“Espinosa Cigars has a lot to be proud of when it comes to the Espinosa Laranja Reserva offering, and the Caixa continues what is a great story around this line…What I liked about the Caixa is how it is a different cigar, yet keeps true to what the Laranja Reserva line is all about. “

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Wrapper: Brazilian Laranja
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (La Zona)
Caixa: 6 1/2 x 48 (Box Pressed)
Review: Espinosa Laranja Reserva Caixa
Brand Appearances on Countdown: 3 (2013, 2014, 2015)

Coming in at #25 is Espinosa Laranja Reserva Caixa. The Espinosa Laranja Reserva was introduced in 2014. With the Caixa, this added a fourth vitola into the line – a box pressed Corona Gorda. The Laranja introduced the first Brazilian wrapper offering in the Espinosa portfolio. The name Laranja is Portuguese for Orange (referring to the orange-like color on the wrapper) while the name Caixa is Portuguese for box.

The Caixa gives Espinosa Cigars a spot on the Cigar of the Year Countdown for the third year in a row. In addition, La Zona (owner Erik Espinosa’s factory) becomes the first factory in 2015 to land two cigars on the Countdown.

The Caixa is a long 6 1/2 x 48 sized vitola. In addition to the Brazilian wrapper, the remainder of the blend consists of Nicaraguan tobaccos.

I found the box-press of the Caixa helped deliver a nice level of complexity with the flavor profile. Along the way I picked up notes of natural tobacco, cedar, nut, and fruit. To a lesser extent there were some notes of caramel, leather, and red pepper. While there were plenty of flavor nuances, this cigar never became muddled and had a nice balance throughout. The flavors are robust and full-bodied – countered by a medium to full strength.

The original Laranja line has been one that has aged quite well – and I’m confident the Caixa will do the same, but there is no need to wait. This is a box worthy cigar right now that can provide lots of enjoyment.

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For details of the 2015 Cigar of the Year Countdown, see our December 2015 Editor’s Corner.