AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about twenty minutes into the Diagonal No. 2, when the cigar stops being a cigar and becomes a conversation. It is not a polite one. The box-pressed torpedo sits heavy in the hand, its Colorado Maduro wrapper gleaming like polished mahogany, promising density before the first cut. The cold draw is a premonition: dark cocoa paste, the sticky sweetness of figs left too long in the sun, and a faint, almost savory note of leather that suggests this will not be a morning smoke. It is not. The light-up is a declaration of intent—a wall of black pepper and toasted cedar that announces the Jalapa Valley wrapper is not here to be subtle. But the genius of this blend, the thing that separates it from the pack of full-bodied Nicaraguans, is the immediate counterweight: a creamy espresso retrohale that softens the pepper's aggression into something almost luxurious. This is the Plasencia family's 150-year argument, made in a single vitola, that power and finesse are not opposing forces but partners in a very serious dance.
The first third establishes the terrain with an earthy loam and leather foundation that feels ancient, like the floor of a forest that has been absorbing rain for centuries. The pepper is present but not bullying, a spice that coats the tongue and then recedes, allowing the dark cocoa and dried fruit to take turns at the microphone. By the second third, the blend shifts its weight. The pepper steps back entirely, and a remarkable sweetness floods in—dark chocolate mousse, thick and airy, layered over a leather note that has softened into something almost supple. Molasses weaves through every puff, not as a syrup but as a deep, resonant hum. This is the heart of the cigar, where the box-press proves its worth: the slow, cool burn channels the smoke with a precision that prolongs every nuance, allowing roasted coffee and a whisper of anise to emerge from the shadows. The complexity here is not a list of flavors but a narrative arc, each note building on the last without ever feeling crowded.
The final third is a crescendo that earns its full-bodied rating. The charred oak and espresso grounds surge forward, backed by a dark earth that tastes like the soil of Estelí itself. The strength builds to a point where it threatens to overwhelm, but the wrapper's natural sweetness—that same fig and raisin character from the cold draw—persists as a balancing act, a tightrope walk between intensity and grace. The finish is long, leathery, and leaves a lingering cocoa bitterness that begs for another sip of something strong. This is not a cigar for the distracted; it demands a full 90 minutes of unhurried attention. The ash holds past the inch-and-a-half mark, a testament to the construction, but the real construction is in the blend itself—a five-year-aged filler from Jalapa and Estelí that has been given time to find its voice. The Diagonal No. 2 is the Alma Fuerte line's most articulate statement, a cigar that outperforms its price point by a margin that feels almost like a gift.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa Valley) — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí, aged a minimum of five years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — Plasencia family-owned factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Box-Pressed) |
| Size | 6 x 58 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $20–$26 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of five years; additional box aging recommended for 3–6 months post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with rich dark cocoa and dried fruit — figs and raisins — followed immediately by a powerful wave of black pepper and toasted cedar on the light. Earthy loam and leather establish themselves quickly, grounding what is already a complex and assertive opening. Retrohale delivers a creamy espresso note that softens the pepper's bite.
Second Third
The transition brings a notable sweetening — dark chocolate mousse and leather dominate, with molasses weaving through each puff. The pepper recedes to the background, allowing roasted coffee, dried herbs, and a whisper of anise to emerge. Complexity here is at its peak, with the box-press channeling a slow, cool burn that prolongs every nuance.
Final Third
The finale intensifies toward a full-bodied crescendo — charred oak, espresso grounds, and dark earth surge forward. A natural sweetness from the wrapper persists to balance what would otherwise become overwhelming strength. The finish is long, leathery, and deeply satisfying with a lingering cocoa bitterness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable — a hallmark of Plasencia's factory discipline. The box-press channels an even, slow-burning coal, producing thick white ash that holds past the inch-and-a-half mark with ease. Draw resistance is dialed perfectly: slight resistance that amplifies smoke production and temperature management throughout the 90-minute smoke.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-year or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) or a peated Scotch such as Lagavulin 16 — the smoke and iodine harmonize beautifully with the earthy, full-throttle profile
Wine
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with significant tannin structure (Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis or Darioush Signature Cab) or an Amarone della Valpolicella
Non-Alcoholic
Double ristretto or cold brew concentrate — the concentrated coffee mirrors and amplifies the cigar's dark chocolate and espresso core without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has already walked the length of the premium aisle and knows the difference between a cigar that is strong and one that is powerful. You are a collector with a humidor full of well-intentioned but forgettable smokes, and you have set aside a late Sunday afternoon with no interruptions. You have just finished a slow-braised short rib, and you want something that will not apologize for its existence. You already enjoy the earthy depth of a Padron 1964 and the spice of a Tatuaje, but you are looking for a blend that feels like a single-origin espresso shot—uncompromised, direct, and honest about its provenance. This cigar will give you a 90-minute meditation on what Nicaraguan tobacco can do when it is grown by a family that has been doing it for five generations. It will not ask for your attention; it will command it. And you will be grateful for the demand.
Bottom Line
The Diagonal No. 2 is a masterclass in controlled aggression, a full-bodied smoke that never loses its balance. It is the rare cigar that justifies its prestige price tag by delivering a sensory arc that feels both monumental and intimate. Buy a box, rest it for three months, and let it teach you what patience tastes like.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Plasencia Alma Fuerte cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means a significant nicotine presence that builds steadily through the final third, producing a warming sensation in the chest and a slight buzz for most smokers. It is not a beginner's smoke, and it is best enjoyed after a substantial meal to mitigate any potential lightheadedness.
What does Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 taste like?
The flavor progression moves from an opening of black pepper, toasted cedar, and dark cocoa with figs and raisins, into a second third dominated by dark chocolate mousse, leather, and molasses with notes of roasted coffee and anise. The finale intensifies into charred oak, espresso grounds, and dark earth, balanced by a persistent natural sweetness and a long, leathery finish with cocoa bitterness.
How long does Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes. The 6 x 58 Torpedo (Box-Pressed) vitola, combined with the slow-burning characteristics of the aged filler, encourages a deliberate pace. The box-press shape also helps regulate the burn, preventing it from running too hot or fast.
What is the best pairing for Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2?
An aged Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña 18-year is the ideal companion. The rum's inherent sweetness from its aging process mirrors the cigar's molasses and dark chocolate notes, while its own oaky undertones harmonize with the charred wood and espresso in the final third. The alcohol also helps to cleanse the palate between puffs, resetting your taste buds for the next wave of flavor.
Is Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength (4/5) cigar priced at $20–$26 per stick, and its aggressive pepper and heavy body would overwhelm a novice palate. A beginner should start with milder, more approachable blends to build tolerance and flavor recognition before attempting this. This is a cigar for the experienced smoker who knows how to handle a high-nicotine, full-flavored profile.
Where can I buy Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2?
This is a premium, limited-production cigar, so your best bet is a well-established brick-and-mortar tobacconist that specializes in high-end products. Online retailers like Cigar Page, Neptune Cigar, or Corona Cigar Co. often carry it, but due to its popularity, it may sell out quickly. Checking the official Plasencia Cigars website for a list of authorized dealers is also a reliable method.
What is the price of Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2?
The suggested retail price is between $20 and $26 per cigar. This places it in the 'Prestige' tier, reflecting the five-year-aged, estate-grown tobaccos and the meticulous box-pressed torpedo construction. Prices may vary slightly depending on your local tax rate and the specific retailer.
Is Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 worth aging?
Yes, but with a caveat. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of five years, so the cigar is approachable upon purchase. However, an additional 3–6 months of box aging is recommended to allow the oils in the Colorado Maduro wrapper to further integrate with the filler. This will soften the initial pepper blast and allow the sweeter, more nuanced notes to emerge earlier in the smoke.
What wrapper does Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper grown in the Jalapa Valley, finished in a Colorado Maduro shade. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's rich reddish-brown color and oily sheen. It contributes the initial notes of black pepper and toasted cedar, as well as the persistent natural sweetness that balances the strength in the final third.
Where is Plasencia Alma Fuerte Diagonal No. 2 made?
It is made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the Plasencia family's own factory. This is a crucial detail, as it means the entire process—from growing the tobacco on their estates to rolling the final product—is controlled by the same family that has been in the industry for over 150 years. This vertical integration is a key factor in the cigar's impeccable construction and consistency.