The Trinidad cigar is the younger sibling of Cohiba. It began at the same El Laguito factory in 1969, yet it stayed out of public view until 1998. This profile covers its history, its key sizes, its medium-bodied style, and what the name means in Malaysia, where it appears in more than one form.
One name, three meanings
First, some clarity. The Trinidad covered here is the Cuban brand, owned by the state and sold worldwide by Habanos S.A.
In the US, Altadis U.S.A. sells a separate, non-Cuban Trinidad made mainly in the Dominican Republic. It uses no Cuban tobacco. Closer to home, Trinidad Cigar Company is a Malaysian business that runs cigar lounges under the Trinidad name. According to Cigar Inspector, its lounges stock cigars from Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. As far as we can confirm, it is not part of the Cuban brand.
History of the Trinidad cigar
Habanos dates the brand to 1969, at El Laguito, the Havana mansion that also gave birth to Cohiba. For decades, they stayed off shop shelves entirely. Former factory manager Avelino Lara said in 1992 that the state kept them for diplomatic gifts. However, Fidel Castro later said he handed out only Cohibas, so the story remains disputed.
The public launch came in February 1998, at the Habana Libre hotel in Havana, with a single size: the Fundadores. Later, in 2003, the Reyes, Coloniales and Robusto Extra joined it. Since then, the range has grown with the Robustos T in 2009, followed by the Media Luna, Esmeralda and Topes in 2019.
The name honours the city of Trinidad on Cuba’s southern coast. Habanos notes that it dates from the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where and how it is made
Trinidad began at El Laguito. Today, however, Habanos says the brand comes from Pinar del Río, the main city of the Vuelta Abajo region. Rollers make every long-filler Trinidad totally by hand, with filler and binder from that zone. Several sizes, including the Fundadores, finish with a small twisted “pigtail” at the head, a mark of skilled rolling.
Notable sizes
The range is compact. The Fundadores remains its signature, while the newer sizes add thicker formats for modern tastes.
| Cigar | Length × ring gauge | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Fundadores | 192 mm × 40 | Long lonsdale |
| Coloniales | 132 mm × 44 | Corona |
| Reyes | 110 mm × 40 | Short petit corona |
| Robustos T | 124 mm × 50 | Robusto |
| Media Luna | 115 mm × 50 | Short robusto |
| Esmeralda | 145 mm × 53 | Toro |
| Topes | 125 mm × 56 | Gordo |
Our guide to types of cigars explains these shapes, and the cigar sizes guide covers the numbers.
House style and flavour
In general terms, Trinidad is medium-bodied and aromatic. Habanos rates it medium. Smokers commonly describe honey, cedar, hay, light cocoa and a gentle spice, with a smooth, elegant finish rather than raw power.
The slim Fundadores tends to taste more intense than its strength suggests, because thin cigars burn more wrapper relative to filler. Thicker sizes such as the Topes usually feel rounder and cooler.
Strengths and criticisms
Fans value its refined profile and its link with El Laguito. The Reyes, in particular, is a popular short smoke.
On the other hand, the range has seen sharp changes. Sizes have come and gone, and many smokers miss the discontinued Robusto Extra. Some also feel the brand’s prestige outruns the cigar. Supply has often been tight, and the slimmer sizes can burn unevenly if rolled loosely.
Trinidad in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the Cuban Trinidad comes in through The Pacific Cigar Company, the official Habanos distributor for the Asia-Pacific region. Genuine boxes carry the Habanos warranty seal, so see our guide to counterfeit cigars.
Separately, the local Trinidad Cigar Company opened a Trinidad Cigar Club lounge in Iskandar Puteri in 2025; our Johor Bahru guide has more. Act 852 bans tobacco advertising and online sales, as our page on Act 852 and cigar law explains. For storage in the tropics, read how to store cigars, and see our page on cigar health risks.
Where to read more
- Cohiba: Trinidad’s El Laguito sibling
- Cuban cigars: the pillar guide to Habanos
- Cuban cigar history: the state era of Cuban brands
- Cigar brands: every profile in our directory
Frequently asked questions
Was Trinidad really a diplomatic gift cigar?
That is the traditional story. Former El Laguito manager Avelino Lara said in 1992 that it was reserved for diplomatic gifts. However, Fidel Castro later said he gave only Cohibas, so the claim is disputed.
What is the Trinidad Fundadores?
The brand’s first public cigar, launched in 1998. It is a long, slim lonsdale of about 192 mm by 40 ring gauge, finished with a small twisted pigtail cap.
Is Trinidad related to Cohiba?
They are separate brands but share a birthplace. Both started at El Laguito in Havana. Today, Habanos says Trinidad now comes from Pinar del Río.
Are the Trinidad lounges in Malaysia run by the Cuban brand?
Not as far as we can confirm. Trinidad Cigar Company is a Malaysian business whose lounges stock cigars from several countries. It shares the name, not the Cuban brand’s ownership.
