2016 saw the beginning of a new series of cigars from the Plasencia 1865 brand. The Alma Fuerte (Strong Soul) launched in October of that year, and the Alma del Campo (Soul of Country) came along the following year. This year they released Alma del Fuego (Soul of Fire). Let’s get right into Matt’s evaluation of this new blend.
In addition to the Candente (Robusto) size reviewed here, the Alma del Fuego is also available in a 6 x 54 Concepción (Toro) and a 6.5 x 38 Flama (Panatela).
Plasencia Alma del Fuego Candente
MSRP: $15.00
Size: 5 x 50
Origin: Plasencia Cigars S.A. (Esteli, Nicaragua)
Wrapper: Jalapa Sungrown (Nicaragua)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Prologue
The cigar looks very hearty, almost rustic. The wrapper has a nice toothy surface, and slight crystalline appearance. The dark chestnut brown color has an almost reddish hue, and has bold aroma. The foot smells peppery and sweet at the same time, and the cold draw is also a mix of black pepper, molasses, and dried fruit.
Act I
The Alma del Fuego starts with a black pepper note that easily mellows into the background. The flavor notes in the front are like dark coffee, bitter cocoa, and an interesting campfire sort of smokiness. There is also some of that dark molasses sweetness that I got earlier in the cold draw. The aromas and retrohale are sweet with a little bit of pepper spice.
Act II
As the cigar continues to warm up, I notice that it is a fast burner but isn’t overheating. The flavor profile is consistent. I still get a bold black pepper on the back of the palate, but a nice mix of sweet and bitter on the tongue. The sweetness also comes into the retrohale at this point, along with a pronounced red pepper.
Act III
Well, it still burns quickly but remains in a good place with the overall profile. It is very consistent with the campfire, sweetness, and dark cocoa. That being said, a few hints that remind me of leather and sour citrus come it toward the very end. All of that is present on the palate and in the nose.
Epilogue
i have to admit that this was a cigar I was very excited to try. I have been a real fan of the facings from Plasencia for a few years now, and this one also did not disappoint. In such a bold and full-flavored cigar I find myself craving sweetness to break through the thickness, and this blend does just that. The only things I could really count against it were the lack of transition and the quick burn, mainly because I wanted it to go on. Very nice cigar.
Plasencia Alma del Fuego Candente – How Bout That Cigar?
Rating: How Bout A 5er?
Overall Score: 89
PAD: -1.0 (What is PAD?)
Flavor Summary: Dark coffee, cocoa, campfire, sweetness, leather
Strength Assessment: Medium-Full
Source: Cigars for this review were purchased by HBT Media LLC