The eagerly anticipated Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2 cigars launched in early 2021 as the follow-up to its predecessor, the Trinidad Espiritu.
Both installments in the series are handmade premium cigars but while the Espiritu No. 1 was a Nicaraguan puro, the Espiritu No. 2 incorporates Brazilian tobaccos into the filler, along with a Brazilian wrapper.
In my Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2 review, I'll take a more detailed look at this popular series of boutique cigars, and what flavors you can expect to find when you light up the 2021 edition.
An introduction to the Espiritu Series
The Trinidad Espiritu cigars series is a celebration of 50 years of the Trinidad brand and is expected to consist of three parts.
Espiritu No. 1 was a Nicaraguan puro with Cuban-style artwork, which promised to transport the smoker to the Caribbean in its golden years. Espiritu No. 2 heads to the mainland of South America to incorporate the exotic flavors, heart, and soul of Brazil.
Both Espiritu cigars so far have been fantastic and Espiritu No. 2 is already proving extremely popular, so I'll be watching closely for the announcement of when the third and final blend in this line-up will be released.
Cigar specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Wrapper: Brazilian
- Wrapper color: EMS
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Brazil & Nicaragua
- Sizes Available:
- Trinidad Espiritu Series 2 Toro: (6 x 54)
- Trinidad Espiritu Series 2 Robusto: (5 x 50)
- Trinidad Epsiritu Series 2 Belicoso: (6.14 x 52)
- Trinidad Espiritu Series 2 Magnum: (6 x 60)
- Trinidad Espiritu Series 2 Toro: (6 x 54)
What is the construction of the cigar like?
Espiritu No. 2 cigars have a Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobacco blend as their filler, with a Nicaraguan binder and a Brazilian wrapper.
The stick is hand-rolled, which can lead to slight variations in firmness, but there's plenty of tobacco oils and the colorful bands give the cigars and their packaging that distinctly Brazilian color scheme of blue, green, and gold.
An even burn and just a little gentle resistance on the draw provide a solid smoking experience with only minor touch-ups required toward the end of the cigar.
Expect a veined appearance and some roughness on the coffee-colored wrapper, which packs an aromatic punch even before the cigar is lit.
What I got from the cold draw
The cold draw delivers that traditional barnyard aroma, with a complex balance of pepper, leather, nuts, and oak, as well as sweet raisins and cereal.
If you like your cigars to carry a peppery punch, this is a good choice for you. The overall flavor profile is gentle to medium, but the black pepper top notes persist throughout.
Flavors I experienced from the cigar
A long list of different tastes can be detected during the course of smoking Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2, but I've summarized the main flavors to look out for during each third below.
First Third
A soft to medium start brings early spices and black pepper, which will remain to a varying degree throughout the rest of the stick.
The first few puffs start to bring more complexity to the flavor profile. Major components include coffee beans, dark chocolate, and even a hint of charcoal-grilled meats.
Second Third
Into the second third, and the meaty taste persists, but is not unpleasant. It balances well with the earthy flavors of Espiritu No. 2, which evolve into the sweetness of raisins as you pass the midpoint of the cigar.
The previously mentioned black pepper spice is even more apparent in the retro-hale, so be sure to savor each puff.
Final Third
Yet more peppery retro-hale continues throughout the final third, as the strength and body build to a crescendo, with spices landing on the tongue.
Those main flavors remain, including espresso beans and rich dark chocolate, as well as accents of hay, leather, and peanut shells.
How is the Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2 in terms of strength?
The Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2 is by no means a showstopper in terms of its strength of flavor, but there's enough body there to get you through without any risk of the cigar seeming weak.
Instead, it's those secondary flavor notes and accents that come through in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of tastes that perfectly captures the vibrant and diverse culture of Brazil.
Will the retro-hale feel as though they fill all of the space inside your skull? Maybe not, but there's more than enough complexity and balance on the tongue to make up for that.
Closing Thoughts
The Espiritu No. 2 is a delight and a worthy addition to your list of boutique cigars to try this year. Its medium body is not a sign of weakness, but an indication of the careful balance of flavors you get from a really great handmade cigar.
Available in five vitolas in boxes of 20, we're already seeing some stock sell out as word spreads about this new and increasingly popular premium cigar.