Trinidad Robustos Extra
Summary
The Trinidad Robustos Extra is a highly esteemed Cuban cigar that holds a special place in the Habanos portfolio. Originally introduced in 2003 as part of Trinidad's classic lineup, it garnered a dedicated following before being discontinued in 2012. After a limited reappearance in 2020 for the Travel Retail market, Habanos S.A. announced the much-anticipated return of the Robustos Extra as a regular production offering in 2024, coinciding with the prestigious Trinidad brand's 55th anniversary. This reinstatement celebrates the vitola's renowned elegance and the uniquely aromatic, medium-bodied blend that defines Trinidad cigars, promising a sophisticated experience for discerning aficionados.
Specification
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Brand: Trinidad
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Line: Regular Production (Reinstated 2024 / 55th Anniversary)
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Specific Name: Robustos Extra
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Size (Vitola de Galera): Dobles
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Common Name: Robusto Extra / Toro
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Length: 6 1/8 inches (155mm)
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Ring Gauge: 50
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Wrapper: Cuban
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Binder: Cuban
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Filler: Cuban (from the Vuelta Abajo region)
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Strength: Medium
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Factory: Handmade in Cuba (Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga)
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Special Features (2024 Release): Features a secondary band commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the Trinidad brand. Characteristic pigtail cap.
Flavor Profile
The Trinidad Robustos Extra is celebrated for its refined and aromatic flavor profile, offering a complex yet balanced smoking journey. Smokers can typically expect a dominant woody character, often intertwined with a distinct honeyed sweetness. Notes of earth, coffee, and subtle spices frequently emerge, contributing to its depth. Depending on age and specific batch, hints of citrus (like lemon curd), fruit, light red chilli spice, toasted notes, and even delicate tea-like or floral nuances may be present. The overall experience is often described as creamy, with a sophisticated interplay of flavors that evolve throughout the smoke, maintaining the signature smoothness of the Trinidad brand. Older reviews and tasting notes also mention elements of leather, butter, and caramel.
Construction
Handcrafted in Cuba with meticulously selected tobaccos from the premier Vuelta Abajo region, the Trinidad Robustos Extra is a testament to Cuban cigar-making tradition. The construction is generally praised for its excellence, often resulting in a perfect burn and an effortless draw. The wrapper is typically a beautiful, silky, light-to-medium brown leaf, sometimes described as golden or light milk chocolate in appearance. The cigar is finished with Trinidad's iconic pigtail cap, adding to its visual appeal. The ash is commonly reported to be firm, white, and stable, indicative of the quality of the tobacco and the skill of the torcedores.
Pairing Suggestion
The elegant and medium-bodied profile of the Trinidad Robustos Extra, with its complex notes of wood, honeyed sweetness, earth, and spice, lends itself well to a variety of sophisticated pairings. Consider an aged Cuban rum, whose inherent sweetness and complexity can beautifully complement the cigar's nuances. A lighter, more floral Scotch whisky or a smooth, aged Cognac could also enhance the smoking experience. For non-alcoholic options, a high-quality single-origin coffee with bright acidity or a delicate black tea can accentuate the cigar's aromatic qualities. Some have also enjoyed it with champagne or a soft vintage port for a more celebratory occasion.