601 Green Label

601 Green Label - Yet another cigar blended by Don Pepin Garcia, the Green Label is said to be the fullest flavor of the 601 brand. This 601 is manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua; and is made completely with Nicaraguan tobacco. The cigar's most interesting feature is the Habano Oscuro wrapper that adorns it.
601's Blue Label found a place on Cigar Aficianado's top 25 list for 2009. I think the Blue Label is a decent smoke,--but I don't smoke them often. I'm interested to see how the Green Label compares to the Blue.

Prelight- The cigar looks great. The oscuro wrapper is one of the darkest wrappers I've ever seen and is covered with oils. There are some small to medium veins, but the juicy wrapper has a smooth look to it. I received three in a Pepin sampler pack and they've been resting in the humi for a couple of weeks. The cigar has a fresh and spongy feel to it.
The prelight draw is peppery on the tongue and has an empty feel to it.

Sparking it- The draw is clear and provides an abundant amount of smoke; almost no resistance. As I take the first few drags I'm a little disappointed. The cigar tastes flat and there is no body on my palette. I can taste pepper, but the smoke feels empty on my tongue (kind of like a diet soda). I find myself staring at the cigar; a little confused about the flavor. I mean, there is "flavor", it just feels weird in my mouth and I can't figure out what it tastes like. It tastes like green vegetables and charcoal.

Smoking it- I'm just past the halfway point of this cigar and am unsure about it. I can't decide what it tastes like, and am pretty sure the smoke feels flat(for lack of a better term). On a positive note....this cigar has burnt like a champ. Tight white ash, smooth even burn; beautiful. The construction and burn on this cigar are great.
I'm beginning to consider dropping this 601 in the ash tray, when it happened...... I tasted something! It is about time! Shortly after the halfway point, charcoal begins to evolve into rich chocolate with heavy spice. There are also hints of wood and licorice. If the entire cigar had tasted like this it would have been a damn good stick.
I received three of these sticks in a Pepin sampler pack and I have to say that I'm not a fan. I put a lot of faith in my local Cigar Shop Owner and he carries everythign else in the 601 series, except for the Green Label. Now I know why. If it wasn't for the stellar burn and construction I would have rated this cigar a lot lower. The last third of the smoke was delicious, but the first two thirds left me wanting more.

Overall- C

601 Maduro Blue

601 Maduro Box Press- Made by Don Pepin Garcia in Nicaragua, this box-press surprised a lot of folks when it took #6 on Cigar Aficianado's Top 25 list for 2009. This is 601's only box press and is said to be made in limited quantities to ensure quality. The stick is a Nicaraguan Puro made with a Habano Maduro wrapper.

Prelight- Nothing really jumps out and says "SMOKE ME!" about this cigar. The wrapper is veinless and smooth, the seams look tight - the construction looks great. But this stick sits on the bottom shelf of my preferred smoke shop's humidor and I've overlooked this cigar hundreds of time. I love Nicaraguan Puros, I love Box-Pressed cigars. Where has it been all my life? Honestly, I would have never noticed it had it not been for its inclusion in this year's CA Top 25. The cigar and prelight smell sweet. With the cap clipped it is time to spark this bitch.

Sparking it- With a flame to the foot and a couple puffs I'm in business. Damn, I tell you what- the body on this cigar is smooth and sweet. I take a wiff off the burning foot and the aromas are great. So far I'm impressed and excited. If 601 would have included a big flashing arrow sign with this cigar I would have smoked it a long time ago. Nothing amazes me about the flavor, but it is sweet and has a coffee taste to it. One word comes to mind: Tasty.

Smoking it- Unfortunately, the cigar never takes me anywhere other than the initial smooth flavoring. Don't get me wrong. I like it. Great cigar. But the cigar blows your load on the first third and then wants to cuddle for the remainder. I don't have anything bad to say about the cigar. Nice construction, the box press end isn't as solid as some box-press cigars that I enjoy biting while I smoke, but that has little affect on the smoke. This is a great cigar for the full-flavored smoker who wants to take a little break from concentrating on sublties of complex smokes. Also a great smoke for hanging with friends or playing pool with the guys. The stick burns even and needs no attention. Unfortunately, the same applies to the pleasurable but static flavoring.

Overall- B