601 Blue Label Maduro Prominente

After not having much success with the Black label (CT), and the Red label (Habano) not really exciting me from previous posts, I decided to try the Blue label (Maduro). Well I finally got it right to my personal taste preference. Pre-light aroma was pretty standard for a dark Maduro wrapper, and this stick is dark, nice box pressed cigar, felt great in the hands and sat quiet nicely in the mouth. Upon lighting and the first draw, there was a somewhat dusty/white pepper flavoring, but immediately changed to this dark cocoa, cuban coffer flavor, at least that's my impression. It smoked well, draw was perfect and smooth. I'm not sure if one would say this is a "strong" cigar, but it is worth mentioning that it has a very distinct and heavy flavor. Towards the end, the pepper undertone returned, but it was not overpowering. I did experience a little dry-mouth during and after completion, however I also had a a Padron Diablo (tequilla) and a Mojito (rum) prior to lighting up, which may have been the culprit. I totally enjoyed this stick and I am so glad that I went out on a limb and purchased a box, just hoping that it would have been enjoyable. Thankfully, I was right, you gotta try one!

With its thick ring size, box-pressed shape, and dark and oily wrapper, this cigar is an imposing site. The burn is a bit jagged but it stays lit, and the draw is excellent. It's pepppery with maduro-type flavors and an earthy sweetness. A fairly powerful smoke that results in buzz afterwords. On the pricey side, but another good effort from 601.

Starts off with spice/pepper and a slight sweet flavor. About an inch down the pepper goes away and a nice maduro taste kicks in for the rest of the stick. This is a very mature cigar that does not need any additional ageing to taste great. It is slow burning and burns better than most maduro cigars. A nice cocoa flavor with a slight sweetness and a little spice goes all the way to the nub. About 2 inches before the nub some pepper makes a comeback. This is one of the better maduro cigars I have tasted and is worth the price IMHO.