Alma Fuerte translates to strong soul, and since 2016 this series from the Plasencia cigar dynasty has become the benchmark for bold, premium Nicaraguan puros. Accolades were swift, with the Salomon style Generacion V ranking within Cigar Aficianado’s top 10 list of 2017, and the Nestor Generacion IV Toro (the topic of today’s article) ranking number 1 in Cigar Snob magazine.
With over 150 years of tobacco cultivation spanning six generations, the Plasencia family has become amongst the most trusted names in the industry. As of 2015 they have become the largest producers of tobacco in the world, with over 40 million cigars produced par annum. This magnitude of tobacco continues to supply 30 different brands including Rocky Patel, Alec Bradley and Nat Sherman.
In 2017, the company headed by father and son team Nestor Plasencia Sr. and Jr. launched their own brand of cigars. Despite the size of their operations, the brand maintains strong familial connection with the naming schemes of their cigars (Ie: Generacion V, Nestor Generacion IV, Sixto II). For the Plasencia brand each product is firmly rooted in family pride and legacy. Perhaps paying an homage to the family’s triumphant return to Nicaragua in 1990, (following a period of exile due to political turmoil), the Alma Fuerte series consists solely of Nicaraguan tobacco. The Toro sized (54 X 159mm) Alma Fuerte Nestor Generacion IV is procured from the highest quality aged tobaccos, grown in the finest soils of the Jalapa, Condega, Esteli and Omtepe regions. Available since 2017, the Nestor IV Toro was difficult to forget, known for its impeccable construction, sumptuous and oily Maduro (Jalapa shade grown) wrapper, and a full-bodied flavour that was only matched with the smoothness of its profile.
These bold Nicaraguan puros were ingeniously housed in a 10-count box that doubled as an ashtray, a feature that is unfortunately omitted with this 2020 release. Touted as one of the best Nicaraguan smokes around, the Nestor IV is expertly blended, balancing intense pepper with notes of dark chocolate, plum, and baking spices. Check out what the fuss is about! This Toro promises a luxurious smoking experience that rounds off with a finish of oak and molasses.
Visit www.plasenciacigars.com for more information on the storied brand.
