Nestor Plasencia at the Light ‘em Up Lounge
Nestor Plasencia, CEO of Plasencia Cigars, joined the Light ’em Up Lounge to share the remarkable story of a family that has shaped the premium cigar industry for more than 150 years. From their origins in Cuba to becoming one of the largest producers of handmade cigars in Nicaragua and Honduras, Plasencia spoke about heritage, innovation, and the future of tobacco.
How did the Plasencia cigar legacy begin?
Our story starts in 1865 in Cuba, when Eduardo Plasencia began growing tobacco. The family endured political upheaval, exile, and rebuilding, eventually settling in Nicaragua and Honduras. Over five generations, we’ve grown from farmers to one of the largest premium cigar manufacturers in the world.
How important is vertical integration to Plasencia Cigars?
It’s absolutely essential. We control the entire process—seed selection, tobacco growing, fermentation, aging, rolling, and packaging. This “seed-to-smoke” approach ensures quality, consistency, and the ability to innovate without depending on outside suppliers.
What makes Nicaraguan and Honduran tobacco unique?
Nicaragua’s volcanic soil produces tobacco with richness, depth, and complexity. Honduras offers different microclimates and soil types that give tobacco unique flavors and aromas. By blending tobaccos from both countries, we create distinctive premium cigars with balance and character.
Note: At Light ‘em Up we couldn’t agree more - hence you will find some of most refined Plasencia cigars in our online shop here.
How do you approach blending a new Plasencia cigar?
We start with the experience we want the smoker to have—strength, body, flavor profile, and aroma. From there, we select tobaccos from different regions and vintages to create harmony. It’s a meticulous process, involving multiple blend tests until we reach perfection.
Which Plasencia blends are most important to you?
The Alma Series is our flagship—Alma Fuerte, Alma del Campo, and Alma del Fuego each tell a different story of our tobacco. Our Reserva Original is also special as the world’s first and only certified organic handmade cigar, made entirely from organic tobaccos.
How has the premium cigar industry changed in recent years?
Cigar smokers are more educated and adventurous. They want to know the story behind the brand, the origin of the tobacco, and the craftsmanship involved. Social media has helped tell that story globally, connecting brands directly with consumers.
What challenges does the cigar industry face today?
Regulatory pressure is the biggest challenge—especially from the FDA in the U.S. and similar bodies worldwide. Protecting the tradition of premium handmade cigars is a priority for us, alongside ensuring our agricultural practices remain sustainable.
How does Plasencia Cigars practice sustainability?
We’re committed to protecting the land for future generations. That means crop rotation, organic farming methods, and minimizing environmental impact. Sustainability isn’t just a marketing term—it’s part of our DNA.
What’s next for Plasencia Cigars?
We’re focused on expanding in key international markets, developing innovative blends, and continuing to elevate the Plasencia brand as a leader in premium cigars. Our mission is to honor our heritage while embracing the future of tobacco craftsmanship.
It was with great pleasure and honor that we welcomed Nestor Plasencia on the show as our special guest.
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The values discussed—balance, tradition, and intention—are reflected in the collection available at Light ’em Up Humidor. For those seeking more than just a smoke, this is where craftsmanship lives.
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Light em up,
Reinhard
Sensory expert, cigar passionado, and host of the Light ‘em Up Lounge
