A Journey to Plasencia Cigars: An Unforgettable Experience

 

A Journey to Plasencia Cigars: An Unforgettable Experience

As a passionate aficionado of Plasencia cigars, I was honored to be invited to visit the Plasencia factory and farm in Nicaragua on February 1, 2025. The invitation came courtesy of the UK distributors, Davidoff, and I knew this was going to be a trip to remember. Having previously completed a Plasencia training course at the Dakota Hotel in Manchester, I had already begun to understand the remarkable history of the Plasencia family and their cigars. During that session, I indulged in six of their cigars, an afternoon well spent! One thing I’ve always admired about Plasencia is their consistent quality, whether it's their entry-level Reserva line or their premium Alma Fuerte range.

A Legacy of Excellence: The History of Plasencia Cigars

The Plasencia family's journey in the cigar industry dates back to 1865 when Don Eduardo Plasencia emigrated from the Canary Islands to Cuba and began growing tobacco. Over the generations, the family built a reputation for excellence in cultivation and cigar production. After facing challenges during the Cuban Revolution, they relocated to Nicaragua, where they rebuilt their tobacco empire. In 1978 Policitcal turmoil then hit Nicaragua and the family and business had to relocate to Honduras. In 1990 the family moved back to Nicaragua but to be safe they also kept the operation in Honduras running. Today, Plasencia is one of the most respected names in the industry, producing premium cigars both under their own brand and for other renowned labels. Their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation has solidified their legacy as a powerhouse in the world of cigars.

Arrival in Nicaragua

The journey took us through Miami before landing in Managua, Nicaragua. From there, we travelled to Estelí; the beating heart of the cigar world, where more hand-rolled cigars are produced than anywhere else on the planet. Given Plasencia's reputation as a major player in the industry, I was eager to see their operation up close. If there’s one thing that I have learnt from visiting numerous cigar factories and farms, it’s that no two setups are ever the same.

Meeting the Mastermind: Nestor Plasencia

Our visit began at the factory’s picturesque courtyard, where we were warmly welcomed by none other than Nestor Plasencia himself. Meeting him in his boardroom was a privilege. A true legend in the industry, Nestor exudes kindness and humility, taking a genuine interest in each of our cigar journeys. His expertise spans every stage of cigar production—farming, drying, fermentation, blending, rolling, and distribution. It’s clear that being part of a fifth-generation family business has given him a lifetime of invaluable knowledge.

With a Sixto I cigar in hand, we moved on to another part of the factory for a traditional Nicaraguan lunch. Post-lunch, we explored Nestor’s pioneering work in soil and compost science. His dedication to sustainable farming practices stood out as a defining characteristic of Plasencia’s operations. Unlike many tobacco growers, Plasencia invests heavily in soil research, meticulously tracking pH levels and nutrients across different fields. Their innovative use of worms and regenerative materials to enhance soil quality demonstrates a commitment to organic farming that prioritizes quality over quantity.

Into the Fields

Stepping into the tobacco fields was an awe-inspiring experience, particularly witnessing the vast expanse of shade-grown tobacco used for wrapper leaves. Photos simply don’t do justice to the sight of these meticulously covered plants stretching across the landscape. Another highlight was Plasencia’s advanced irrigation system, an impressive Israeli-engineered setup that ensures each plant receives precisely the right amount of water. What stood out to me most on this trip was how Nestor blends traditional knowledge with cutting-edge innovation, leaving his unique mark on the family business.

 

A Morning of Cigars and Community

The next day, we returned to the factory and started the morning the perfect way with a cigar and a coffee. I opted for the Reserva Robusto, a fantastic value cigar made entirely of organic tobacco (though not marketed as such). Our morning included a visit to Plasencia’s on-site nursery, which provides subsidized childcare for employees and locals. This initiative showcases how the cigar industry is making a meaningful difference in Nicaraguan communities.

A full factory tour followed, where we observed the skilled workers meticulously rolling cigars. Their craftsmanship and pride in their work were evident. I even caught a glimpse of an exciting new Plasencia release in the making! Seeing the vast fermentation rooms packed with tobacco from various regions was fascinating; each leaf playing a crucial role in Plasencia’s signature blends.

 

A personal highlight was witnessing the production of the Sixto, one of my all-time favourite cigars. Its unique hexagonal shape is inspired by bees and honey—a fitting tribute, considering Plasencia even produces its own honey on the farm. Seeing the special presses used to create these cigars was a treat. The tour concluded in the packing room, where skilled hands applied bands and boxed each cigar. We then returned to the boardroom to sample tobaccos from different regions, once again marveling at how slight variations in geography can significantly alter flavor.

Our time in Estelí ended with a memorable farewell party at the factory, complete with live music, cigars, and plenty of rum. A perfect send-off!

 

 

A Special Visit to Ometepe

The final leg of our trip took us to Ometepe, a breathtaking island on Lake Nicaragua, home to two towering volcanoes. The tropical climate here is vastly different from Estelí’s, with higher temperatures and abundant rainfall. Walking through the tobacco fields, we learnt how the yield on Ometepe is up to three times higher than in Estelí due to these unique conditions. Plasencia was the first company to cultivate tobacco on the island, and the result is a flavour profile unlike any other - offering bright, citrusy notes. If you want to experience this distinctive taste, try the Alma Del Fuego line or the Limited Edition Ometepe Humidor, both available at GQ Tobaccos.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

This trip was an incredible opportunity to deepen my appreciation for Plasencia cigars and the incredible craftsmanship behind them. It was also a great excuse to smoke a lot of their cigars! A huge thank you to Nestor Plasencia and his team for their hospitality and for sharing their knowledge and passion with us. If you haven’t explored Plasencia’s range yet, I highly recommend giving them a try, you won’t be disappointed!