Let's cut straight to this Nicaraguan powerhouse - the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Nestor IV Toro comes in a box-pressed parejo format measuring 6¼"×54 ring gauge. Priced at $210 for 10 sticks, this medium-bodied cigar features a sleek obsidian-like maduro wrapper that practically glows under sunlight. The Mayan-inspired band design isn't just decoration - it's a bold statement about five generations of tobacco craftsmanship.
First Third: Immediate black pepper zing mellows into baking spices within minutes. The dense smoke carries charred oak notes with an underlying sweetness reminiscent of burnt caramel.
Middle Third: Flavor bombs start dropping - alternating waves of espresso grounds and dark chocolate dominate, with occasional mineral-like flashes from the Jalapa valley leaves.
Final Third: Earthiness intensifies without turning bitter. The last inch brings surprising cocoa powder dryness, though some find the nicotine kick requires pacing.
Plasencia's multi-regional blending approach shines here - the Condega filler adds structure while Estelí tobacco brings that signature Nicaraguan punch. Their "plant to ash" control shows in the combustion consistency, though new world cigar fans should note the fuller body compared to typical medium-rated sticks.
