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.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

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

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.

Espinosa Laranja Reserva review: Closing statements

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

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.

The post Espinosa Laranja Reserva review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

That also tells you one very important thing: When I do cover a deal or a sale, it’s one that’s worth shopping. That’s precisely how I’d describe this next sale that’s happening over at Atlantic Cigar Company.

Get an extra 15% off [select] AJ Fernandez boxes

Nevermind the call to support the brand because of the fire that occurred recently at the AJ Fernandez factory, which, thankfully, no one got hurt. Nevermind the fact that Atlantic is an absolutely amazing place to shop for cigars. Ignore the prices, discounts, and offers for a moment. The real allure here is that AJ Fernandez makes some truly fantastic and delicious smokes.

The New World Dorado, Enclave Habano, Bellas Artes, while not everything in AJ’s lineup is on sale here, there are still some solid choices. I’m not using affiliate links here either — the site is technically still too young for most providers to accept us — so I’m not peddling these to make money for myself.

The way Atlantic Cigar Company works, too, is if you’re logged in, you’ll see better direct prices. That’s part of being a regular customer with the retailer. It’s a great thing to see in a world of climbing prices. Frankly, I’m not sure how Atlantic gets away with offering some of the prices it does, especially on boxes.

I digress. Check out this sale if you’re interested in any of the smokes. They’re worth grabbing at discounted prices, the New World Dorado above all.

The post Check out the Atlantic AJ Fernandez box sale for some excellent smokes appeared first on The BS Lounge.

That quick little intro aside, Cigar Page is currently offering some live deals on Nicaraguan boutique and name-brand smokes. While I wouldn’t personally shop everything available, there are some great finds in there and I wanted to call a few out. If you’re a cigar vet and don’t want my opinion head on over. I’m sure you’ll agree there are a lot of good options in there. Otherwise, head past the break for some call outs.

Which of the Cigar Page deals on Nicaraguan smokes are worth checking out?

Bear in mind, I highly recommend reading some of my other coverage here at The BS Lounge to get an idea for my palate. Every cigar smoker has different tastes, you included. You may not always agree with me and that’s fine. But it’s best to know what I like and don’t like before you take my advice.

Decent

• Crux 10 packs (any)
• Florida Man 10 packs (any)
• La Palina Number 2 10 packs
• Oliva Black Swan 10 packs
• Penn Standard 10 packs (any)
  • Broadleaf
  • Gold Standard

Excellent

Source: Warped Cigars

• AJ Fernandez Viva La Vida 10 packs (any)
• El Pulpo 10 packs (any)
• Illusione 10 packs (any)
• OZ Family Cigars OG Nicaragua 10 packs
• Warped KJG Seleccion Domain 4546 10 packs
• Warped La Hacienda 10 packs

Pure Insanity

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

• Black Label Trading Company 10 packs (any)
  • Last Rites
  • Royalty
  • Salvation
• Black Works Studio (10 packs)
  • Green Hornet
  • Killer Bee
• Crowned Heads 10 packs (any)
  • Juarez
  • Mil Dias
• Espinosa Mucielago 10 packs
• Warped Isla del Cocodrilo 10 packs

There may be more hidden gems in there that I didn’t spot or haven’t tried myself. As of the time of writing, you have about a day or so to shop these deals, so don’t waste time if you see something you like. Also, in case it matters to you, these aren’t affiliate links.

The post Cigar Page Deal: Top Nicaraguan smokes appeared first on The BS Lounge.

The fact that no one was hurt is a miracle in itself. Especially for these types of fires that engulf inherently flammable products and materials. Unfortunately, millions of finished cigars were damaged, including many cigars that were ready to ship to retailers and customers. Worse yet, the Premium Cigar Association conference (PCA 2025) is set to take place from April 11 to 14. This fire is close enough to that event, and damaged so many finished cigars, that it’s likely it will affect the AJ Fernandez booth and many other brands. More information will be forthcoming.

While AJ has his own brands like New World, Enclave, San Lotano and a few others, he also blends and produces cigars for other brands in the industry. He makes other lines for Romeo y Julieta, Aging Room, Montecristo, Diesel, H. Upmann, and more. It is possible that this fire will cause a ripple effect across the industry, but we won’t know for sure until the smoke settles.

What is the true impact of a fire in the cigar industry?

Source: Tim Stief / Unsplash

Believe it or not, fires are fairly common in the industry. Many of the factories are old, aging, and in areas of the world that are already hot, humid, and prone to fire. It’s not just the factories, though. The auxiliary buildings, too. That includes warehouses, shipping facilities, and packaging locations — as we’ve seen with the Fernandez fire.

Back in September 2024, for example, there was a fire at the Aganorsa Leaf factories. Luckily, no major damage or delays were caused to their production line. In May 2023, the Fuente tobacco warehouse burned down, destroying over a million pounds of aged tobacco leaf. In the early 1900s, five Ybor cigar factories and hundreds of homes burned down in a tragic event.

That gives us a small idea of the impact. When there’s a fire in the cigar industry it destroys so much more than just the building. Depending on what’s stored within, in this case it was a packaging facility, manufacturers can lose thousands of pounds of aged or unique tobacco, additional supplies, and possibly even employees. Again, it is fortunate we saw no injuries in the recent fire. However, an estimated 1,500 people who worked in the factory, along with 70 children from the in-house daycare facility, were evacuated.

Because the cigar industry involves so much resting and aging, it’s possible to lose product that was set aside for not just the current market, but many years ahead. That not only causes a delay in production for the foreseeable future, but can also ruin the supplies and create setbacks for many, many years. If they lose enough of a particular tobacco, it’s even possible to see the end of a cigar line.

The elephant in the room

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Economically, a fire like this sets the business back significantly. They’ll have to pay to repair or rebuild the related facilities. But also they’ll have to restart the tobacco crops, if that’s even possible, depending on what part of the season the fire occurred. Worse yet, it destroys future profits. That money is used to pay employees, research new products, acquire new supplies and sometimes even tobacco from other providers.

The inspiration and strength it takes to get back up and get the business moving again after something like this is remarkable. Our hearts are with the AJ Fernandez team and everyone affected. That said, if anyone in the industry has the will to repair and rebalance, it’s the AJ team. The brand is prolific, not just with what they produce, but also at delivering successful products. So much of what comes from the AJ Fernandez factory is successful. For good reason, these people don’t make a bad cigar.

How can we help?

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

The good news is there are some things we can do to support AJ Fernandez and his people. Go buy AJ cigars. If you need to restock, now’s the time to do it. Any royalties and money from incoming sales will help the business, regardless of what the funds are being used for. We don’t know yet how many cigars are affected. Nor how this event will influence the years ahead, so supporting when and where we can is a great idea.

AJ did release an update on social media, declaring that the brand will be moving forward with resilience, no surprise there. But it is still great to read and hear. This won’t be the last fire in the cigar industry, but with the right support from the community, we can help lessen the impact.

Update: Some of the other brands affected by the fire have released statements: Foundation Cigar Company.

The post What is the impact when there’s a fire in the cigar industry? appeared first on The BS Lounge.

With all of that out of the way, let’s get into it.

My top 10 favorite cigars

I have arranged this list in alphabetical order to appease my compulsions, but nothing more. So, don’t approach this list as if it’s best to worst or vice versa. All of these cigars are delicious and will provide you with an exceptional experience — that’s why I love them.

That doesn’t mean I won’t smoke anything else, in case it needs to be said. These are just my regulars.

Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Corojo and Maduro

Source: Aganorsa

• Strength: Full-bodied
• Favorite Size: Toro (6×54)

I always say these cigars are like a dessert because they are. The Criollo 98 and 99 tobaccos add lots of sweetness, pepper, cinnamon, and beyond. You’ll also get baking spices, cocoa, leather, and a lot of incredibly creamy flavors. The Maduro version is very much the same, except with darker flavors like espresso, black cherry, black pepper, and dark chocolate. You can’t go wrong with either one. Hell, get them both if you can.

Boneshaker Full Body Cast

Source: Boneshaker

• Strength: Full-bodied
• Favorite Size: Maul (6×54)

I first tried these towards the end of last year and as soon as I did I bought a ton. They’re priced well normally, but in a deal they’re incredible. They smell amazing, like pure chocolate when lit. You’ll also get flavors like chocolate, spice, pepper, and leather. I legitimately smoke one of these almost every day, that’s how good they are.

E.P. Carrillo Pledge

Source: E.P. Carrillo

• Strength: Full-bodied
• Favorite Size: Sojourn (6×54)

I know, I know. E.P. Carrillo is a fan-favorite brand and a lot of cigar enthusiasts love talking about it, but it’s for good reason. The entire Carrillo lineup is fantastic, but one I keep coming back to is the Pledge. It was named the #1 Cigar of the Year in 2020 with a thick, creamy experience that offers tons of dark flavors, pepper, and spice. If I’m feeling like a stronger cigar but I don’t want to burn my face off, I reach for this one. It pairs remarkably well with coffee or any warm beverage, even hot cocoa.

HVC Hot Cake

Source: HVC

• Strength: Medium-Full
• Favorite Size: Laguito No. 4 (4×52)

Sometimes, a cigar has a name that just goes so well with the experience. If there’s only one on the market that serves as an excellent example, let it be HVC’s Hot Cake. It tastes like a doughy, delicious hot cake. It’s also a flavor bomb with chocolate, cream, pepper, wood, earth, and sugary pastry notes.

H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez

Source: H. Upmann

• Strength: Medium
• Favorite Size: Toro (6×54)

The citrus flavors in this cigar are something to behold. Dried apricots or dried fruit with lots of sweetness permeates with every puff. But you’ll also taste cedar, hazelnut, baking spices, cream, and coffee. AJ Fernandez rarely blends a bad cigar, if at all, and this one is one of his greats.

La Aurora 120th Anniversary

Source: La Aurora

• Strength: Medium-Full
• Favorite Size: Robusto (5×50)

This absolutely delicious and sweet cigar offers a mesh of graham-crackery and cocoa flavors. It is one of the best Dominican blends I’ve had in a long while. I tried it during a virtual tasting experience for the first time, guided by the brand’s Master Blender Manual Inoa. You’ll get cocoa, cinnamon, coffee, cream, and even a hint of fruit or citrus. It’s incredible. Every single cigar lover should try this one at least once. I mean it.

Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II Hexagon

Source: Plasencia

• Strength: Full
• Favorite Size: Gordo (6×60)

Now, I’ve had this cigar in several sizes, but I keep coming back to the big, Gordo with a large ring gauge. It smooths out the experience and makes it super pleasant, not that this cigar isn’t pleasant either way. Plasencia is the master of dark, leathery flavors and this one does not disappoint. You’ll get lots of dark chocolate, earth, vanilla, and spices.

San Lotano Requiem Habano by AJ Fernandez

Source: AJ Fernandez

• Strength: Medium-Full
• Favorite Size: Toro (6×54)

The San Lotano Requiem has this incredible delicious, tropical-beachy flavor that I cannot get enough of. It kicks in about midway through — the flavor is also in the My Father Number 1 — but you’ll also pick up lots of wood, leather, spice, and a bit of pepper. The creamy afterfinish is also enjoyable.

Southern Draw Kudzu

Source: Southern Draw

• Strength: Medium
• Favorite Size: Toro (6×52)

While the flavors in the Kudzu are typical, with spice, cedar, chocolate, and earth, the experience is certainly unique. I haven’t been able to find a comparable cigar to this one, so I keep them stocked in my humidor at all times. It’s a solid medium to full-bodied experience, and the Habano Oscuro wrapper is nice and toasty. Pair it with something sweet and you’ll be in bliss.

Warped La Colmena

Source: Warped Cigars

• Strength: Medium
• Favorite Size: Amada No. 44 (5.5 x 44)

One of the best things about this cigar is it’s remarkably close to an authentic Cuban, without being one. You’ll definitely pick up a hint of that Cuban twang if you’re paying attention. The La Colmena has so much complexity and so much flavor, it’s unreal. You’ll taste lots of honey, cream, vanilla, white pepper, and wood notes like cedar. The name “La Colmena” quite literally translates to “the beehive.”

Some honorable mentions

Source: Boneshaker

Here are a few other cigars I smoke regularly that didn’t make it on my top 10 favorite cigars list.

• Boneshaker Lunatic
• Guardian of the Farm Cerberus by Aganorsa
• JFR Corojo
• La Aurora 107 Nicaragua
• Southern Draw Rose of Sharon
• Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Solomon (CDM Exclusive vitola)

The post My top 10 favorite cigars appeared first on The BS Lounge.