Return of a Legend: Trinidad Robusto Extra

The Trinidad Robusto Extra cigar has a rich and evolving history that reflects the broader development of Cuba’s premium cigar industry. The Trinidad brand itself was founded in 1969, initially produced exclusively for diplomatic gifts and not made available to the public until 1998, starting with the Fundadores.

In 2003, Habanos S.A. announced a major expansion of the brand, and by 2004, the Trinidad Robusto Extra was officially launched as part of that modernisation. It featured a “Doble” vitola—measuring 6 1/8 inches long with a 50-ring gauge—and was praised for its elegant construction, medium body, and refined flavour profile drawn from Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Presented in polished wooden boxes of 12 cigars, the Robusto Extra stood out with its signature pigtail cap and minimalist gold-accented Trinidad band, quickly becoming a favourite among aficionados.

Despite its popularity, the Robusto Extra was discontinued in 2012 as Habanos S.A. streamlined its product lines, which led to disappointment in the cigar community.

For years, the cigar existed only in secondary markets and collections, until a limited reappearance in 2020 as part of a travel retail-exclusive release in humidors of 14 cigars. This rekindled interest in the vitola and hinted at its enduring appeal.

In 2024, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Trinidad brand, Habanos S.A. officially revived the Trinidad Robusto Extra in its original box-of-12 format. This new edition maintained the classic dimensions and blend characteristics but added celebratory flair with a second commemorative band and a gold “T” foot band. Its return was met with widespread acclaim from collectors and smokers alike, solidifying the Robusto Extra’s status as a modern classic within the Cuban cigar portfolio.

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Written by Oliver Partington