Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II: A Hexagonal Sensation

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There are times when all the stars align and you end up with a perfect combination of circumstances, this week is one of those rare occasions. Whenever this happens, take a moment to take it all in and appreciate the moment. Before I jump into what I’m smoking this week, I’d like to give you a little context on why I’m being so corny today.

I’ve received my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which I know doesn't mean much to most of you. This is my permanent residency for the UK - where I’ve lived for the past 6 years - and those of you who understand will know that it is a massive milestone. I won’t go into details here, but all you need to know is that it is a reason to celebrate and what better way to celebrate that on a bank holiday weekend. This skewed my selection of the cigar and pairing combo I’m smoking this week.

Here is what I’m smoking this week! The Plasencia, Alma Fuerte Sixto II. A monster of a cigar with a 6 X 60 vitola with a Hexagonal box press - yes, hexagon, as in 6 sides shape. This cigar won the cigar of the year 2020 award by Cigar journal. As a pairing, we went for a bottle of Bollinger Champagne that we were saving for this moment.

I can’t go on without a very brief summary of the story of the Plasencia family for those of you who are not familiar with them. The Plasencia family history is one fill both with tragedies and clear examples of resilience and hard work.

Don Eduardo Plasencia arrived in Cuba in 1865 from the Canary Islands, they spent decades producing some of the best tobacco, until the Castro regime confiscated all their lands forcing them to flee Cuba. Similar thing happens in Nicaragua - where they ended up after Cuba - where due to political turmoil all their lands are burned down to the ground. Finally finding their place in Honduras where they’ve become the largest cigar producers in the world with over 40 million cigars a year.

I definitely encourage you to learn more about this incredible success history of a resilient family business, but now let’s go back to what I'm smoking this week.

After a year and half of having it ageing in my humidor - outside its original box - it has lost its hexagonal shape, but you can still see the clear box press on the cigar. It has a gorgeous presentation with its triple golden bands and a velvety maduro wrapper.

Pre-light you get a strong tobacco and barnyard notes from the body, spicy black pepper and smoky wood from the foot with hay and an oily linger on the lips. The draw seems a bit snug but, unobstructed. Fun fact this one cigar was a victim of a brief chewing incident from my best friend’s little dog 🙂

It has a strong start with a full + body and a great smoke production, you get that tingly effect on the tip of the tongue - I might need a nap after this cigar. Strong punch of leather and fertile soil notes along with herbal notes and a surprisingly sweet retro-hale.

Now that it has warmed up a bit more, it has a fantastic draw and combustion. The smoke production is abundant and playful like eating cotton candy. The construction is second to none.

All through the 1st third, you get the full body with strong leather notes with fertile soil and smoky wood with a hint of herbal notes and the -odd- sweet retro-hale.

The second third evolved to a brighter wood and hay with a stronger herbal presence, and a dryer lingering on the lips versus the very oily start.

As I get to the last third, the dynamism continues, with the black pepper coming back to play with the fresh wood and hay notes. The dry flavors continue to ramp up with strong tannins making your mouth salivate. Great counterbalance with the crisp, bright flavors of the champagne.

Definitely a celebratory cigar. I really enjoy a dynamic cigar that gives you an evolving experience as you go through it. I do have to say that it is a strong full body cigar - not one for new smokers - for pairings I would recommend something bright and light to counter balance it. Obviously Champagne is also a great option, but a crisp white or rose will do. Any light beer lager, hells or pilsner. Gin and tonic or a nice Campari and soda if it’s a hot day.

But now I want to hear from you, what is your celebratory cigar? Did you know the story of the Plasencia family? Am I being too corny?

Let me know in the comments section below, but for now, I will say thank you so much for being here and I hope you have a great day.