Plasencia Cigars is adding a limited-edition salomon size to its Cosecha 151 line that it has created as an exclusive for the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA).
The cigar measures 6 x 54 and like the other sizes in the line, is a Honduran puro that the company describes as medium to full-bodied, highlighted by a creamy and earthy profile that gets accented by sweet cocoa notes. The company says that this particular vitola offers a new way to experience the blend, adding that it “starts with hints of roasted coffee and pecans, followed by layers of dark chocolate and prunes in the smoke, finishing with subtle traces of cinnamon and oak.”
Pricing is set at $19.50 per cigar and $195 for a box of 10 cigars. Only 500 boxes were produced for the release by Plasencia’s factory in Honduras.
The Cosecha 151 line, which was released in November 2023, is named for the 151st crop of tobacco produced by Plasencia’s farms that was harvested in 2016. The company has used the Cosecha name—which is the Spanish word for harvest—for two other lines; the Cosecha 146 used tobacco from the 2011-2012 crop, while the Cosecha 149 used tobacco from the 2014 harvest. Plasencia has previously said that the wrapper used on the Cosecha 151 is similar to the one used on the Cosecha 149, though the 151’s is from both a different harvest and a lower priming.
While the Plasencia Cosecha 151 Salomon, which is due to ship to stores later this month, is a limited edition, the line is also offered in three regular production sizes:
Note: The following shows the various Plasencia Cosecha 151 vitolas. Some of these cigars may have been released after this post was originally published. The list was last updated on Feb. 8, 2024.
The TAA is a membership group made up of approximately 80 retailers and roughly 40 manufacturers that gathers annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers, as well as to have its annual trade show, a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants.
During the event—which takes place Oct. 20-24 in Aruba—the organization holds two selling events, one known as the Dream Machine, where the retailers collectively order to secure larger discounts, while the other is a more traditional trade show. Typically, around a dozen manufacturers release new exclusive cigars for the retail members of the organization under the TAA Exclusive Series Program (ESP) banner. Those manufacturers agree to give a portion of the proceeds to the organization, a minimum of $1 per cigar, previously 50 cents.
Historically, the TAA Meeting & Convention has taken place in the spring, usually in late March or April. However, due to a change in dates for the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show—which took place in March instead of its normal summertime spot on the calendar—the TAA changed its date for 2024.
So far, CLE, Crowned Heads, E.P. Carrillo, Ferio Tego, Joya de Nicaragua, Miami Cigar & Co., Quesada and Villiger Cigars North America have announced new TAA ESP releases for 2024.
Update (Nov. 5, 2024) — The cigar has begun shipping to TAA retailers.
Images courtesy of Plasencia Cigars.
I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, the G-League's Valley Suns, and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.
