If you’re on the hunt for a cigar that smolders with intent, then the Alma del Fuego (meaning “Soul of Fire” in Spanish) from Plascencia Cigars could be the smoking inferno your palate warms towards.
Now in its sixth year of establishing itself as a premium cigar brand, this expressive stick is the third release in the series of cigars bearing the Alma name.
The name comes out all guns blazing and is intended to showcase the inherently fiery characteristics of Nicaragua’s Ometepe island, as well as a nod to the strength of the smoke.
The island is home to two volcanoes (hence the name), with the company first unveiling this line at the 2019 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show.
The Plascencia family is far from running dry when it comes to industry experience. They have been growing top-quality tobacco for five generations, stretching all the way back to 1865!
Let’s see if their deep roots in the trade have flourished in the rich volcanic soil that produces the unique, distinct tobacco that makes up around 75% of the Alma Del Fuego blend.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Jalapa)
- Binder: Nicaragua (Ometepe & Undisclosed)
- Filler: Nicaragua (Ometepe & Undisclosed)
- Smoke Time: 95-105 minutes
- Sizes Available:
- Conception Toro (6 x 54)
- Flama Panatela (6.5 x 38)
- Candente Robusto (5 x 50)
How is the cigar constructed?
Available in three box-pressed sizes, there’s a rustic charm about the Alma del Fuego that I’m instantly drawn to. The sun-grown wrapper from the fields of Jalapa valley has a rich, dark glaze to it, while an oily sheen is radiant in the light.
I’m treated to not one, not two, but three bands. Even though they do slightly restrict my view of the wrapper, the red and white color combination is a winning formula that really complements the satin-like look of the wrapper.
A variety of designs are exhibited across the bands which keep me distracted. If you have a habit of twirling your stick before you light up, then you will particularly enjoy the Plascencia “P” logo at the head of the wrapper which is arranged in a repeating pattern.
The construction is robust from head to toe. Additionally, the excess wrapper leaf has been folded over the foot, adding further to the cigar’s agrestic appeal. The classic hinged wooden box is hand-painted and keeps with the packaging of the other Alma releases by doubling up as an ashtray.
What I made of the cold draw
Nosing the cigar, the wrapper and closed foot had an aroma of old barn wood. The pre-light phase offered varying qualities of airflow – two that were excellent and one sample that strayed a little on the tight side. Thankfully, the cold draw turned out to be a sweet sensation with its warming spices. It reminded me of a gooey cinnamon roll.
But how would the cigar fare once it had erupted?
What I thought to the cigar’s flavors
The Alma Del Fuego was incredibly flavorful. It was rich and filling, with the subtle transitioning from the first third to the final third making for a complex smoke. T
here is a slight underlying taste throughout that is something akin to charred meat, while the carefully selected wrapper complemented the cigar with a sweet edge.
I particularly enjoyed the different tones of earthiness, which highlighted why the soil on the volcano-studded island of Ometepeis so highly prized for tobacco growing.
First third
The first third opens up by delivering some black pepper notes. The nutrient-rich soil is known to give the tobacco a sweet earthiness, and this signature flavor profile was apparent afterward.
Just past half an inch into the opening puff segment, a combination of cocoa powder and charred oak had started to gain prominence. There was still some baking spice, but it was far more nuanced in comparison to its starring role in the dry draw.
Second third
There’s a medium output of dense smoke as I embark on the second part of my Del Fuego journey. The pepper was further back, as the dry character of the powdered cocoa joined forces with creamy cedar for an exquisite flavor combination. There was earthiness in the finish, only this time it was deep and meaty.
The draw and burn continued to be solid, while the cigar was full in strength and body.
Final third
The final hurrah is where the complexity of this smoke goes through the roof. There’s an aromatic sweetness that sings like a Basque epaulet chili pepper, while the charred oak warms the heart once more, like being gathered around a campfire. There’s even a creamy undertone with what tastes like roasted coffee.
Despite the whirlwind of flavors, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. In fact, my palate was too busy savoring the dark cocoa notes that I experienced on the finish.
How strong is the Plascencia Alma Del Fuego?
I expected a gut punch from the Alma Del Fuego Blend and certainly felt some fire in my belly, especially around the 60% mark when the strength had noticeably progressed. Like the flavors, the cigar took small steps up the strength scale and could definitely stake a claim to be the boldest of the Plascencia offerings.
In conclusion
The Del Fuego lived up to his name. I found it to be a fiery, rich dark smoke that would make the perfect nighttime cigar; one to be enjoyed either during a time of contemplation or better still when catching up with a close friend over a drink (I suggest a smoky whisky would pair perfectly with this fiery stick).
If you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast seeking a stogie that radiates similar passion, you won’t be disappointed with this hearty smoke.