Plasencia has recently introduced a new cigar, the Alma del Cielo, which has made its debut in the UK market over the past few weeks.

This exciting release was first showcased at the US cigar trade show PCA 2025 in New Orleans in April…

…and officially launched during the IGNITE UK trade show in May.

I had the opportunity to sample the Plasencia Alma del Cielo during the IGNITE UK weekend, and it definitely stood out as one of the most memorable of cigars I experienced at the event. I’ll share my brief review of this cigar later in the article.

Before trying the cigar, I attended a presentation hosted by Roy Sommer, of Davidoff UK—who also distributes Plasencia cigars in the UK—where Plasencia unveiled the Alma del Cielo, featuring special guest Rodrigo Medina Mendieta from Plasencia Cigars.

One of the main points highlighted was the impressive altitude at which the tobacco is cultivated. Growing tobacco at higher elevations means the plants get more sunlight while benefiting from cooler temperatures, which impacts leaf development, ultimately influencing the cigar’s flavour. This innovative approach to tobacco cultivation is genuinely fascinating — it’s quite different from the methods typically used in Cuba, that I know about.

Background

Here is some additional background information about this specific cigar:

“Alma del Cielo is the world’s first elevation cigar, crafted with tobaccos grown on Nicaragua’s cherished San Julián farm, located 1,300 meters above sea level. This exceptional altitude blesses the tobacco with intense sunlight and a cooler climate, enhancing its complexity and delivering a truly captivating flavour.

Finca San Julián is more than just a farm—it holds deep emotional significance for the Plasencia family. Nourished by a pristine, untouched stream and cultivated using organic, sustainable practices, it embodies Plasencia’s core philosophy: working in harmony with nature, guided by the wisdom passed down through generations.

Soil analyses have confirmed that this is one of Plasencia’s richest terroirs, blessed with exceptional fertility and access to some of the purest water flowing from the stream that runs through it.

This land, this process, and this vision converge in Alma del Cielo—a cigar that represents the heart of who Plasencia are, and the heights they strive for.”

The cigars:

Alma del Cielo Amanecer (Hexágono, 6″ × 60)

Alma del Cielo Boreal (Toro, 6⅛″ × 54)

Alma del Cielo Celeste (Robusto, 4⅞″ × 52)

Factory & Blender	Wrapper
Plasencia Cigars	Nicaragua
Origin	Binder
Nicaragua	Nicaragua
	Filler
	Nicaragua

My experience:

Over the years, I’ve really enjoyed smoking a wide range of Plasencia cigars—they’re among my top picks in the New World category, especially when buying by the box – especially with affordability in mind.

I had the chance to try their latest release at the IGNITE UK trade show, thanks to Roy Sommer, who generously shared them. It was a treat to be among the first in the UK to sample it.

The Alma del Cielo made a strong impression. It brought to mind the fuller-bodied Plasencia 149 and 151, with peppery notes and a touch of sweet coffee. A bold, full-bodied smoke that I genuinely enjoyed. I didn’t pick up a distinct “high-altitude” character, but I was chatting while smoking—so I definitely need to revisit it with more focus. It’s one I’d happily smoke again.

My rating: 8 out of 10

You can read more about the Plasencia Alma del Cielo on the official Plasencia website.