Trinidad Fundadores MUP JUL 18 (XNYRC)

[rcarlson]

I love, love, love this stick.  I had it picked out in the humidor of my mind for my late afternoon New Years smoke for some time.  I've been licking my chops and thinking about it all day.  They've been relaxing for about year.  It's all I can stand. The moment of truth has arrived.

Prelight, I waved it under my snoot like a Cuban Lightsaber in a battle to the death.  Then I realized someone might see me acting like a dink, so I stopped.  Can't have people thinking I'm a dink.  But I can report that there was nothing special about the prelight aroma and probably should've dry boxed.  Kept at a constant temp of 70F and 63% for the last year, yet felt a little spongy around the cap to which I say "big whoop."  The proof is in the smoking, not the admiring.  Just getting started here. 

Classic light brown wrapper.  Nearly perfect construction except for a slight bulge at the foot.  The oils coat the lips foreshadowing my trip through Flavor Country.  My family wishes me Godspeed as I shut the door behind me to be left the hell alone for just a little while with my uninspiring thoughts and the warm embrace of my early evening mistress.      

This one starts like all of 'em: about 20 minutes of cool, high-output, viscous, balanced smoke.  Initially, it requires a fair amount of attention to stay lit, as they always seem to.  Although I lack the common sense and discipline to drybox, I still blame the length and limited combustion area of a small ring gauge.  In my experience, these need a little time to "get in the mood."  This was no different.  I already know it will hit its stride around the midpoint and build momentum from there.  As with women, a little patience is handsomely rewarded with Fundies in my experience.

The opening third brings about the familiar shortbread, toasted almond, leather, and creaminess.  There's something else there, I just can't put my finger on it.  Sort of a cookie dough thing but no sweetness.  I just love it.  Small palate-cleansing sips of Richland rum work perfectly to draw the flavors out.  The light burnt sugar of rum pulls it all together like The Big Lebowski's rug.

Midpoint is the sweet spot.  The intensity of the shortbread, toasted almond cookie dough thing increases.  We've turned off the main road into Flavor Country.  The richness I was craving finally makes its appearance.  No edges whatsoever.  I would've guess this had many more years on it had I not known better.  The only drawback so far is that it requires more attention to stay lit than I would like.  Damn it!  Should've dry boxed.    

Going into the homestretch reminded me why I love the Fundie so much.  As the flavor and intensity builds, so too does the enjoyment.  The warm smoke and slight nicotine kick brings it alive.  The flavors don't really change, just their intensity.  Fresh out-of-the-oven shortbread is what I get the most of.  

I consider 2019 the year of the Upmann.  Still, I would have a hard time choosing between the Trini and HU if stranded on an island with only one Marca to access.  Right now I believe I could live on Fundies like this alone.  So satisfying I could start another right away without regrets.  Expensive but worth every penny.  

This one graduates summa cum laude.  A+. 

 

 

 

 

          

  

[PigFish]

Nice review. Thanks for sharing. -tP