Plasencia Year of the Horse

Plasencia Year of the Horse

Plasencia Year of the Horse—El Año del Caballo—celebrates the 2026 Lunar New Year with a striking 7 x 58 Parejo Gordo that honors the strength, grace, and vitality embodied by the Chinese Zodiac’s noble steed. The fifth-generation Plasencia family created this limited edition using Jalapa-grown Nicaraguan wrapper over Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers, delivering medium-bodied complexity marked by cream, toasted wood, cocoa, and subtle floral undertones. Each cigar features a distinctive hand-braided tobacco cap crafted by three artisans working in harmony, resembling a horse’s plaited mane or tail and adding artistry that transforms every smoke into a collector’s piece. Limited to just 6,000 boxes of 10 cigars worldwide and presented in elegant red lacquer packaging accented with gold, Year of the Horse stands as both luxurious smoke and tribute to mastery in motion.

Distinctive Craftsmanship

• Hand-braided tobacco cap mimics a horse’s mane or tail, requiring three artisans working together to create each one
• 7 x 58 Parejo Gordo format provides extended smoking time with generous ring gauge
• Jalapa-grown Nicaraguan wrapper delivers natural sweetness and aromatic complexity
• Nicaraguan binder with Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers create balanced profile
• Medium-bodied strength offers approachable elegance with sophisticated flavor development
• Limited to 6,000 boxes of 10 cigars worldwide, ensuring collectible scarcity
• Elegant red lacquer box with gold accents reflects Chinese New Year aesthetic traditions

Flavor Profile

Year of the Horse opens with creamy texture and toasted wood notes that establish the blend’s refined character immediately. As the cigar develops, cocoa emerges alongside the woodiness, creating layers of complementary richness. Subtle floral undertones appear throughout, adding delicate complexity that distinguishes this from bolder Nicaraguan releases. The Jalapa wrapper contributes natural sweetness that balances the earthy components, while the medium body keeps the experience approachable for extended sessions.

The profile emphasizes harmony and balance rather than intensity, reflecting the horse’s grace as much as its power. Reviewers praise the robust yet elegant character, noting that strength and sophistication coexist throughout the smoke. The large 7 x 58 dimensions provide nearly two hours of smoking time, allowing flavors to evolve gradually rather than rushing through transitions. This measured development rewards patient smoking where each puff reveals new subtleties in the carefully aged tobaccos.

Symbolic Heritage

The Year of the Horse represents independence, resilience, and forward motion in Chinese astrology—qualities the Plasencia family sought to capture in tobacco form. Néstor Andrés Plasencia described this release as “more than a cigar—it is a tribute to mastery in motion,” emphasizing how the braided cap, powerful blend, and balanced profile reflect both legacy and relentless drive to innovate. This marks Plasencia’s fifth consecutive Chinese Zodiac release, following Year of the Snake (2025), Rabbit (2024), and others that established the collection’s reputation for artistry and symbolic depth.

Artisan Collaboration

Creating the braided tobacco cap requires three skilled artisans working in perfect coordination, with one dedicated solely to this intricate finishing touch. This specialized third roller transforms each cigar from premium smoke into wearable art, demonstrating the Plasencia commitment to craftsmanship that goes beyond functionality. The technique honors traditional tobacco artistry while pushing boundaries in contemporary cigar presentation, making Year of the Horse instantly recognizable and visually stunning.

Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: 10
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran

What makes Year of the Horse unique?

Each cigar features a hand-braided tobacco cap crafted by three artisans to resemble a horse’s mane or tail, creating visual artistry unmatched in premium cigars.

What are the main flavor notes?

Cream, toasted wood, cocoa, and subtle floral undertones create balanced complexity with natural sweetness from the Jalapa-grown wrapper.

How limited is this release?

Only 6,000 boxes of 10 cigars produced worldwide, making this extremely collectible for enthusiasts and Lunar New Year celebrants.

How long does it smoke?

The 7 x 58 dimensions provide nearly two hours of smoking time, perfect for extended relaxation and contemplative enjoyment.

What does the horse symbolize?

In Chinese astrology, the horse embodies independence, resilience, and forward motion—qualities reflected in the cigar’s powerful yet graceful profile.

Is this part of a series?

Yes, this marks Plasencia’s fifth consecutive Chinese Zodiac release, following Year of the Snake (2025) and previous annual limited editions celebrating Lunar New Year.

What is the packaging like?

Elegant red lacquer boxes with gold accents honor Chinese New Year traditions while providing luxurious presentation for gifting or collecting.

Who should smoke Year of the Horse?

Collectors, experienced enthusiasts, Lunar New Year celebrants, and anyone who appreciates exclusive releases combining skilled craftsmanship with opulent smoking experiences.