Review of Alma del Fuego Concepción

Cigar Review: Alma del Fuego Concepción

Cigar Name: Alma del Fuego

Brand: Plasencia Cigars

Vitola: Concepción (6 x 54)

Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown (Jalapa)

Binder: Nicaraguan Double Binder

Filler: Nicaraguan, including Ometepe

Price: $19

Date Smoked: May 18, 2025

Smoking Time: 90 minutes

1. Taste

Flavor Profile:

● First Third: The Alma del Fuego opens with a gritty mineral note, evoking volcanic rock dust, paired with light white pepper. The minerality reminds me of a memorable winery visit I made near Mount Vesuvius in Italy, showcasing the unique terroir of volcanic regions like Ometepe.

● Second Third: The mineral and white pepper persist, now joined by dark coffee and salted dark chocolate in the background. The mineral note softens, allowing the chocolate and pepper to take the lead.

● Final Third: The profile shifts to a spicy beef jerky note, melded with dark coffee and roasted coffee beans. The mineral undertone evolves into amplified white pepper, creating a robust finish. The cigar’s flavors linger as I reluctantly nub it.

Complexity: Intricate and layered, with distinct transitions across thirds. The volcanic terroir adds a unique dimension, making each puff engaging.

Strength: Medium to full-bodied, building gradually.

Aftertaste: Pleasant, with lingering coffee, pepper, and mineral notes. No harshness.

Notes: The Ometepe tobacco shines, delivering a gritty, volcanic character that evolves beautifully. The transitions from mineral-driven to chocolatey and finally spicy keep the experience dynamic.

Score: 34/40

2. Construction

Quality: Flawless wrapper integrity with no cracks, tears, or soft spots. The triple cap held up perfectly after a straight cut.

Feel: Firm with a nice sheen, the wrapper feels smooth and slightly oily.

Cut: Clean and effortless, with no damage to the cap.

Notes: The cigar feels substantial and well-rolled, reflecting Plasencia’s craftsmanship.

Score: 20/20

3. Draw

Resistance: Just right, offering the perfect amount of resistance.

Smoke Volume: Moderate, producing a steady stream of thick, aromatic smoke.

Consistency: Consistent from start to finish, with no changes in draw quality.

Notes: The draw is a highlight, making every puff effortless and enjoyable.

Score: 20/20

4. Appearance

Visual Appeal: The medium-brown Nicaraguan Sun Grown wrapper has a light sheen, minimal veins, and a closed foot. The soft box press adds a solid, comfortable feel.

Band Design: The lava-red double band with white lettering and a white foot band reading “Alma del Fuego” in red is understated yet striking. Easy to remove without damaging the wrapper.

Overall Presentation: A handsome cigar that lives up to its “Soul of Fire” name, promising bold flavors from the moment you see it.

Notes: The cigar’s aesthetic sets high expectations, and it delivers. The volcanic theme is subtle but effective.

Score: 9/10

5. Burn

Evenness: Nearly perfect, with a straight burn line requiring only one minor touch-up.

Ash: Salt-and-pepper ash, firm, holding in ¾-inch chunks.

Relights: One minor touch-up; otherwise, burned flawlessly.

Burn Time: 90 minutes, a satisfying duration for the size.

Notes: The burn is a testament to the cigar’s quality, staying even and cool throughout.

Score: 9/10

Overall Experience

Summary: The Alma del Fuego Concepción is a standout cigar with no significant flaws. Its volcanic Ometepe tobacco delivers a unique mineral-driven profile that evolves from gritty and peppery to chocolatey and spicy. The construction, draw, and burn are near-perfect, with only a single touch-up needed. The transitions across thirds keep the experience engaging, making it a memorable smoke.

Pairing Suggestions: A bold bourbon, root beer, or dark roast coffee would complement the cigar’s coffee, chocolate, and spicy notes beautifully.

Would You Smoke Again?: Yes, absolutely box-worthy. This cigar’s distinct character makes it a must-have for any humidor.

Total Score: 92/100

Final Thoughts: Plasencia has crafted a gem with the Alma del Fuego Concepción. The volcanic Ometepe tobacco sets it apart, offering a flavor profile that’s both unique and refined. From its flawless construction to its dynamic taste, this cigar is a testament to the artistry of Nicaraguan tobacco. It’s a soulful smoke that lives up to its fiery name.