How has the Trinidad blend changed from the original?

[MrBirdman]

Interesting comments in the recent RyJ post about how some blends have changed from pre-millennium versions. It precipitated a question I’ve had for a while.

One marca that wasn’t mentioned was Trinidad: I smoked a few Fundis back in 03 (long before I got into cigars regularly). They were all the “old band” and as I recall there was much more “nuttiness” (specifically cashew) to them than the current examples. I love Trinidad but I have always wanted to recapture that cashewy-goodness and haven’t quite. 

An aberration? Just me? Or have other more seasoned smokers noticed something similar, and if so how would you describe the old Trini flavors?

[Corylax18]

2 minutes ago, MrBirdman said:

Interesting comments in the recent RyJ post about how some blends have changed from pre-millennium version, precipitated a question I’ve had for a while.

One marca that wasn’t mentioned is Trinidad: I smoked a few Fundis back in 03 from a cardboard pack I believe (long before I got into cigars regularly). They were all the “old band” and as I recall there was much more “nuttiness” (specifically cashew) to them than the current examples. I love Trinidad but I have always wanted to recapture that cashewy-goodness and haven’t quite. 

An aberration? Just me? Or have other moreseasoned smokers noticed something similar?

The Tobacco Strains being grown and the processing techniques changed. Across all Marca's. So the flavor's definitely changed. I have some experience with pre millennium sticks, but not a tremendous amount. The tobacco is definitely different now, than it was then. They also ferment it more, so they are ready to smoke much earlier. 

[MrBirdman]

1 minute ago, Corylax18 said:

The Tobacco Strains being grown and the processing techniques changed. Across all Marca's. So the flavor's definitely changed. I have some experience with pre millennium sticks, but not a tremendous amount. The tobacco is definitely different now, than it was then. They also ferment it more, so they are ready to smoke much earlier. 

Good points all around. I also have no idea how old the sticks were - obviously less than 5-6 years.

[BrightonCorgi]

I like the newer blends of Trinidad over the original release.

[Corylax18]

1 hour ago, BrightonCorgi said:

I like the newer blends of Trinidad over the original release.

I've only smoked a handful of Trinidad from before the changes, maybe 10. I don't think that's enough to form a rock solid opinion. But I tend to agree with you.

I didn't own/store any of the older sticks for most of their lives, I have owned/stored the newer Trinidads I have for most of their lives though. So the comparison isn't truly 1:1. But when you add in the much higher cost of the pre change sticks, I'll take newer production 9 times out of 10. 

[BrightonCorgi]

1 hour ago, Corylax18 said:

I've only smoked a handful of Trinidad from before the changes, maybe 10. I don't think that's enough to form a rock solid opinion. But I tend to agree with you.

I didn't own/store any of the older sticks for most of their lives, I have owned/stored the newer Trinidads I have for most of their lives though. So the comparison is truly 1:1. But when you add in the much higher cost of the pre change sticks, I'll take newer production 9 times out of 10. 

When Trinidad was released to the mass market, I was like "what's big deal on these?"  I'd take a Cohiba Lancero or Partagas SdC over the Trinidad.  Partagas cost a lot less too.

[MrBirdman]

Yeah, to be clear, I really like Trinis now. I doubt I would prefer the old one - beyond that nutty note I don't recall much. I just have never again experienced that cashew-y taste in Trini or elsewhere, at least to that extent, which sparked my curiosity. 

[NSXCIGAR]

I also didn't smoke many pre-2001 Trinidad but the ones I had I recall being nothing special and the blend being different. I recall a lot of disappointment surrounding them at the time as they had been the legendary diplomatic cigars and hyped quite a bit, and of course they were always priced a bit on the higher side, so I avoided them until the brand expanded in 2004. Since 2004, I haven't noticed a major change in blend.

[Hookmaker]

When Trinidad was released to the mass market, I was like "what's big deal on these?"  I'd take a Cohiba Lancero or Partagas SdC over the Trinidad.  Partagas cost a lot less too.

Partagas SdC - go happy finding those cheaper than Trinidad’s


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[mprach024]

Early Coloniales were coffee, cream, sugar.  They were very sweet.

Now it’s coffee, tea, croissants and tend to be much more tannic.

Best I can describe.  

[99call]

I think the Trinidad line up has got a great deal more 'donutty' across the board.  Not in a sweet American donut way, but more of a Chinese 'savoury stick' way. 

I think the Trinidad line used to be a little more reserved, and over processed (like Cohiba).   the current line blend feels a great deal more confident, interesting and balanced. Yes they are refined, and astringent, aromatic etc etc,  but now they have a great sour butter, sort of old nutty grease element too them,  which transcends the blend into a true gourmand experience. 

Although old band Fundies i've had were easily 100 pointers,  generally i prefer recent Trinidads with their buttery indulgence.