There are only a few cigars that have distinct flavor profiles. Sure, they might offer a host of chocolatey, earthy or peppery notes, but unless a cigar is infused with botanicals or specific flavors, they’re usually in more of a range than a particular zing. A general profile, if you will. However, the Espinosa Laranja Reserva has a direct citrus flavor: orange.
It makes sense. Laranja essentially means “having the color of the orange fruit.” Moreover, the Brazilian wrapper on the cigar has a reddish, orange hue. It’s also a proprietary blend, meaning unique and procured by AJ Fernandez — the cigars are also rolled at the San Lotano AJ factory.
You’ll pick up lots of other flavors, thanks to the Nicaraguan tobacco inside, and we’ll explore those in a little more detail below. But if you’re looking for something that’s nearly pure citrus, with lots of sweetness, this is one you’ll want to try.
Is it good though, and did I enjoy it? Grab an ice-cold beverage, light one up with me and let’s smoke it out.
I’ve had several of the Laranja, and I’ll have several more after this, as well. They cut well, they’re not too dry or messy, and they light well too with an even burn. I love it when those ash lines are nice and straight. During testing I deployed my usual straight cut, V cut, and punch — but as you all know I prefer straight.
If you’ve read my other reviews, you know the drill by now. If you haven’t, I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That informs you of the conditions they’re stored in and, hopefully, it will allow you to compare when you have your own experience.
I always let my cigars rest, too. The Espinosa Laranja had two to three weeks to rest in my preferred humidity conditions before I lit my first one up.
It’s rainy season down here in Florida, so it rains almost everyday around mid to late afternoon. When it does, it gets ridiculously humid. I try to avoid bringing cigars out to smoke until it cools off a little and some of the humidity evaporates. Usually, when I pop a cigar right out of my humidor and take it outside, I run into burn issues because they immediately soak up moisture and get a little too wet. I’m mentioning this because more than once I took the Laranja outside when it was extra humid and it did quite well. There was no cracking, no bubbling or expanding, and it burned great every time.
Sometimes, that’s just the luck of the draw, and you get a good batch. Others, it’s because the cigars are constructed and packed well, which I suspect is the key here.
Flavors and experience
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
The orange and citrus flavors kick in almost right away and stay with you all the way through. It’s remarkable, and delicious. It’s also one of the most unique cigars I’ve had in a while, in terms of the profile and blend. It doesn’t have a sweet cap, it’s not infused, and there is a subtle sweetness throughout, but this is a traditional cigar with Nicaraguan tobacco as well. Which means there’s plenty of baking spices, pepper and stronger notes with some kick. The retrohale is creamy, nutty, and citrusy, of course, with an excellent balance of bright, slightly acidic and salty punches.
I was able to pick up hazelnut, cedar and wood, earth, and, in addition to the peppery burn, a black pepper flavor that lends itself well to those radiant tones.
It’s rated as medium to full, but as someone who tends to smoke stronger stuff, I would personally rate this one closer to the medium range. It would make an excellent, early, first, or maybe second cigar in a lineup. Although I’d likely skew towards a brighter profile like this one for the next cigar I pick up, unless you’re going right to a Knuckle Sandwich or similar.
If you’re pairing, this one is going to mesh with a straight bourbon or whiskey. I wouldn’t spring for anything too fruity or sweet as it might overpower some of the notes in the cigar. I’d say the same if you’re grabbing a beer — nothing fruity or floral.
I know it seems like I enjoy many, many cigars I smoke, and yes, that’s fair, but there are some I thoroughly enjoy more than others. The Espinosa Laranja Reserva belongs on that list. But it’s also important to point out that not everyone will find this cigar as pleasing. I know a handful of cigar enthusiasts who prefer to avoid citrusy notes. And again, this one is distinctly citrus flavored.
It has a permanent place in my humidor now that I’ve had a few, I can tell you that much.
Briley specifics
Recommended: Yes
Would I smoke it again? Yes.
Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
My preferred size: Robusto Extra (5.5 by 54)
Espinosa Laranja specs
Profile: Medium to full-bodied
Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Box count: 20
MSRP: $281 or ~$14 per stick (Robusto Extra size)
If you like this, you might also like: Trinidad Espiritu Series Number 1, Warped La Colmena, H Upmann by AJ Fernandez (turquoise band), Espinosa Crema, Drew Estate Florida Sun Grown (FSG), Liga Privada T52, Plasencia Alma Del Cielo, Casa Fernandez Miami.
You’ll notice that my format is meant to be short and sweet, like this La Aurora Fuerte Sol review, or the previous Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro review. I don’t intend to keep up with the big leagues, I’m one guy. There won’t be any scores. However, I do want these reviews to be a resource for those looking for similar smokes or experiences.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
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Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
