Cigar Review: Plasencia Reserva Organica

Posted by toasted on Sep 6, 2010 in Reviews | 2 comments

Size: 6.25×44, Corona

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Mild

Price: Box of 20, $127.99

Grade: 8.5

This 100% certified organic cigar from Nestor Plasencia, Jr. is a mild bodied Nicaraguan puro and is available in 7 sizes: 6×50 (Toro), 6.25×44 (Corona), 6.25×52 (Piramide), 4.75×52 (Robusto), 7×48 (Churchill), 4.5×36 (Nesticos), and 4.25×40 (Tins). Utilizing pre-Columbian farming methods, these tobaccos come from two regions of Nicaragua and the cigars are aged for a minimum of three years. The Plasencia is distributed by Indian Head Cigar out of Miami.

For an interview of Nestor’s decision to create this organic cigar, click here.

Gary from Famous Smoke Shop sent us a Test Flight of the Plasencia to try, which includes 10 total cigars, with two each of 5 of the 7 sizes. Working through the samples, the Corona was definitely my favorite size of the 5, and the flavor seemed to be more pronounced in the smaller size. Now, on to the review.

Pre-light, 1.8:
A simple triple cap footed with a cedar sleeve and topped with a bright yellow and blue band, this cigar has a striking appearance. The medium brown wrapper is solid throughout with no soft spots, a slight plume, and minimal veins that sit flush with the wrapper. There are a couple color spots toward the middle of the cigar, but overall this is an elegantly clean cigar. The aroma is of sweet peppermint while the pre-light pull reveals a syrupy flavor that is surprisingly thick. The draw has a pleasant resistance and pulls very cleanly.

Burn, 1.8:
There is not much to say for the burn – the well colored white ash stacked very evenly and the draw was consistent in each of my samples. I did not pick up my lighter but to fire it up and it kept an even burn line from start to finish.

Flavor, 2.4:
The Reserva Organica begins with a muted sweetness and the overall flavor is mostly bland with some unidentifiable harshness, though there is an antiqued cedar and floral profile that arrives in the second third. The final third has a mint note and the undertone that I had trouble placing identifies itself as charcoal or a burnt profile which lends to the harshness identified.

Overall, 2.5:
At over $6 a stick, there are certainly other cigars I’d turn to first, but this is still a rather interesting cigar with a great burn and a decent flavor profile. If you’re curious about an organic cigar, I don’t think you’ll feel cheated by trying this one out.

(Total: 8.5)