Trinidad Espiritu Series No.3 Lancero 7 1/2″ * 40

Handmade at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 3 Lancero is the long, thin end of the range. This is the non-Cuban Trinidad, sold by Altadis; the original Cuban Trinidad began as a rare diplomatic gift cigar.

The blend is a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, put together by Abdel Fernandez and Rafael Nodal, and dedicated to Mexico. Altadis rates it medium to full. Earth and cedar lead, with light coffee, anise and a measured spice on the finish.

At 7 1/2 by 40 there is far less filler per inch than in the toro, so the wrapper does more of the talking and the cigar runs hotter if you push it. Slow down and it rewards you. The cigars are soft pressed rather than box pressed, so the shape is gentle rather than square.

Pairs well with coffee, bourbon, or amber ale.