Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generación V

The Generación V is the showpiece of Plasencia's Alma Fuerte line: a big, box-pressed Salomón blending aged tobaccos from four of Nicaragua's prime regions — Estelí, Jalapa, Condega and the volcanic island of Ometepe. It earned a spot near the top of Cigar Aficionado's annual rankings, which put the whole line on the map.

What it tastes like

This is a full-bodied, slow-burning cigar made for a long evening. Expect espresso and dark chocolate up front, black pepper through the middle, and leather and cedar on a finish that lingers. The tapered Salomón head opens into a generous 58 ring gauge, so the smoke builds in body as you go. Construction is impeccable, as you'd expect at this tier.

Who it's for

A two-hour cigar for aficionados who want richness and complexity, not a quick smoke. It's too much for a first cigar — come to it after you've enjoyed a few medium sticks. As a Nicaraguan puro it shows off the country's full-bodied side; see how that stacks up against Cuba in Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars. If the format is new to you, the cigar strength guide explains "full." Stock your humidor and log tasting notes in the Casa DNC app, or step down a size with the Sixto I.