The Plasencia Reserva Original Toro clocks in at 6x50 with a $97.20 price tag for 10 sticks - solid value for this Nicaraguan puro wrapped in pesticide-free organic leaf. After burning through half a box over two months, I'd call this the "gateway premium" between classic CT shades and modern Nicaraguan boldness. The antique-looking leather-clad box smells like a humidor time capsule, while that creamy Ecuadorian wrapper feels smoother than most factory rolls.
Cold draw serves up cedar shavings and cashew butter. Initial puffs deliver medium-bodied creaminess with vanilla undertones - the organic tobacco shines through without fertilizer harshness. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the 50-ring girth, white ash holding strong for 1.5 inches. Retrohale brings out faint white pepper that's more tingle than spice.
At the 3-inch point, dark roast coffee notes emerge alongside caramelized nuts. Smoke output remains modest - not the fog machine effect of fuller blends. Body creeps up to medium-plus without overwhelming newer smokers. Watch for occasional tight draws on overly humidified sticks (keep at 65% RH).
Last third introduces leather and baking spices as nicotine kicks in. The organic leaves burn cleaner than conventional farms - no sulfur aftertaste but expect mild tongue tingle. Nub potential's there if you enjoy earthy finishes, though I usually ditch it with an inch left to avoid bitterness.
The Plasencia's organic certification isn't just marketing fluff - the absence of chemical aftertaste makes it ideal for morning smokes when your palate's fresh. While hardcore enthusiasts might crave more complexity, it's a crowd-pleaser that bridges the gap between light breakfast sticks and after-dinner powerhouses.
