A Tale of Two Trinidads

[PapaDisco]

April 1 & 2, 2014

Trinidad Robusto T

Hanoi & Saigon

Date and Box Code Unknown, but Recent Order from El Pres, likely 2013 make?

This was an interesting example of variability. I'd ordered a couple of Trinidad Robustos to sample from Rob. Both sticks were beautifully constructed and looked identical in all respects, as if they'd come from the same roller. However the first robusto was an absolutely sublime smoke while the second was quite bitter on the tongue from start to finish. It just goes to show that even the best selection and appearance can sometimes yield a dud . . . but even with that it wasn't a complete loss; while the second stick was bitter on every single draw, it also produced the most overwhelming, enjoyable aftertaste of dried hay/grass and nuts. So strong were those aftertaste flavors that they overwhelmed even the tobacco. It was literally like smoking nuts and hay but without a burning flavor, very intense and strange.

Both sticks were perfectly constructed with the first being slightly looser on the draw. The second stick lost its entire cap on clipping, but did not unravel. The second stick also turned black at the head by the second draw; a tar culprit perhaps? Both sticks burned flawlessly despite the high humidity and light breezes.

Stick one was just heaven from the first puff to the last: classic flavors of hay, grass, walnuts, and herbs all surrounded by huge clouds of smoke. The second stick also had these flavors but you could only taste them on the aftertaste and each draw was harsh on the pallet both in flavor and sensation, but the gobs of smoke were also there. The second stick was also much higher in nicotine.

Will I buy more? You bet. Probably just a bit of laying these babies down will even out any disfunction in their age and composition. Beautiful robustos that likely aren't as consistent in flavor when fresh, but look to be consistent in construction (although that might not be the factory but might be owed to Rob's screening).

[Stanislaw]

Interesting opinion that I agree with completely.... This is one of the reasons why I will always express my frustration with Trinidad cigars but for some reason I cannot bring myself to get rid of them.... Out of the 20 I've had so far, probably only two were amazing but the rest had something that keep me coming back....

[SaintLuis]

One of my all time favorites. I'm currently hoarding them, now that HSA has EOL'd them.

Cool review. Thanks.

[Blakes]

The Robusto T was axed in 2012, so it would have had 2 years on it at least.. and no more than 5 as they were only introduced in '09

[Habana Mike]

Probably a little older, discontinued in 2012. My top Trini behind the Fundadore. I miss them.

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[paulF]

Found them to be a weird smoke the Robusto T! Always something not right with them (Like burn or draw or taste...) but at the same time always something very nice like sweet bitterness that keeps me thinking i would like to give them another try!