The Trinidad brand of cigars has been around for a long time, especially on the Cuban market. but many of us are not able to obtain those. Altidas USA owns the rights to cross brand a number of popular Cuban brands, like the Trinidad, and have been doing so for a number of years. In 2019, they made the decision to revamp the packaging and introduced a new line to the brand known as the Trinidad Espiritu, It was is described by Altidas, as a medium to full-bodied Nicaraguan puro, created by none other than A.J. Fernandez.
In 2021 the company doubled down and introduced a second version which they named the Trinidad Espiritu Series No.2. The main difference between the No. 1 and No.2 is that the latter uses a Brazilian leaf for the wrapper and also in the filler, whereas the former was a Nicaraguan puro. They are both hand crafted at Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars.
The full blend of the Trinidad Espiritu Series No.2, as described by Altidas USA is:
- Wrapper – Brazilian Arapiraca
- Binder – Nicaraguan
- Filler – Brazilian and Nicaraguan
These are expressed in 5 vitolas and come packaged in brightly colored 20-count boxes.
- Toro (6 x 54) – MSRP $10.15
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $9.90
- Belicoso (6.1 x 52) – MSRP $10.40
- Magnum (6 x 60) – MSRP $10.65
- Fundador (7.5 x 40) – MSRP $10.90
For this review, I sampled one Trinidad Espiritu Series No.2 Robusto that I purchased.
Pre-Light Examination
The Trinidad Espiritu No.2 is a super dark brown cigar that is a mildly gritty wrapper with a decent oily sheen. The cigar is solid to the touch with no discernable soft spots and is firmly packed. Veins are all but invisible as are the seams in the roll. A well applied double cap finishes the presentation.
Two Bands adorn the cigar, both of which use a tropical colored motif. The primary band boldly displays the Trinidad Cigars logo in the center using a bright gold color on the solid navy blue background. A secondary band is placed just below the primary and declares this as the Espiritu Series No.2 blend.
Running the Espiritu Series No.2 along the nose, I picked up a savory spice note along the barrel while the foot exuded notes of sweetness and earth.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar with my double blade Xikar cutter and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that had a decent restriction and graced the palate with black pepper and natural sweet tobacco. A fine combination as I prepared it to be ignited for the rest of the journey.
I used my trusty double flame torch to warm the foot and bring it to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of Umami and Black Pepper smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Umami and black pepper notes start the journey
- Natural sweetness joins creating a BBQ Sauce like note
- Pleasant volume of smoke delivered through a smooth draw
- Solid white ash forms on top of a thin and even char line
- Sweetness lingers on the palate
- Once the long ash dropped, a decent burn cone was revealed
- Earthy notes enter moving though the second third
- Mild wave in the burn
- Pleasant nut sensation adds to the profile deep in the second third
- Consistent notes moving into final third with a slight bitterness
- Rich dark chocolate (think 80% variety) nuances develop moving down to the nub
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes to the nub
Final Analysis
The Trinidad Espiritu Series No.2 Robusto by Altidas USA was a satisfying cigar that takes you on a rather unique and flavorful journey. Starting with rich and savory Umami spices and black pepper, the Espiritu No.2 develops a core natural sweetness that balances the evolving flavors throughout the experiences. Though not overly complex, there is enough development that most enthusiasts would enjoy the transitions. There is a slight bitterness entering the final third that slowly morphs into a rich dark chocolate and the burn exhibited a mild wave. Overall I feel this is worth a fiver and I rate it a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave in burn; (-1) Slight Bitterness moving into final third
