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 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.

I’ve been saying for a while I wanted to start highlighting some excellent deals that show up around cigar circles. For now, I won’t be able to post affiliate links — the site is too young, unfortunately — so this is more about sharing some great offers than anything else. Even when I am able to use affiliate links, that will still be the goal. I’m doing this because I love writing and I love writing about cigars. I’m not looking to get rich or become this huge, popular media personality, but I digress.

This next deal was pretty badass and big enough to call out separately, especially if you like Espinosa cigars like the La Bomba Warhead, Knuckle Sandwich, or any of the 601 labels.

What’s so badass about the Espinosa deals Extravaganza?

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Atlantic Cigar Company is hosting what it’s calling an “Espinosa Extravaganza” on a collection of the brand’s cigars, some of which I already called out above. But the smoky news is that you’ll save an extra 15% on top of the current prices, which will be applied at checkout. Moreover, the Espinosa catalog doesn’t usually go on sale like this.

If you’ve never shopped at Atlantic before, the best prices show up after you’re logged in, so don’t forget to do that. But you also have to make an order or two before you can see those great prices. Sometimes, I browse the site looking at the fantastic prices available yet forget to log in. When I do, many of the prices drop even more.

It’s a great place to shop, they’re always fast with shipping and reliable. I’ve been shopping with Atlantic for years and have never run into any problems. I do know some people that have, but Atlantic fixed whatever was wrong immediately — they have awesome customer service, too.

At any rate, this is a limited time offer that ends May 13, 2025. So, you don’t have a lot of time to get your orders in, not to mention, Espinosa stuff is always popular, so I’m willing to bet a few of these boxes are going to sell out.

The post Badass deal: Atlantic Cigar’s Espinosa deals Extravaganza appeared first on The BS Lounge.

There are unequivocally cigars out there that align with the festive spirit. From cinnamon and hints of cream, or even eggnog, to clove, baking spices, and woodsy pine. If you’re looking for something to light up during the holiday break, I got you.

Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Maduro

Source: Aganorsa

• Profile: Medium-Full
• Complexity: Medium

This is one you’ll have to get used to, along with the Rare Leaf Reserve Corojo. Why? Because Aganorsa is hands down one of my favorite brands. These cigars are like a dessert and I will recommend them every chance I get. But it’s not just frivolous either.

The Mexican San Andres wrapper adds a little spice to the mix, but it’s not overpowering. More importantly, you’ll pick up flavors like cocoa, white pepper, earth, dark chocolate, cedar, and leather. The dark and toasty profile is definitely aligned with the holidays, in my opinion.

Boneshaker Lunatic

Source: Boneshaker

• Profile: Full-bodied
• Complexity: High

I just had one of these today. Wait a minute. What day is it again? Honestly, it doesn’t matter I’m sure I’ve had another one. They are delicious. I know I use that word a lot but you’ll pick up some spice, earth, dark chocolate, leather, and lots of nuanced flavors I didn’t mention. That’s because this bad boy features a San Andres Maduro wrapper and a Jalapa 99 binder. Of course, the mixed filler of Seco 98 Esteli, Ligero 99 Jalapa, and Viso 99 Jalapa adds even more complexity.

You may already know this but the JFR Lunatic brand is Aganorsa’s. Why does that matter? This one was also made by Aganorsa. I don’t need to say anything else. You already know it’s going to be good.

Davidoff Yamasa

Source: Davidoff

• Profile: Full-bodied
• Complexity: High

The Davidoff Yamasa is one of my favorite cigars from the brand. It’s full-bodied, super delicious, and has a dark and toasty flavor profile that’s perfect for the holiday season. Offering a mixture of spicy and sweet flavors, this signature Dominican cigar is a flavor bomb. You’ll taste notes of leather, cedar, coffee, chocolate, fresh spice, earth, and beyond.

It pairs extremely well with a glass of bourbon or whiskey, but rum would work great, too. I’ve paired it with eggnog before and that’s also fantastic. Hint hint.

Espinosa Laranja Reserva

• Profile: Medium-Full
• Complexity: Medium

Let’s go over the flavors here, because that’s the biggest tell that this cigar is perfect for the festive holiday season. You’ll get lots of spice, pepper, hazelnut, cedar, sweetness, cream, and citrus. Also, while it’s burning there are definitely aromas of honey and sugar. A lot of that can be attributed to the Brazilian wrapper or the Nicaraguan binder.

Whatever the case, you can pair this one with some hot chocolate, eggnog, whiskey, or your favorite sweet drink of choice. You won’t piss anyone off hanging out with you either because it smells amazing.

H. Upmann Nicaragua Heritage

Source: H. Upmann

• Profile: Medium-Full
• Complexity: High

Covered in a gorgeous Brazilian wrapper, and atop a Nicaraguan Habano binder, this spicy stogie is going to give you a small kick, but in a good way. You’ll taste lots of nuttiness, earth, oak, leather, coffee, some cream, and even a sweet aftertaste. It pairs well with coffee, at any time of the day. Although, I don’t like to burn my palate in the morning so I’d probably have one later in the day.

It has all the dark and toasty flavors that work well during the holiday season. Also, I don’t think there’s a bad beverage you can pair with this. It works well with pretty much everything.

HVC Hot Cake

Source: HVC

• Profile: Mellow-Medium
• Complexity: Medium

As the name implies, the HVC Hot Cake features some delicious dough-ey notes, milk chocolate, wood, pepper, earth, and creamy caramel. It’s legit like having a hot cake. Now, I will say I’ve had the Hot Cake in several vitolas and I prefer the smaller sizes — they give you a bit more flavor to chew on. Laguito or Half Corona are the sizes I’m talking about. But if you like the bigger ring gauges, go for it, baby.

This is a wonderful cigar to smoke during the holidays and if you pair it up with the right beverage you’ll be singing Jingle Bells all night long.

Plasencia Alma Del Fuego

Source: Plasencia

• Profile: Medium-Full
• Complexity: Medium-High

Talk about a toasty and fragrant smoke. The Plasencia Alma Del Fuego is rich in flavor, for an incredible holiday cigar. You’ll get some earth, dark coffee, leather, chocolate, spice, and sweetness, plus lots of cream. That’s all thanks to the Nicaraguan puros binder and wrapper from Ometepe and Jalapa.

If you do get some of these you’ll want to grab some extras. I can almost guarantee when friends or family smell one burning they’ll ask to try.

Southern Draw Firethorn

Source: Southern Draw

• Profile: Medium-Full
• Complexity: Medium

This one right here is a unique experience through and through. The Southern Draw Firethorn features a Habano Rosado wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and Nicaraguan filler. The reddish-brown hue of the wrapper alone is very Christmas-y. But the flavors. Man, the flavors are something else. You’ll get a mix of cinnamon, baking spices, cocoa, caramel, nuttiness — like pecans — and a smooth creamy finish.

Southern Draw specifically blended this one to be paired with some strong spirits, wines, craft brews, and beyond. But it also works wonderfully with some hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog. Save the neck for me, Clark.

What’s not on the list?

I did want to include the Viaje Candy Cane, but that’s sold out pretty much everywhere. If you have one, hell yeah, light it up. For everyone else, it didn’t seem fair to include something on the list that’s tough to find.

The post 8 festive holiday cigars for that winter wonderland feeling appeared first on The BS Lounge.