This Nicaraguan puro delivers a bold statement with its hexagonal box-pressed shape - the most technical roll in Plasencia's portfolio. The 60-ring gauge feels substantial in hand, wrapped in oily San Andrés Maduro leaf that glistens under light. At $22 per stick, it's positioned as a special occasion smoke rather than daily fare.
The hexagonal structure creates six distinct smoking angles, each surface revealing different combustion characteristics. Triple fermentation process shows in the velvety wrapper texture. Tight ash holds beyond 2 inches with proper humidity control (recommended 65% RH).
Initial pepper blast (4/10 intensity) mellows into roasted cashews. Noticeable baking spices emerge at 15-minute mark - think fresh cinnamon sticks over smoldering embers.
Flavor curve flattens slightly between 30-50 minutes. Earthy tones dominate with espresso ground bitterness. Burn requires one minor correction at 45-minute point, common for this ring size.
Unexpected honeydew sweetness appears post-band removal. Smoke output increases dramatically - three consecutive retrohales needed to clear thick plumes. Ends clean without tar buildup.
Grown in Jalapa's volcanic soils (pH 6.2-6.8), the Criollo 98 binder leaf spends 18 months in cedar pilones. Production data shows 23% higher oil content versus Plasencia's Colorado Claro wrappers. Aging recommendation: 8-14 months to integrate mineral tones.
