In 2019 three more Cuban cigars were introduced to the Trinidad portfolio. This series of sticks was in response to a clamour from smokers for thicker ring gauges from this popular brand, and an instant hit. While many cigar lovers have a soft spot for the original, slender Trinidad offerings – not least the now legendary Fundadores – an appetite had developed for cigars with the Trinidad blend which would smoke longer and feel more hefty to the hand, along the lines of Cohiba’s Behike range and the Serie Le Hoyo from Hoyo de Monterrey. The longest of the three, at 53 ring gauge by 5 ¾ inches, is the Trinidad Esmerelda.
The timing of the release of the Esmeralda and its companions also coincided with the 50th anniversary of Trinidad. In the time since this milestone was celebrated Trinidad has been elevated to Habanos’ top tier, taking a place alongside the most prestigious of cigars offered by Cuba. A perfect time, then, to revisit this cigar and evaluate how well it matches its new, lofty position in the Habanos pyramid.
Construction: 10/10
- This cigar was simply flawless in appearance and feel. The colorado wrapper had a wonderful silky shine, the iconic pigtail cap was perfectly twisted and the entire body of the cigar felt generously filled. A great first impression.
Draw: 10/10
- The draw was similarly impressive. Smoke flowed without any great encouragement, but at a rate which did not cause the palette to be overwhelmed. No tightness, no issues of any kind.
Combustion: 9/10
- There were perhaps one or two moments when one side seemed a little less keen to burn than the other, but to no great extent and certainly not to an extent which required attention from a lighter.
Ash: 4/5
- A tinge of grey to the white ash, and a tinge of flake to the consistency, but all-in-all quite pleasing.
Smoke: 5/5
- Copious amounts, and plenty of aroma and flavour to it.
Flavour: 22/25
- This cigar provided complexity and depth from the very beginning, but did not have any signs of imbalance. Flavour notes complemented each other well, providing a very enjoyable 90 minute smoke.
Overall: 32/35
- These cigars were not cheap when they first arrived, and the recent adjustment to their price point sees more pressure on them to deliver a truly luxurious experience. Thankfully, they do – this stick was far more impressive than the ones I sampled back in 2019, suggesting the torcedores have become more comfortable with the new format in this blend and perhaps more attentive to the build quality now that Trinidad has been classed as “super-luxe”. Whatever the reasons for the improvement on the last time I tried these, they are welcome – this was a wonderful cigar.
Final Score: 92/100
- Toasting the foot of the Esmeralda as I began to light it immediately brought aromas of cedar to the surrounding area, and these notes were also present in the flavour of the first third. Oak wood was also evident, and the thick smoke given off had a creamy mouthfeel with just a hint of vanilla on the aftertaste. As I progressed into the middle third of the cigar the wood disappeared and the strength began to build, with waves of leather and earth reaching my palette. The end of the cigar was a crescendo of spice; black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg all warming the tongue as the cigar finished. A fantastic way to fill 90 minutes.