Description
The Trinidad Robusto Extra represents the pinnacle of Cuban artisanal craftsmanship, a vitola that balances imposing physical presence with the sophisticated, nuanced elegance for which the Trinidad brand is world-renowned. Originally established in 1969 as a diplomatic gift reserved for the highest echelons of international relations, Trinidad has evolved into a symbol of ultimate exclusivity within the Habanos S.A. portfolio. This specific vitola, known in the factory as the Dobles, measuring an impressive 155mm with a 50 ring gauge, offers a medium to full-bodied smoking experience that is both powerful and remarkably refined. Distinguished by its signature pigtail cap and flawless construction, the Robusto Extra delivers a complex tapestry of cedar, rich cream, roasted coffee, and exotic spices. For the connoisseur who demands a long, evolving journey, this cigar provides 90 to 120 minutes of pure epicurean bliss, standing as a formidable rival to the most prestigious cigars in the world.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Varnished Box of 12 | Travel Humidor (14 Cigars) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 12 Hand-Rolled Habanos | 14 Hand-Rolled Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Premium Cedar Boîte Nature with Gold Hardware | Luxury Suede/Leather-Bound Travel Humidor |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and home cellar storage | The traveling aficionado and gift-giving |
| Humidity Protection | Sealed with Habanos warranty seal and cedar lining | Integrated humidification system for transit |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Robustos Extra (Factory Name: Dobles) |
| Length | 155 mm (6 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full and Voluminous |
| Smoking Time | 90 – 120 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Trinidad is one of mystery and elite prestige. Founded in 1969, for decades it remained a ghost brand to the general public, produced in extremely limited quantities at the legendary El Laguito factory—the same hallowed halls where Cohiba was born. While Cohiba was the preferred gift of Fidel Castro, Trinidad was often reserved for foreign diplomats and visiting dignitaries, making it perhaps the most “insider” brand in the Cuban portfolio. Its name pays homage to the 16th-century city of Villa de la Santísima Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Cuba’s southern coast, reflecting a deep connection to the island’s colonial history and cultural soul.
The Trinidad Robusto Extra was first introduced to the commercial market in 2004, quickly becoming a favorite among those who found the standard Robusto size too fleeting. Although it saw a brief period of discontinuation in 2012, the demand from collectors remained so fervent that Habanos S.A. revived the vitola, most notably for the brand’s 55th anniversary celebrations. Today, Trinidad is positioned as a “super-premium” brand, often surpassing Cohiba in terms of rarity and price-to-quality ratio. It remains the choice of the understated smoker—one who values complexity, construction, and heritage over mainstream recognition.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with the ritualistic clipping of the signature pigtail cap, revealing a perfect draw. Upon ignition, the Robusto Extra greets the palate with a spicy bang of white pepper, which quickly settles into a sophisticated Cuban twang. The initial smoke is dense and aromatic, characterized by herbal notes and green tea. As the burn line stabilizes, a core of creamy cedar and roasted nuts emerges, supported by a distinct floral aroma that is unique to the El Laguito production style. The aftertaste is remarkably clean, leaving a lingering sweetness of honey and herbs.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the middle section, the body intensifies toward a solid medium-full. The flavors become darker and more concentrated. Notes of freshly roasted espresso beans and bittersweet dark chocolate take center stage. The spice shifts from a sharp pepper to a warm, baking spice profile, reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon. The construction remains impeccable, with a dense, silver-grey ash that holds firmly, a testament to the high-quality long-filler tobacco. The “creaminess” for which Trinidad is famous becomes more pronounced here, coating the tongue and balancing the increasing strength.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Trinidad Robusto Extra reveals its true power. The strength reaches its peak, but without ever becoming harsh or hot. The flavor profile shifts toward earthy persistence and rich leather. The dark chocolate notes deepen, and a savory roasted coffee bitterness adds complexity to the finish. Even as the cigar burns down to the nub, the smoke remains cool and the flavors remain balanced, with a final return of black pepper and intense cedar that leaves the smoker fully satisfied.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and refined. It leaves a pleasant, creamy and herbaceous linger on the palate that can be tasted long after the cigar has been put to rest. It is a “clean” finish, typical of well-aged, premium Cuban tobacco, ensuring that the complexity of the 120-minute journey resonates in the memory.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Creamy Cedar, Roasted Espresso, White Pepper |
| Secondary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Roasted Walnuts, Green Tea |
| Tertiary Notes | Dried Herbs, Floral Honey, Rich Leather |
| Finish | Long, Savory, and Herbaceous |
| Aroma | Enchanting Floral Bouquet with hints of Musk |
Aging and Collector Value
The Trinidad Robusto Extra is widely regarded as one of the most “age-worthy” cigars in the Habanos catalog. Due to the high quality of the Vuelta Abajo leaf used in its construction, the oils within the tobacco require time to harmonize. While excellent “off the truck,” this vitola truly transforms after 5 to 10 years in a temperature-controlled humidor. With age, the initial peppery spice mellows into a silky, velvety texture, and the herbal notes evolve into deep, mushy earth and truffle characteristics.
For collectors, the Robusto Extra holds significant value due to its history of discontinuation and limited re-release. Boxes with a vintage stamp of 5 years or older are highly sought after at international auctions. To maximize aging potential, we recommend maintaining a consistent 65-70% Relative Humidity (RH) and a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). Storing these in their original varnished cedar boxes allows for the “marriage” of flavors, as the cedar box itself breathes and interacts with the tobacco over the decades.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum (15+ Years) | The molasses sweetness and oak notes of a premium rum perfectly complement the cream and cedar of the Trinidad. |
| Vintage Cognac (XO) | The dried fruit and floral rancio of a fine Cognac mirror the floral and herbal complexities found in the first third. |
| Islay Single Malt Scotch | For those who enjoy contrast, the peaty smoke of an Islay malt highlights the nutty and earthy depth of the final third. |
| Double Espresso | The intensity of a short, dark coffee amplifies the roasted coffee and chocolate notes inherent in the cigar’s profile. |
| Vintage Port | The rich, dark berry flavors of a late-bottled vintage Port provide a luxurious counterpoint to the savory spice. |
Authenticity Verification
As a purveyor of the world’s finest Habanos, we understand that authenticity is the cornerstone of the luxury cigar experience. Every Trinidad Robusto Extra we ship is guaranteed to be 100% authentic, sourced directly from authorized Habanos distributors.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light, ensuring the box has not been tampered with.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of every box is stamped with the factory code (often TPE or MAR for El Laguito) and the month and year of production.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) heat-stamped markings.
- Triple Cap – Each cigar is finished with a flawless triple cap and the iconic pigtail twist, a hallmark of master torcedores.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification through the official portal, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we maintain the highest standards of storage and provenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Trinidad Robusto Extra different from the Cohiba Siglo VI?
While both are premium El Laguito productions of similar size, the Trinidad Robusto Extra tends to offer a more herbaceous and floral profile compared to the bean-heavy, grassy profile of the Siglo VI. Many aficionados find the Trinidad to be slightly more complex in its spice transitions, whereas the Cohiba is known for its legendary smoothness and “cream-soda” sweetness.
How long should I expect to smoke this cigar?
Due to its 155mm length and dense 50 ring gauge construction, the Robusto Extra is a commitment. Most smokers will find it takes between 90 and 120 minutes to finish. It is designed for slow, contemplative smoking; rushing this cigar can lead to bitterness, so it is best enjoyed when you have ample time to relax.
Is the Trinidad Robusto Extra suitable for a beginner?
While the medium-full strength might be slightly intimidating for a complete novice, the smoothness and balance of the Trinidad make it accessible for those looking to transition into more serious Cuban cigars. However, due to its complexity and price point, it is generally recommended for those who have already developed a palate for identifying flavor transitions.
Why is the “pigtail” cap significant?
The pigtail cap is a traditional Cuban rolling technique that was originally used to identify cigars made for the brand’s private diplomatic use. Today, it serves as a signature of the Trinidad brand (and some Montecristo Especiales). It requires a high level of skill from the torcedor (roller) and is a mark of a premium, hand-finished product.
What is the best way to store a box of 12?
The varnished Boîte Nature boxes are excellent for long-term storage. We recommend keeping the box closed within your humidor to allow for a micro-climate to form inside the cedar. Ensure your humidor is seasoned properly, as the cedar in these boxes can absorb moisture if the environment is too dry. For the best results, keep them at a steady 65% humidity to prevent the wrapper from becoming too fragile.
