CIGAR OF THE NIGHT –JUNE’S GUN SMOKE!

Photo Cred: Rigby’s

I try to get the cigar articles out within a week or two of each event. It gives me time to go through the rating cards, average everyone’s numbers, research the cigar line, and then write this story. The last month has been kind of hectic with work/family balance, so I am just now getting this out. For June, we had a cigar representative scheduled but due to some scheduling conflicts, we had to re-schedule him to another month. With that said, Gary Flynn, co-owner of Rigby’s Cigar Lounge, had to go dig in the humidor for a cigar that most haven’t tried. It is on the bolder side of Maduros and typically a stronger line of cigars in general. We weren’t sure how it would go having a heavier bodied smoke during a hot summer month event, but we were all surprised with the results!

The first Espinosa Cigar we ever had at a smoke night is probably the fullest bodied cigar in Rigby’s humidor. That was October 2022 with the Espinosa Murcielago. In early 2023, all the talk in the cigar world was of the new Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich. Celebrity Chef and avid cigar smoker Guy Fieri teamed up with Erik Espinosa for his first shot at a cigar line using his taste buds to blend the Knuckle Sandwich cigars. They collaborated with A.J. Fernandez to whip up the recipe for the line by Espinosa. It was an 18-month process to get the flavor just to their satisfaction. Again, in October of 2023, we had another Espinosa, the Laranja Reserva. These cigars have been a staple line in Rigby’s since they opened.

Erik Espinosa, the owner of Espinosa Cigars was born in Havana, Cuba and moved with his family to the US when he was 3 months old. He inherited his love of cigars from his father, who worked in the cigar industry. In 1997, starting at a local cigar shop and helping his dad at events, he went on to work with Gurkha, Alec Bradley, Rocky Patel, and Drew Estates cigar companies as an independent tobacco broker. He has worked in almost all aspects of the cigar business. In 2003 he and Eddie Ortega launched the E/O Brands United Tobacco making several lines until the company was taken over by Rocky Patel in 2011. In 2009, their 601Box Press Maduro Toro was the #6 Cigar in the Cigar Aficionado (CA) Top 25. In 2012, Erik launched Espinosa Cigars. Initially he made his cigars through the AJ Fernandez plant or other manufacturers until he bought his own place in Esteli, Nicaragua, called the La Zona Factory. Now Erik can control everything from the seed to the sale of his brand. Under the Espinosa Brand our several labels, the Las 6 Provincias LHB, Wasabi, Laranja, Murcielago, 601, Espinosa, @Zucar, and the Knuckle Sandwich to name a few. Eric has hit the Cigar Aficionado Top 25 Cigars of the Year with #13 in 2015, #14 in 2017, #11 in 2019, #13 in 2020, and #23 in 2022.

For June, we had the Espinosa Laranja Azulejo Gordo in a box-pressed 6” x 52-Gauge. On their website, they describe it as “The Laranja Azulejo is a medium-plus to full bodied, full-flavored cigar, with a nutty sungrown Sumatra wrapper. The Azulejo is paired with a Brazilian Arapiraca Binder and Nicaraguan fillers, which give it a rich tobacco flavor full of notes of cocoa and all-spice.” On a side note, that Sumatra wrapper is Ecuadorian. One of our ladies in the club, aka Mary Poppins, wrote on her rating card “Whoa – too strong for little ol me!” However, setting a record of positive comments, 16 more people said Great Cigar, Loved It, Will be purchasing more, and Delish! With 51 people present it received a Redneck Ratin of 92 out of 100!

Our sponsor for the night was Jeff & Cathleen Y Padier with Texas2A MANtique. It is a Hero Owned business as Jeff is a Veteran and current Law Enforcement Officer. Their core statement is: Where we honor our nation’s heritage and uphold the values of the Second Amendment. As a gun store proudly owned and operated by veterans, we are committed to providing top-quality firearms and accessories while staying true to our constitutional rights. Step into our store and explore a wide selection of firearms, ammunition, and gear tailored to meet the needs of responsible gun owners. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to firearms, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you every step of the way. At Texas2A MANtique, we don’t just sell guns – we uphold a way of life rooted in freedom, responsibility, and respect for the Constitution. ~preserving the 2nd Amendment, one gun at a time.

They are located on Lamar Ave in Reno, TX and can be found on Facebook at Texas2A or The Texas2 A Mantique pages.

Written by JD Marrs

Hosted by Rigby’s Cigars & Lounge

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