601 Black Label Ecuador Churchill

It took me a bit to get on the Pepin train but I'm there man. This is one of the best Conneticut shade wrapped cigars on the market IF you like your cigars more on the strong side. Start strong then mellow about a 1/3 of the way through with hints of the cigars strength coming through never letting you forget that its no beginner's cigar. Pepin, you amaze me.

As you would expect from the maker, this is another well-made cigar with a nice cap. It has one of the oiliest Connecticut wrappers I have ever seen. The draw and burn are very good. A predominantly toasty, woody smoke that's peppery at the start but becomes mellow and creamy later on. Far from overpowering but with more strength than usual from a Connecticut wrapped cigar. Solid.

A dark oily wrapper. Tastes similar to a padilla habano or a tatuaje havana IV. Firm draw (but nice). Very even and smooth burn. Needs some age though, but will mature nicely. Some earthy flavors with some cedar. Solid medium body with a creamy finish. Not as earthy as Pepin's other smokes, but a great change up. Worth checking out.

This cigar is well constructed to be expected. Very nice, very spicy, and one heck of a cigar.