Like the Cohiba cigar, Trinidad began its life as a gift presented by the Cuban government to foreign officials. After decades of mystery and intrigue Habanos S.A. introduced the brand to the public in 1998 with a singular vitola, the Lancero. Shortly after it’s debut the Lancero was replaced by the slightly larger Lonsdale, and joined by several more common vitolas. For this review, we will take a look at the Reyes, a lunch sized petit corona with the iconic pigtail cap.
The Trinidad brand has seen a few vitolas come and go. Inventory is often unpredictable, but the following vitolas can be found over the year: Fundadores (Lonsdale), Topes (Robusto), Esmeralda (Toro), Colonials (Corona), and Reyes (Petit Corona).
The Stats
- Origin Country: Cuba
- Wrapper: Cuban
- Binder: Cuban
- Filler: Cuban
- Dimensions: 4 3/8 x 40
- Smoke duration: About 50 minutes
- Rarity: Regular production
The Verdict
- Appearance & Construction: 13 / 15
- Flavor of First Third: 9 / 10
- Flavor of Second Third: 8 / 10
- Flavor of Final Third: 8 / 10
- Smoking Experience: 17 / 20
- Overall Experience: 33 / 35
OVERALL RATING: 88
The Trinidad Reyes has the potential to receive a higher rating. It is an almost ideal cigar for the under an hour smoke. The mellow, sweet and complex flavors are appropriate for novices and veterans alike. Unfortunately, it suffers from the typical quality control issues found in Cuban cigars. We have gone through a couple boxes of the Reyes and have come to expect that the majority will have a tight draw in need of surgical intervention. Some will be throw aways, but some will be divine. With that said you should expect smooth seams, visible veins, the attractive pigtail cap with occasional torn wrappers or imperfect leaves.
The first third is filled with flavors coming and going despite the often tight draw. Notes of dulce de leche, peanut, leather, hay, mild barnyard, with occasional cayenne spice. The second third will introduce pencil shavings, savory notes, sous bois, with the continued presence of the leather, peanut and sweetness. You may require a few corrections and relights due to the tight construction. The last third will find charred marshmallow, honeybuns, toasted bread, red pepper and pencil shavings.