Trinidad Fundadores 24’s

Trinidad Fundadores: The Cuban That Made Me Question Everything I Thought I Knew

I’m halfway through this Trinidad Fundadores right now, sitting on my back porch at 9:30 PM, and I’ve got to tell you – this cigar is making me rethink some things. The ash just fell into my lap (naturally, right when I’m trying to write), but I can’t put this thing down long enough to clean it off properly.

See, I’ve been smoking Cubans for over two decades now. Started back in ’99 when a buddy smuggled some back from a business trip to Montreal. Thought I knew what to expect from most of the island’s offerings by now. Trinidad though? This marca still surprises me every damn time.

The Fundadores – that’s the 7.6″ x 40 Lancero vitola for those keeping track – sits in Trinidad’s regular production line, not the fancy-pants Coleccion Habanos stuff that’ll cost you your firstborn. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s some kind of budget smoke.

First Light: When Things Get Interesting Right Away

Right off the bat, this thing’s construction caught my eye. The wrapper’s got this beautiful Colorado shade – not too dark, not too light. Feels substantial in your fingers without being overly oily. I’ve noticed Trinidad tends to use pretty stellar wrapper leaves, and this Fundadores doesn’t disappoint.

The cold draw gave me hints of what was coming. Cedar, definitely. Some floral notes that reminded me of my grandmother’s rose garden (weird comparison, I know, but stick with me). And there’s this underlying sweetness that’s hard to pin down.

Now here’s where things get controversial – I think the Lancero vitola is absolutely perfect for Trinidad’s blend. I know, I know. Everyone’s always going on about Robustos this, Toros that. But the long, thin format really lets Trinidad’s subtle complexity shine through without overwhelming your palate.

First few puffs delivered exactly what I hoped for. Clean, crisp smoke with that distinctive Trinidad character starting to emerge. The burn was dead even (thank god, because nothing ruins a review like having to constantly touch up a cigar).

The Flavor Journey: Not Your Typical Thirds Breakdown

Look, I could give you the standard “first third, second third, final third” breakdown, but that’s not how this cigar actually smokes. The Trinidad Fundadores is more like a slow-building conversation than a three-act play.

Those initial floral notes I mentioned? They stick around longer than you’d expect, weaving in and out of the primary flavors like background music. The cedar becomes more pronounced as you get into the first inch or so, but it’s not that harsh, in-your-face cedar you sometimes get from younger cigars. This is seasoned, refined cedar – like the inside of a well-aged humidor.

Around the second inch (and I’m being approximate here because who the hell measures while they’re smoking?), something magical happens. The sweetness I detected on the cold draw starts to bloom. It’s not honey-sweet or molasses-sweet. More like… vanilla bean mixed with cream? My buddy Carlos, who runs a cigar shop down in Tampa, always says Trinidad has this “pastry quality” to it. I used to think he was nuts, but smoking this Fundadores, I’m starting to get what he means.

The strength builds gradually. Starts medium-bodied, maybe even medium-minus, then creeps up on you. By the time you’re halfway through, you’re definitely in medium-plus territory, but it never becomes overwhelming. I’ve smoked this after a heavy dinner and first thing in the morning (don’t judge me, it was a Saturday), and it worked both times.

What really impressed me was how clean the flavors stayed throughout. Some Cuban cigars – and I won’t name names, but you know which ones I’m talking about – can get muddy or harsh as you smoke them down. Not this one. The Fundadores maintains its composure right to the end.

Pairing Notes: What Actually Works (And What Doesn’t)

I’ve tried this cigar with a bunch of different drinks over the years, and here’s what I’ve learned works best:

Coffee: Specifically, a good Cuban espresso if you can get it. The brightness of the coffee plays beautifully with Trinidad’s floral notes. I had one with a cortadito from this little Cuban joint in Miami Beach last winter, and it was damn near perfect.

Rum: This is where I might ruffle some feathers. Everyone always goes straight for the aged stuff – your Zacapa 23s, your Diplomatico Reservas. But I actually prefer this with a good quality white rum on the rocks. Flor de Caña 4 Year works great. The cleaner rum profile doesn’t compete with the cigar’s subtlety.

Whiskey: Highland single malts work well here. I tried it with Glenmorangie 10 and was pleasantly surprised. The whiskey’s fruit notes complemented the cigar without overpowering it.

What doesn’t work: Heavy red wines. Tried it with a Cabernet Sauvignon once and both the wine and cigar suffered for it. Too much competing tannin action going on.

Who Should Buy Trinidad Fundadores (And Who Shouldn’t)

Here’s the thing about Trinidad as a marca – it’s not for everyone, and the Fundadores particularly isn’t for beginners. If you’re just getting into Cuban cigars, start with something more straightforward like a Montecristo No. 4 or a Romeo y Julieta Churchill. Come back to Trinidad when your palate’s more developed.

This cigar is perfect for:

• Experienced smokers who appreciate subtlety over power
• Anyone who loves the Lancero vitola (seriously, if you’re a Lancero fan, you need to try this)
• People who want something special but not stupidly expensive
• Morning or afternoon smoking – the strength level is just right

Skip it if:

• You prefer full-bodied, in-your-face cigars
• You’re new to Cubans (come back to it later)
• You’re looking for something to smoke while doing other activities – this deserves your attention

Storage and Aging: What I’ve Learned

Trinidad seems to age really well, and the Fundadores is no exception. I’ve got a box from 2019 that’s just hitting its stride now. The floral notes have mellowed and integrated better with the other flavors. That said, don’t feel like you have to age these for years before smoking them – they’re quite enjoyable with just a few months of proper humidor time.

Keep them at 65-67% humidity if you can. I know some people swear by 70%+, but I find Trinidad responds better to slightly lower humidity levels. Helps maintain that clean flavor profile.

One quirk I’ve noticed: these cigars seem particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations during shipping. If you’re looking for Trinidad Fundadores for sale online, make sure your vendor knows how to pack them properly for your climate. I’ve had a couple arrive with wrapper issues that I suspect came from poor shipping conditions.

The Bottom Line

At around $15-20 per stick (depending on where you find them), the Trinidad Fundadores isn’t exactly an everyday smoke for most of us. But it’s not prohibitively expensive either, especially considering what you get.

This is a cigar for when you want to actually pay attention to what you’re smoking. It rewards focus and contemplation. It’s complex without being showy, refined without being pretentious.

I’m down to the last inch now, and I’m already thinking about lighting up another one tomorrow. That’s usually a pretty good sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Fundadores compare to other Trinidad vitolas?

A: I think it’s the sweet spot of the regular production line. The Reyes (Robusto) is good but can be a bit one-dimensional. The Vigia (Laguito No. 3) is excellent but harder to find. The Fundadores gives you the full Trinidad experience in a manageable format.

Q: Are these Cuban Trinidad cigars fake often?

A: Unfortunately, yes. Trinidad fakes are pretty common, especially online. Stick to reputable dealers, know your Cuban cigar authentication basics, and be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true.

Q: How long does a Fundadores take to smoke?

A: Give yourself 90 minutes to 2 hours. The Lancero format smokes slower than you might expect, and you don’t want to rush this one.

Q: Can I buy these in the US legally?

A: That’s a complicated question that depends on current regulations and how they’re imported. Do your homework on current Cuban cigar laws – they change more often than you’d think.

If you’re an experienced Cuban cigar smoker looking for something that showcases the art of blending over raw power, the Trinidad Fundadores deserves serious consideration. Just don’t expect it to knock your socks off – it’s more likely to make you sit back, think a bit, and appreciate the subtle craftsmanship that goes into a really well-made Cuban cigar.

And with that, I’m going to finish this last inch in peace. Some cigars deserve your full attention right to the end.