Plasencia Cigars: A Legacy of Excellence
The Plasencia family’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering passion for tobacco that spans over five generations and more than 150 years. Today, the Plasencia name is synonymous with some of the finest premium cigars available on the market. This article delves into the rich history of the Plasencia family, their contributions to the cigar industry, and the celebrated blends that showcase their expertise.
A Rich Historical Background
The Plasencia family's involvement in the tobacco industry began in 1865 when Don Eduardo Plasencia planted his first tobacco seeds in the Vuelta Abajo Valley in Cuba, renowned for producing some of the world's finest tobacco. His nephew, Sixto Plasencia, expanded the family’s operations, and by 1920, they were exporting tobacco to major companies. However, the political turmoil of the 1960s forced the family to leave Cuba. They relocated first to Mexico and then to Nicaragua, where they re-established their tobacco farms.
The Plasencia family faced numerous challenges, including the confiscation of their farms by Castro's regime and the destruction of their Nicaraguan farms during the civil unrest in the 1970s. Undeterred, they moved their operations to Honduras before eventually returning to Nicaragua in 1990. Despite these setbacks, their passion for tobacco never waned.
Establishing a Global Presence
Today, the Plasencia family is one of the largest tobacco growers in Central America, operating expansive farms in Nicaragua and Honduras. Their operations include four factories and eight plantations, producing over 30 million handmade cigars annually. They employ more than 6,000 workers, including 700 cigar rollers, underscoring their significant impact on the premium cigar industry.
The Plasencias have also built a reputation for producing high-quality cigars for other renowned brands. They supply tobacco to over 30 different brands, including Rocky Patel, Romeo y Julieta, Alec Bradley, and Gurkha. The Casa Magna Robusto, produced by the Plasencias, was named Cigar Aficionado’s ‘#1 Cigar of the Year’ in 2008, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship.
The Plasencia Brand
In 2016, the Plasencia family decided to launch their own brand, Plasencia Cigars, to connect directly with cigar enthusiasts. This move marked a significant milestone, allowing them to showcase their expertise and the high quality of their tobacco under their own name.
The debut of the Plasencia 1865 Alma Fuerte blend was a game-changer. This blend, which features Nicaraguan tobaccos from Estelí, Condega, Jalapa, and Ometepe, earned a 93-point rating and a ‘Top 10’ spot from Cigar Aficionado in 2017. The Alma Fuerte line includes traditional and unique sizes, such as the Generacion V Salomon and the hexagon-pressed Sixto II.
Following the success of Alma Fuerte, the Plasencias released Alma del Campo in 2017. This blend, made entirely from Criollo ’98 tobaccos grown on their Nicaraguan farms, offers a medium-bodied profile with notes of white pepper, wood, and sweetness. It received a 90-point rating, further solidifying the brand’s reputation.
Innovation and Excellence
Plasencia 1865 Alma Fuerte
A bold, full-bodied cigar with complex flavors of chocolate, espresso, caramel, dried fruit, and oak. Made from an exquisite blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos, this cigar earned a 93-rating and a spot in the Top 10 Cigars of 2017.
Plasencia 1865 Alma Fuerte Colorado
A medium-bodied variation of the original Alma Fuerte, featuring a lighter Nicaraguan Jalapa wrapper. Offers a smooth profile with notes of nuts, cream, and subtle spice, providing a refined and balanced smoking experience.
Plasencia Alma Del Campo
A medium-bodied Nicaraguan puro with flavors of roasted nuts, vanilla, coffee, cream, and baking spice. Made entirely from Criollo ’98 tobaccos, this blend offers a complex and smooth smoking experience with a touch of sweetness.
Plasencia Alma Del Fuego
A tribute to the volcanic soil of Ometepe, this medium-full bodied cigar delivers rich flavors of leather, dark roasted coffee, peppery spice, and earthy sweetness. The tobaccos are aged for seven years, ensuring a refined and satisfying smoke.
Plasencia Cosecha 149
An elegant display of Honduran tobaccos from the Plasencia family's 149th harvest. This blend offers a rich and complex profile with notes of cedar, nuts, and a hint of natural sweetness, showcasing the quality of their Honduran crops.
Plasencia Cosecha 151
A premium cigar featuring tobaccos from the 151st harvest, highlighting the Plasencia family's dedication to excellence. This blend offers a balanced and flavorful smoking experience with notes of earth, spice, and a touch of sweetness.
Plasencia Reserva Original
A blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos certified organic by the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA). This cigar provides a smooth, natural flavor with notes of cedar, nuts, and a hint of sweetness, offering a pure and refined smoking experience.
One of the standout features of Plasencia Cigars is their commitment to innovation. The Plasencia Reserva Original is a prime example, blending Nicaraguan tobaccos certified organic by the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA). These tobaccos are grown without herbicides or pesticides and aged for a minimum of five years, resulting in a smooth, natural flavor.
In 2019, the Plasencias introduced Alma del Fuego, a blend that pays homage to the volcanic soil of Ometepe. The tobacco from this island is naturally potent and aged for seven years to achieve a refined flavor. Alma del Fuego delivers a medium-full bodied smoke with notes of coffee bean, clove, and wood, earning a 93-point rating.
The Science and Art of Tobacco
The Plasencia family's dedication to quality is evident in every step of their tobacco-growing and cigar-making process. They employ a meticulous approach that includes bourbon barrel aging, a unique method that enhances the flavor and aroma of their tobaccos. This process involves aging the tobacco in charred white oak barrels, which caramelizes the colors and flavors, resulting in a smooth, rich taste.
Their state-of-the-art facilities in Nicaragua and Honduras are equipped with the latest technology to ensure the highest standards of quality control. The family oversees every aspect of production, from seed to finished cigar, to guarantee consistency and excellence.
The Plasencia family’s journey is a testament to their resilience, passion, and dedication to the art of cigar making. Over five generations, they have overcome numerous challenges to become one of the most respected names in the industry. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability is evident in every cigar they produce.
For those seeking a premium smoking experience, Plasencia Cigars offer a diverse range of blends that cater to every palate. Whether you prefer the bold flavors of the Alma Fuerte, the smooth complexity of the Alma del Campo, or the rich, volcanic notes of the Alma del Fuego, there is a Plasencia cigar for every discerning smoker. Explore their exquisite creations and discover why the Plasencia name is synonymous with excellence in the world of premium cigars.
