After covering the Plasencia Reserva Original, we decided to check out more of the celebrated brand’s line-up for detailed reviews.
In this article, you will discover the Plasencia Cosecha 146 as we review the following considerations:
You can use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to learn more.
Watch The Video Review
Overview
- Brand: Plasencia Cigars
- Range: Cosecha 146
- Reviewed Vitolas: 5 x 50 “La Música” Robusto
- Wrapper: Honduran Criollo ’98
- Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo ’98
- Filler: Honduran & Nicaraguan Criollo ’98
- Factory: Tabacos de Oriente, Honduras
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Mild – Medium
- Estimated Smoking Time: 65 Minutes
- Pricing: $12 / Single [Shop On CigarPage]
Launched in 2017, the Cosecha 146 was released to celebrate Plasencia’s 146th anniversary and harvest, which first began in Cuba in 1865. Interestingly, it’s manufactured in Honduras rather than Plasencia’s Estelí factory. The whole blend consists just of Criollo ’98 which was grown in two separate terroirs.
Plasencia Cosecha 146 Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Ground Cinnamon
- Rolling Consistency: Mostly Straight
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Caramel, Nutmeg, Labdanum
The Cosecha 146 is a perfectly straight cigar with very few soft spots. Similarly, it’s quite hard to the touch, providing a nice firm spring bordering on hard. The hue has a ground cinnamon color and in terms of oils, it does release a nice sheen.
The veins are quite refined, although you can clearly see the protruding leaf edges in the roll, but really that’s no big deal. In terms of aromas on the foot, I experienced caramel, nutmeg, and labdanum musk.
Plasencia Cosecha 146 Review
The Plasencia Cosecha 146 cigar box was stored in a Prestige Imports Redford cooler for a period of three weeks to allow them to acclimate beforehand. Rather than use the cooler’s in-built humidification system, it has been set up with 320g 69% RH Boveda packs.
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal Resistance
- Aromas: Salted Caramel, Cocoa, Tonka Bean
In terms of draw, it gives you just the right amount of airflow and resistance. The flavours are quite modest, though. They’re quite subtle, but that is certainly something there. Indeed, we have salted caramel as opposed to just plain caramel as experienced on the foot.
On this occasion, it leaves a slight salty residue on the lips. Additionally, you may notice sweetened cocoa powder and as well as gourmand tonka bean that just adds a level of depth to the pre-light.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Salted Caramel, Charred Thyme, Cinnamon
At first, the Cosecha 146’s burn line is a little wavey but not so much that it requires correcting. Meanwhile, its most overt note is salted caramel. Indeed, this cigar does have an overall sweet profile.
Similarly, there’s charred thyme, which basically consists of the aromatic herb being burned. There’s also a hint of spice, but it’s very mild. Nevertheless, it’s somewhat noticeable on the retrohale. The spice can be likened to cinnamon. Overall, the experience so far is quite pleasant but more light-bodied than expected.
That being said, it should build in character as you progress.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Molasses, Charred Bay Leaf, Rosewood
About halfway through the second third, the body has developed slightly, but not as much as expected. The same can be said about the flavour profile but there have been some interesting changes in terms of notes nonetheless.
Firstly, the salted caramel has transitioned to something that shares a greater resemblance with molasses thanks to a thicker texture. Meanwhile, the charred thyme has transitions to charred bay leaf, which still offers an aromatic presence but it’s a little bit deeper and not quite as playful.
Similarly, the cinnamon is all but gone and there isn’t that much spiciness cigar in the second third. Instead, it’s taken on a more of a woody characteristic, which you could liken to rosewood. Otherwise, the burn has stabilized and corrected itself.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Oak, Leather, Nutmeg
The final third is quite a change of pace compared to the first two. I think the rosewood in the second third was a bit of a prelude to the cigar’s final third. The final third is significantly woodier than the first two. Indeed, has primarily a dominating oaky note, which is accompanied by some leather and a hint of nutmeg.
The nutmeg can be mostly perceptible through the retrohale but it’s not overly peppery. Nevertheless, you may perceive some pepper, too.
Admittedly, the Cosecha 146 is not the most complex experience that you could have from Plasencia. Nevertheless, it’s quite refreshing, which renders it pleasantly casual for a relaxing experience. The mouthfeel isn’t overly smooth, though. While I wouldn’t call it coarse by any means, it’s quite light on the palate.
Meanwhile, its astringence is balanced and doesn’t cause too much salivation or any dryness. That said, the palate stimulation initially focuses near the edges and moves towards the edges over each third. Nevertheless, it’s quite balanced overall.
Similarly, the life cycle could be described as quite consistent even if there is an evolution in the cigar. That being said, the final third is stronger in the body than the first two. Indeed it does have a more medium body and the finish is quite lingering. It does last on the palate for a while as it delivers hints of leather.
Finally, the residual scent in the room isn’t unpleasant and its aroma wouldn’t be described as offensive. leaves hints of wood rather than stale tobacco.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Mostly Strong
- Burn Angle: Somewhat Wavy
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal Resistance
- Final Smoking Time: 65 Minutes
When it comes to the overall burn, the burn line finished by correcting itself until it was perfectly straight. None of the cigars smoked for the review required touch-ups.
The ash has a nice backbone, which reveals a dark steely grey colour. You can handle parts that have been de-ashed and they cling together quite nicely. While not flaky, it does have a tendency to plop off your cigar without warning. Otherwise, the temperature of the smoke is very cool.
Overall Experience
When it comes to the overall experience of the 146 Cosecha, I’m quite fond of the zealous overuse of bands! The one on the foot labelled “Cosecha Privada” helps protect the most sensitive part of the cigar from knocks or bumps.
The only issue that I’ve experienced and I have heard affects other people is that some may be glued with too much adhesive. As a result, they’re a bit difficult to remove without damaging the cigar, especially given that they’re made from matte paper. Otherwise, the primary band has an attractively silver and grey colour scheme and design.
The primary band is pretty large on the robusto, which means that it needs removing quite soon into the smoke. Therefore, the secondary band allows you to keep some ornamentation on the cigar even when down to the nub. That being said, you won’t need to remove the band so soon on larger vitolas like the “La Vega”.
The box is sturdy and follows the same design and colour scheme as the band. It has a matte black exterior with grey details. Meanwhile, the inside features a giant version of the band with a few extra snippets of information.
The presentation is quite modern if you compare it to, for example, the Reserva Original, which is comparatively modern. Indeed, the Plasencia Cosecha 146 goes has a more conventional appearance that is closer to what you expect on the American market.
As for the value of the cigar, expect an RRP of around $12 per stick if you buy them individually. However, a 10-count box of these La Musica Robustos should be around $100, which comes to $10 each.
Although not a mild cigar, it’s quite versatile and accessible for people who don’t have much smoking experience. Therefore, it’s great for different occasions. Indeed, it’s colour scheme would make it ideal for a wedding or Christmas party.
Nevertheless, it’s a good afternoon cigar, which can be enjoyed as a digestive after lunch.
Plasencia Cosecha 146 Cigar Pairings
The Plasencia Cosecha 146 could be paired with or follow pretzels given its salty yeastiness. Similarly, you could consider a croissant like in the photo above. Meanwhile, it would marry well with ground beef or steak haché. Therefore, consider it possible alongside or after a classic burger, French tartar, or even a Bolognese dish.
Magret de canard is an interesting possibility. Indeed, the duck could be prepared with orange or a honey and balsamic vinegar dressing in a Le Creuset.
With regards to beverages, I’d lean towards a floral dark rum like Flor de Caña 18, which wouldn’t overpower the cigar. Similarly, Armagnac’s fruity and lively personality would be a great alternative to congac here.
Instead of coffee, consider also root beer. While root beer is a great cigar pairing, it’s particularly effective with this refreshing cigar.
Closing Thoughts
Accessible in both body and complexity, the Cosecha 146 is a great option for beginners who have already smoked a few mild cigars and want to try something new. However, it will also reward experienced cigar smokers who are looking for something laid-back and relaxing.
"A refreshing and relaxing cigar for smokers of all preferences and backgrounds."
Further Reading
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