Cigar Ratings & Reviews

#NowSmoking: Plasencia Cosecha 149

#NowSmoking: Plasencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa Cigar Review (Video)

Plasencia Cosecha 149 – Cigar Details:

Factory: Tabacos de Oriente, Danli, Honduras
Size: (6 x 52)
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras

Presented in boxes of 10

Plasencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa Backstory

Before we get into the Plasencia Cosecha 149’s backstory—this edition of #nowsmoking is going to be a little different. First off, I’m joined for this review by Cigar Advisor executive editor and fellow #nowsmoking reviewer, Gary Korb. Second, Gary and I are reviewing this cigar blind meaning we didn’t smoke this cigar before, and we did no prior preparation other than knowing its origin and contents.

This cigar’s name tells you exactly what’s in it. Cosecha translates to “harvest,” so this cigar spotlights the 149th harvest of the Plasencia family. That they went so far as to name a cigar for, and having it being blended entirely of, a particular crop should tell you how special these tobaccos are.

Cosecha 149 is a Honduran puro and is a follow-up to the Plasencia Cosecha 146. These tobaccos were first harvested in 2014 and were set aside and aged to wait for the right project.

How do these aged, premium tobaccos come together? Let’s find out as we light up.

The Basics:

Construction: Soft box press. The wrapper was dark brown and oily, and the cigar was firm with no soft spots.
Cold Draw: A pinch of pepper, and tobacco sweetness.
Base flavors: Light pepper, cream, sweet tobacco, earth, cedar, oak, baking spices.
Aroma: Rich tobacco.
Burn & Ash: Textbook.

Once lit, we found the Cosecha 149 offered notes of pepper before creaminess took over and the blend set off on a smooth-sailing trajectory. The smoke output was generous, and the aroma wasn’t offensive—rather it gave off a rich and toasty vibe. We both noticed the usual earthy notes found in Honduran forward cigars as well as some slight sweetness, likely a result of the tobaccos being patiently aged. It’s safe to say both Gary and I summed-up the first part of this cigar as, ‘so far, so good.’

At about the halfway point of the Cosecha 149, the strength remains where it began—medium-bodied. The slight spice, creaminess, and earth were joined by a woodiness that resides somewhere between cedar and oak. The construction and draw continued to be absolutely spot-on, and an emerging theme with Gary and I was how refined and enjoyable the Plasencia Cosecha 149 was. Even a fairly experienced palate would be able to tell these tobaccos are top-grade as it gets.

Cosecha 149 begins to tick upwards into the medium-plus range but doesn’t come close to what you’d commonly consider as a strong or powerhouse cigar. As the Cosecha 149 comes down the final stretch, the words that came to both of our minds were complex, elegant, tasty, refined, and confident. And it’s a blend that we’d both agree is up there among the best releases of 2022—so far.

What beverage pairs well with Plasencia Cosecha 149 cigars?

Gary thought an interesting combo might be to enjoy the Cosecha 149 with a blue Powerade & vodka, while I went with my usual Dr. Pepper or lemonade for non-alcoholic alternatives. However, we both agreed that any good quality whiskey, bourbon, or rum, including the more traditional cocktails (and coffee), make a good fit for this Toro.

For additional pairing combinations, check out our Cigar & Spirit pairing guide.

Are Plasencia Cosecha 149 cigars worth smoking?

If you watched our review, it might be an understatement to say we were both impressed with the Cosecha 149 Azacualpa. Looking back, Gary and I were caught up in the moment (since we were reviewing this cigar in real time) and may have gotten a little too caught up in a gushing session. That said, we’re not taking anything back. What you saw was an example of our general enthusiasm for exceedingly good cigars.

Of course, the Cosecha 149 isn’t for everyone. No cigar is. The Plasencia Cosecha 149 is more likely to appeal to more experienced enthusiasts looking for a rich, complex, and engaging luxury cigar at a more affordable price. We’re not dissuading newbs from smoking it. Certainly, it’s medium body will appeal to them, but there’s something to be said for developing your palate, and the newly-initiated would be wise to hold off just a little longer. Otherwise, the Plasencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa is a juggernaut of an experience.