#12 Trinidad Espíritu Series No. 1 Belicoso

Altadis U.S.A. has made many attempts to create a non-Cuban version of the Cuban Trinidad brand, but this is one of its finest efforts so far. It’s a collaboration between Rafael Nodal of Altadis and A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua. You’ll notice this Belicoso has a second band that reads “Series No. 1.” Each series is a different blend highlighting a different wrapper, but for this edition, it’s all about Nicaragua. The wrapper is a hybrid of Criollo ’98 and Sumatra developed by Fernandez. First puffs start with concentrated notes of fig, raisin, date and dried blueberry. A meaty, savory element brings it all together for a jammy finish reminiscent of a California Cabernet.