Trinidad’s history is complicated. The Trinidad family claims that it started the brand, known as Trinidad y Hermanos, in 1905. It renamed the company to “TTT Trinidad” in 1958 but the company was seized by the Cuban government in 1960. Habanos S.A. claims a different birthday, saying that Trinidad was first rolled in 1969, with production taking place at El Laguito alongside Cohiba.

Those cigars—a 7 1/2 x 38 lancero—were used as diplomatic gifts alongside the Cohiba marca. In 1998, the Trinidad Fundadores went on sale, marking the first time the state-run Cuban company had sold cigars under the name. Altadis U.S.A. has the U.S. trademark to the Trinidad brand.