The Trinidad Fundadores is the quintessential long lancero, a cigar that defines elegance in the world of Habanos. Measuring 192mm x 40 (7.6″ x 15.87mm), this slender, elongated vitola offers a 90-120 minute smoking experience, delivering Trinidad’s signature creamy sophistication with remarkable depth and complexity. Created as a diplomatic gift, it remains one of the most coveted cigars in Cuba’s portfolio.
Construction & Presentation
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Wrapper: Silky colorado claro with a delicate sheen
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Box: Traditional cabinet-style box of 24 (Spanish cedar)
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Recent Production (2021-2024):
✓ Draw: Perfect, effortless (rare for a lancero)
✓ Burn: Slow, even, with minimal corrections
✓ Ash: Compact, light gray with dark streaks
Humidity Tip: 62-65% RH – the slim vitola benefits from slightly lower humidity.
Flavor Evolution
A slow-unfolding, medium-bodied masterpiece:
First Third (0-40 min):
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Sweet cream & toasted almonds
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Light cedar with honey drizzle
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Faint floral notes (orange blossom)
Middle Third (40-80 min):
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Cinnamon-spiced coffee
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Marzipan richness
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Evolving white pepper
Final Third (80+ min):
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Dark chocolate bitterness
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Cuban café con leche
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Lingering mineral finish
Strength: Medium (strength builds subtly)
Aging Potential & Value
Age | Development | Current Market |
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Fresh | Bright, creamy | $30-$40/stick |
3-5 yrs | Caramelized notes emerge | +30-50% value |
5+ yrs | Rare – achieves honeyed perfection | Auction-worthy |
Why It’s Legendary:
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Trinidad’s flagship vitola (since 1998)
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Diplomatic heritage (originally for Castro’s inner circle)
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Perfect lancero construction (rare in Cuban cigars)
Perfect Pairings
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Morning: Cuban coffee + butter pastry
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Afternoon: Oloroso sherry + aged Manchego
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Evening: Zacapa 23 rum + dark chocolate
Vs. Similar Cuban Lanceros
Cigar | Difference |
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Cohiba Lancero | Bolder, more intense |
H. Upmann Sir Winston | Fuller-bodied, less refined |
Montecristo Especial No. 2 | Milder, less complex |
Final Verdict
★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) – The gold standard of lanceros.
Ideal For:
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Special occasions (when time allows)
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Connoisseurs who appreciate subtlety
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Collectors seeking blue-chip Cubans
Availability:
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Limited production – sells out quickly at LCDHs
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2023-2024 boxes (TUA, UBL codes) are highly consistent
Last Word: The Fundadores isn’t just a cigar—it’s a meditative experience. If you cherish nuance over power, this is your holy grail.
Key Details
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Vitola: Laguito No. 1 (lancero)
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Box Code: Recent gems – TUA 23, UBL 24
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Smoking Time: 1.5-2 hours
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Strength Profile: Medium
Pro Tip: Smoke slowly (1 puff/minute) to fully appreciate the evolution.
Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) – One of Cuba’s greatest cigars.
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