Espinosa Laranja Reserva Corona Gorda

Erik Espinosa’s Laranja Reserva garnered many accolades when it debuted a few years ago. This recent sample lived up to the hype. A hint of sweetness surfaced on the cold draw. Post-light, I savored spices and nuts in the first half. The second half transitioned to espresso and vanilla, reminiscent of a hardy drink at the local coffee shop. Spices and black pepper filled every retrohale with just the right strength. The burn stayed honest, and each draw required little effort, a tribute to excellent construction. At $8, the Laranga is more than worth the investment.