Laranja Reserva Azulejo Toro

When it comes to boutique cigars, few names carry the weight of Erik Espinosa. Born in Cuba and a veteran of the cigar world since 1997, Erik has worked with brands like Alec Bradley, Gurkha, Rocky Patel, and Drew Estate before launching his own celebrated lines under Espinosa Cigars. Among his most praised creations is the Laranja Reserva series, and its boldest chapter yet—the Azulejo, named for the iconic Portuguese blue-glazed tile that inspires its look and spirit.

Handcrafted at AJ Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Ocotál, Nicaragua, the Laranja Reserva Azulejo Toro showcases a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a rich Brazilian Arapiraca binder, and hearty Nicaraguan fillers. Medium-to-full in body, this cigar has earned strong accolades, including a 90-point rating from Cigar Aficionado. Expect a refined medley of mocha, roasted nuts, black cherry, and clove, balanced by excellent draw and burn quality. It’s complex yet approachable, delivering the depth and richness Erik Espinosa is known for.

To elevate the experience, pair the Azulejo Toro with a glass of Catena Alta Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. The wine’s deep blackberry, plum, and spice notes mirror the cigar’s mocha and cherry sweetness, while its velvety tannins harmonize with the cigar’s earthy backbone. Together, they create a pairing that is layered, indulgent, and perfectly balanced—an ideal match for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship on a global scale.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.