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Trinidad Reyes RMU AGO 15 Weekend Review Competition Trinidad is often thought of as a close cousin of Cohiba. The reasons for this include the fact that both are post-revolution brands, both use premium tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, both have been used as diplomatic gifts and both brands were 'in-house' and not commercially available for many years. Introduced in 1969, Trinidad was first rolled at the famous El Laguito factory in Havana, like Cohiba. It was not available to the public until 1997, and then in only one vitola, the Fundadores. Since then other vitolas have been added. Currently there are four regular production Trinindad cigars, the Fundadores, the Coloniales, the Reyes and the recent Vigia. For our regular Friends of Habanos forum members, the discussion of Trinidad as a marca can bring contrasting feelings. On one hand, they are a pure joy when they are constructed well, on the other hand, the overall quality of Trinidad has been inconsistent, leading El Pres to mention quite a few times in the past few years to not buy blind with this marca. Thankfully, I was able to pick a recent PSP/HQ 24:24 offering which I've been waiting months for and preceded to split half the box with some fellow Sydney FoH'ers. I smoked the first one out of the box a few weeks ago and was blown away at how good it was. In fact, I was so enamored with the quality of the cigar, that I am secretly hoping to supplement my 'go to' cigar, the glorious EML FEB 15 San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe with this lovely Trinidad Reyes in 2016. Sadly, my photo of my second Trinidad Reyes from the box this weekend was blurry, so I deleted it, yet thankfully I've backed up my Reyes from a few weeks back so you can form a picture in your mind as to how good these are judging by the wrapper grade, the ash and the burn. The aroma from the cold draw was unique, slightly floral, perhaps perfumy, not your standard barnyard. The first third started off spicy, then the coffee and cocoa expressed itself in the middle, with leather and wood towards the end in the final third. At only three months, the flavours haven't distinguished themselves in a distinctive way, there's not much variation in the thirds yet as these are smoking a little above medium, but I do expect this to change as they age. The viscosity of smoke per draw is incredible, something to savour as I took minimal sips and basked in the essence of what we strive for as cigar enthusiasts, namely, maximum flavour with minimal effort smoking. This was a stupendous way to spend 45 minutes this past weekend. My goal now is look out for Trinidad Reyes with a RMU box code in 2016 if they come up in future 24:24 sales, because frankly, half a box is not enough to have when they are this good so young!

Cohiba Piramides Extra ULA DIC 13 Weekend Review Competition 'Cohiba', is named after the taino word for 'tobacco'. Produced from select plantations in the Vuelta Abejo region of Pinar del Rio Province, Cohiba is known, among other things, for going through a third fermentation in barrels. Cohiba cigars were only available for Cuban Government officials and diplomatic gifts from its formal inception in 1966 until the brand was commercialised in 1982. It is the only brand among the seven global brands (H.Upmann, Partagas, Montecristo, Jose L. Piedra, Hoyo de Monterrey, Romeo y Julieta and Cohiba) that has been released post-revolution. Cohiba cigars come at a premium price. The Cohiba Piramides Extra was initially offered as a Limited Edition release in 2001 (or 2002 when it finally was distributed to world markets). It was re-introduced as a Limited Edition in 2006. In 2012 it became a regular production cigar in the Cohiba 'Classic' line. These cigars are noted for the medium to full strength (in comparison, the 'Siglo' series is medium-strengthed). This cigar was increased in size in contrast to the two previous Limited Editions, from the standard piramide specifications, 52 ring gauge by 156 mm to a slightly bigger 54 ring gauge by 160 mm. As I progress in my preferences and knowledge of this great hobby that we all share, I've found that I am favouring smaller ring gauges and smaller sized cigars for my 'go to' cigars. However, when it comes to the Cohiba Piramides Extra, I don't mind its size as a 'change of pace' or 'special occasion' cigar. I've been pleased to say that the ones I've had of this box code have been quite consistent construction-wise and for smoking. This one that I had this weekend was no different, with classic Cohiba flavours eminating from its beginning unto its end. The cold draw oozed a refined barnyard aroma, with a draw that was a little tighter than I liked. Still, it was a highly enjoyable cigar. After I v-cut the end, I was able to savour the grass, honey and cream flavours that Cohiba is known for. The middle third saw the cream come more to the fore, whilst the last third had the toasted tobacco dominate. Despite the draw, I was able to get decent quantities of smoke and flavour per puff and I didn't need to correct the burn at any point, nor re-light. Thankfully, my next Piramides Extra from the box, the next day, had a perfect draw and was every bit as enjoyable as this cigar I've reviewed here. In conclusion, I'm very happy with how these are for their age at a little over 24 months old. I've given a few away from this box as gifts, but I have a few that I plan to revisit in 2016 and 2017. I'm very much looking forward to it!

As this box creeps closer to it's first year, I'm excited to see how it continues to mature. I came upon this box through our host, and it was rated PE. Though the wrappers may be a few shaded lighter than most would want, they are absolutely silky smooth and have a light sheen of oil. Upon opening the box, you are greeted with an amazingly beautiful bouquet, which is one of my favorite aspects of this box. To me this cigar in it's current state slowly changes around the final third mark. The first two-thirds are creamy with flavors of toasted bread, delicate hints of baking spices, and the occasional retrohale of citrus rind which is somewhat reminisant of HdM. Then, around the final third mark, the cigar increases in body into the medium range and brings forth bolder, rounded tobacco flavors to add to the profile. I really appreciate the slow evolution in the smoking experience of this cigar. I hope with a few more months to years that the unique flavors will be even more pronounced and some addiotional complexity develops.

First off absolutely fantastic cigar. Perfect burn from start to finish. Full of cream, coffee and toasted tobacco. The cigar was mostly one note until the last third where some caramel appeared. Ended up lasting just under 90 minutes. My brother mooched one off me (gotta love family lol) and said that this was one of his two best cigars he's had this year. I can't say that it was my best one but it's in rarified air. This is clearly an example of what some age can do to Cubans.