601 cigars are getting to the point where there are just so many good ones that you don’t even know where to start.
You’ve probably heard of La Bomba by now. That’s the 92-point Nicaraguan cigar that uses a deeply fermented Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper to produce what Cigar Aficionado called a “rich chocolate character with hints of anise and a sweet, layered finish of tangy wood…”
Behind that explosive blend is a kaleidoscope of colored bands, each fitted around a different premium blend that has received accolades from the world’s tastemakers. There’s the fantastic Blue Label, which earned 93 points thanks to a full-flavor, full-strength smoking experience. There’s the Red Label, an affordable habano that landed on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list with a pleasant nutty, woody profile. The Green Label Oscuro earned a respectable score with a variety of spicy notes.
The list just goes on and on. 601 cigars are definitely here to stay, and we really don’t think there’s a bad smoke in the bunch. It’s not that surprising once you hear the backstory.
Company founder Erik Espinosa is the son of Cuban expats. He grew up in Miami, Florida, taking in sunshine like a tobacco leaf, and soaking up cigar knowledge like the roots of a stalk. Over the years, he worked in many parts of the industry, brought into the cigar game by his father. Eventually, the entrepreneurial spirit burned too brightly in him to deny, and he created his own brands.
Now, from his La Zona factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, he makes not only 601 cigars but also blends like the popular bat-themed Murcielago. He’s a man who no longer flies under the radar, or in the night sky, but who can rightly be mentioned in the same breath with some of the best in the game. His cigars are reliably excellent and any new releases are eagerly awaited by an ever-growing list of fans.
The Cuban traditions are strong, and you can taste the tobacco mastery in every draw. It’s a brand that has earned a place in humidors around the world. Pick one up, and you’ll soon know why.
Please browse our selection of 601 cigars at your leisure.
