Cuba. The finish often reveals honey and vanilla undertones, creating what I can only describe as a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to an exceptional smoke.
Construction and Appearance
The brown Trinidad Robustos Extra Cuban cigar presents itself with the kind of visual appeal that immediately signals quality. The wrapper displays that distinctive chocolate-brown coloration with subtle oil sheen that comes from properly fermented and aged Cuban tobacco. Running my fingers along its length, the texture feels smooth yet toothsome – never overly slick, but with enough texture to indicate the natural leaf character hasn’t been processed into submission.
Crafted at the legendary El Laguito factory – the same facility that produces Cohiba cigars – each stick demonstrates the meticulous construction standards you’d expect from Cuba’s premier rolling facility. The seamless wrapper application shows no visible flaws, and that characteristic pigtail cap adds both visual appeal and functional excellence. When examining multiple sticks from the same box, the consistency in size, color, and construction quality is remarkable. This is what you get when master torcedores apply decades of experience to premium Cuban tobacco leaves.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
In my experience, the Trinidad Robusto Extra occupies a sweet spot that appeals to both developing and experienced palates. Its light-to-medium strength profile makes it accessible to newer Cuban cigar enthusiasts who might find stronger marcas like Partagás or Bolívar overwhelming. Yet the evolving complexity and sophisticated flavor development provide more than enough interest to satisfy veteran smokers seeking a refined experience.
This isn’t a cigar for rushed moments or casual outdoor smoking. The 60-90 minute commitment demands attention and appreciation. I’ve found it perfect for contemplative evenings, special celebrations, or those times when you want to truly savor the smoking ritual. Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most expensive cigar brands, so this stick represents an investment in premium enjoyment rather than everyday smoking. Business dinners, anniversary celebrations, or quiet Sunday afternoons provide ideal settings for this level of cigar.
Proper Storage and Aging
Like all premium Cuban cigars, the Trinidad Robusto Extra requires careful storage to maintain its exceptional qualities. I maintain my humidor between 65-72% relative humidity and keep temperatures steady between 65-70°F (18-21°C). These specifications aren’t arbitrary – they replicate the conditions where Cuban tobacco naturally thrives.
For optimal cigar preservation, I recommend Spanish cedar shelving or trays within your humidor, as the wood naturally complements the aging process. The Trinidad Robusto Extra travel humidor exists for those who need portable storage, though long-term aging benefits from stable desktop humidors with reliable monitoring systems.
Regarding aging potential, these cigars can develop beautifully over 5-10 years when stored properly. Younger examples sometimes show more aggressive earth and spice notes, while aged specimens develop that creamy, refined character that makes vintage Cuban cigars so sought-after. If you’re planning to age your stock, proper humidor setup becomes absolutely critical.
Perfect Drink Pairings
The smooth smoking cigar characteristics of the Trinidad Robusto Extra open up numerous pairing possibilities. Given the chocolate and coffee notes that develop throughout the smoking experience, I’ve found exceptional synergy with quality aged rums – particularly those from Barbados or Jamaica with natural sweetness that complements rather than competes with the cigar’s flavor profile.
For whiskey enthusiasts, try pairing with a highland single malt Scotch that brings honey and vanilla notes without overwhelming peat. The Trinidad’s refined character matches beautifully with Macallan 15 or similar expressions. Coffee lovers shouldn’t overlook espresso pairings – the roasted coffee notes in the final third create remarkable harmony with a well-pulled shot of Cuban or Jamaican beans.
Wine pairings work best with medium-bodied reds that won’t overpower the cigar’s subtlety. I’ve enjoyed excellent results with aged Rioja or quality Bordeaux blends. The key is finding beverages that enhance rather than mask the Trinidad’s sophisticated flavor development.
Identifying Authentic Trinidad Robusto Extra
Given Trinidad’s prestige and price point, counterfeit versions unfortunately exist in the marketplace. Authentic examples come from authorized sellers with proper documentation and display several key characteristics that fakes consistently fail to replicate.
Genuine Trinidad cigars feature the distinctive Habanos packing codes on their boxes – look for markings like “SBN-VW-n-6-n-12” that indicate proper factory origin. The semi-boîte nature (SBN) presentation in boxes of 12 is standard, though lacquered boxes of 12 and 3-packs also exist for recent 55th anniversary editions. These special releases include unique bands and foot rings that add authentication layers.
Construction quality provides the most reliable authentication method. Authentic Trinidads demonstrate perfect draw resistance, dense white ash that holds well, and even burn characteristics throughout. Cuban cigars from plantation to perfection undergo rigorous quality control that fakes simply cannot match. The tobacco itself should smell distinctly Cuban – earthy, rich, and complex rather than generic or overly sweet.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The Trinidad Robusto Extra’s 50 ring gauge provides ample surface area for proper cutting technique. I prefer using a sharp guillotine cutter positioned about 1/8 inch below the cap line, ensuring you remove enough material for good draw without damaging the wrapper structure. That pigtail cap, while attractive, should be removed completely to prevent uneven burning.
For lighting, patience pays dividends with premium Cuban cigars. Use a butane torch lighter or cedar spills rather than paper matches or fluid lighters that can impart unwanted flavors. Toast the foot evenly by holding the flame slightly away from the tobacco and rotating the cigar slowly. Once the entire foot shows an even cherry, take your first gentle draws while continuing to rotate. Mastering proper smoking technique ensures you experience the full flavor development this exceptional cigar offers.
The key with Trinidads is maintaining an unhurried pace – roughly one draw per minute allows the tobacco to burn at optimal temperature without overheating and creating harsh flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Trinidad Robusto Extra compare to other Cuban marcas?
In terms of strength, it sits between the mild Montecristo offerings and medium-bodied options like Romeo y Julieta. The Trinidad brand emphasizes refinement and complexity over power, making it distinctly different from stronger marcas like Partagás or Bolívar. Reviews consistently place Trinidad among the most sophisticated Cuban brands, though individual preferences vary based on desired strength levels.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Absolutely. The light-to-medium strength profile makes it approachable for newer Cuban cigar enthusiasts, while the flavor complexity provides educational value about what premium Cuban tobacco can offer. However, the price point means beginners might want to develop their palate with less expensive options first.
What’s the difference between vintage and current production Trinidad Robusto Extra?
Vintage examples from earlier production runs often display more refined characteristics due to natural aging, while current production maintains consistent quality but may show slightly more vibrant flavors. The brand was discontinued from 2012-2021, making those vintage boxes particularly sought-after among collectors and enthusiasts who follow cigar reviews closely.
How long can I store these cigars before smoking?
With proper humidor storage, Trinidad Robusto Extra cigars can age beautifully for decades. Many enthusiasts prefer them with 2-5 years of additional aging beyond purchase date, as this allows the flavors to marry and develop additional complexity. Monitor your stock regularly and maintain consistent storage conditions for best results.
Where can I find authentic Trinidad Robusto Extra cigars?
Purchase only from authorized Cuban cigar dealers who can provide authenticity guarantees and proper storage conditions. Reputable suppliers offer verification of authenticity and maintain proper storage until shipment. Avoid marketplace sellers or sources that cannot provide clear provenance documentation, as counterfeit Trinidads unfortunately exist due to the brand’s prestige and value.
