Some have opined that Plasencia’s entry into the premium cigar field with their own brand is long-overdue. If getting the Alma Fuerte just right was what they were waiting for, though, then I would say it was time well spent. This Nicaraguan puro is just fantastic, standing up very well against other “super premium” offerings. I would position this right between the aforementioned Davidoff Nicaragua and Padron 1926 Maduro in terms of body, richness, and overall experience. It was medium-to-full in body and strength, constantly delivering a stream of complex and beautiful flavor notes, really showing off what the Plasencia family has been growing in the Central American nation all these years. I say: spend the money, you won’t be sorry.

There's a sweet-and-salty character to this dark, oily box-pressed robusto. The draw is rich, delivering complex notes of caramel, earth and toffee underscored by touches of wood, all of which recur on the long finish.

Overall, the Plasencia Alma Fuerte was an outstanding cigar and worthy of the name Plasencia. The company cut no corners in the cultivation of the leaf or production of this cigar. I have to say, if our top 25 list was open to large brands, this cigar would  be my pick for the number one cigar of the year in 2016. The price is high but this cigar is worth every cent and I will need to get some more and let them age, as this will be even more amazing after a year or two in the humidor.