#RG1874 Adventures:

At Robert Graham 1874, we believe that to truly appreciate a fine cigar, you have to understand where it comes from—how it’s crafted, who makes it, and the incredible journey each leaf takes before it reaches your humidor. This time, it was Remi, our Cambridge store manager, who set off on an adventure to visit the legendary Plasencia cigars Nicaragua operations. Here’s what he discovered.

Day One: A Sustainable Start in Estelí

The journey began at Plasencia’s main factory in Estelí, Nicaragua—one of several they operate in both Nicaragua and Honduras. Unlike many producers, Plasencia grows nearly all of its own tobacco, ensuring complete control over quality. Sustainability is at the heart of their process, with a strong emphasis on organic farming.

A tour of their farm revealed some of the cutting-edge techniques they use to maintain fertile fields, including composting and natural fertilization methods. A standout feature? Sunflowers planted strategically as a natural pesticide, attracting insects away from the precious tobacco crops. It’s an eco-conscious approach that balances tradition with modern agricultural science.

Day One: The Curing Barns at Plasencia Cigars Nicaragua – Where Green Turns to Gold

From the fields, we moved to the curing barns—massive wooden structures where freshly harvested tobacco leaves are carefully hung to dry. Suspended in bunches, the leaves slowly transform from green to brown over several weeks, depending on the variety.

This meticulous process, known as curing, is only the beginning. Once dried, the leaves are sorted and stacked into large fermentation bundles, where they will continue to age—sometimes for years—until they are deemed ready for blending.

Day Two: Sorting, Sampling, and the Art of Rolling

On day two, we started off with a brief visit to  the El Sol de Saber school. This is the school facility which Plasencia provide for the children of the factory staff - 105 children are being looked after and educated here every day!

After this, we returned to the Plasencia factory to visit the sorting room, to witness the precise work that goes into selecting the perfect tobacco leaves.

Leaf Sorting & Tasting Churritos

Each leaf is categorized based on its growing location, shade, and placement on the plant, as each factor influences the flavour. To get a pure sense of these unique profiles, we sampled 'Churritos'—small cigars rolled from a single filler leaf and binder leaf from the same region. It was a fascinating way to understand the role each leaf plays in a cigar’s final character.

Inside the Rolling Room

The rolling process at Plasencia is a masterclass in teamwork. Each pair of rollers has a system: the right-side worker builds the filler blend and binds it together, after which it’s pressed for 30 minutes on each side. The cigar then moves to their partner on the left, who applies the final wrapper leaf—the crucial finishing touch. Every roller aims to produce between 350 and 400 cigars per day, ensuring consistency and quality in every stick.

Day Three & Four: The Volcanic Tobacco of Ometepe

Next, we set off on a breathtaking journey to the Island of Ometepe, located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua—the 19th largest lake in the world. What makes Ometepe truly special is its landscape: the island is flanked by two volcanoes, one dormant and one still very much active.

Here, Plasencia works closely with independent farmers to source high-quality Ometepe tobacco, known for its rich, volcanic soil and distinct flavour profile. This rare tobacco is a key component in their Alma del Fuego cigars, bringing a bold and complex character to the blend.

Final Thoughts

Remi’s visit to Plasencia Cigars Nicaragua was a reminder of why their cigars are so revered. From sustainable farming practices to the meticulous craft of sorting, rolling, and aging, every step of the process is handled with precision and passion.

Remi’s recommendations from the respected Plasencia range include: 

1. Plasencia Cosecha 151 - a celebration of heritage, flavour, and mastery in every moment.
2. Plasencia Alma del Campo Robusto cigar - a complex smoke with a perfect balance delivering notes of coffee and nuts. 
3. Alma Fuerte Generation V Saloman - a masterful blend of tobaccos sourced from the renowned regions of Estelí, Condega, Jalapa, and Ometepe, celebrated for their fertile soil and optimal growing conditions.

Next time you light up a Plasencia cigar, take a moment to appreciate the journey it has taken—from the volcanic soils of Ometepe to the skilled hands of the rollers in Estelí. This is more than just a cigar; it’s a story, a craft, and a legacy.

Stay tuned for more #RG1874 Adventures as we continue exploring the world’s finest cigars, one leaf at a time.