A Trinidad Celebration
We once called Trinidad the Cuban cigar industry’s best-kept secret, and it was—until it wasn’t. The brand turned 55 this year, but before it became commercially available, even Fidel Castro denied Trinidad’s existence. While the cigar is now in regular production, albeit in small quantities, there’s still plenty of mystique around this prestigious brand. In celebration of the double nickel anniversary, Habanos has feted Trinidad with major parties and special cigars.
By Habanos’ account, the Trinidad brand was created in 1969 and, like Cohiba, was only available as an exclusive gift to foreign diplomats. It was born as a single size: a long, thin smoke measuring 7 1/2 inches by 38 ring that became known as the Diplomatic Trinidad, as diplomats were among the few deemed eligible to receive these cigars. In 1994, when Marvin R. Shanken interviewed Castro and asked about Trinidad, the Cuban president pled ignorance. “I don’t know about that cigar,” Castro answered coyly. The only thing certain was that money couldn’t buy a Trinidad. Not directly from Cuba anyway.
By 1998, the secret was out and a slightly thicker size called Trinidad Fundadores (at 40 ring gauge) became commercially available. More sizes followed. For its 55th anniversary, Trinidad has been celebrated in high style. The last night of this year’s Habanos Festival was dedicated to the brand’s milestone. That evening, guests in tuxedos and cocktail dresses were among the first to sample the reissue of the Trinidad Robusto Extra, a toro size that was discontinued in 2012 and brought back for the anniversary.
In June, the first live Habanos World Days took place in London (it was formerly a virtual event). The affair was devoted to Trinidad and also served as the premier party for the Trinidad Cabildos 2024 Edición Limitada, a cigar measuring 6 3/8 by 46. It was released in five-count sets referred to as Premier Packs, each with a suggested retail price of £795, which amounts to about $1,000, or $200 per cigar. If you missed the party, there’s another taking place in Cyprus on December 7.
The flashiest release, however, is the S.T. Dupont Anniversary humidor. It’s a stunning trunk with a design that evokes the fashion houses of Louis Vuitton or Goyard. Inside are 55 Trinidad Fundadores that Habanos says are at least 10 years old. It’s not only part of Trinidad’s anniversary rollout, but represents the introduction of Habanos’ Vintage program, which features cigars of different age statements: 5, 10, 15 and 20 years old. A secondary vintage band indicates the age of the cigar, and we’ll be seeing more cigars like this in the future. Retailers in London are selling it for as much as £45,999, which is nearly $60,000. Only 1,000 boxes are being made. It’s perfect for investors and speculators, but at that price, Trinidads may have been easier to obtain through Castro’s diplomatic channels.
