History and Review of the 601 Blue Label Maduro Cigar from Espinosa

The History of 601 Blue Label Maduro Cigars

The 601 Blue Label Maduro is a Nicaraguan puro cigar produced by Espinosa Cigars. 601 refers to the address of Espinosa Cigars' first factory in Miami, Florida. The Blue Label Maduro line was created by company owner Erik Espinosa and first debuted in 2009. Since then, it has become Espinosa Cigars' signature maduro blend.

Espinosa Cigars' Founding

Erik Espinosa founded Espinosa Cigars in 2007 after working in the cigar industry for years. He started off selling cigars online and operating a small factory in Miami. In 2009, Espinosa debuted his first cigar line - the 601 Habano. This line featured a Nicaraguan puro wrapper and fillers aged for 6 years. It gained popularity for its full-bodied flavor profile.

That same year, Espinosa introduced the 601 Blue Label Maduro as a companion to the Habano line. The maduro featured a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper leaf that had been aged and fermented even longer than the Habano. This process enhanced the sweetness and gave the cigar a richer, darker flavor.

Production in Nicaragua

In 2012, Espinosa Cigars moved their operations from Miami to Estelí, Nicaragua. They partnered with the La Zona factory owned by the Garcia family to blend and produce all new 601 lines. The Blue Label Maduro continued to be made at La Zona along with several new additions to the 601 brand.

Espinosa also began experimenting with different wrappers and formats for the Blue Label. The Midnight Edition featured a thicker Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper for added sweetness. The Blue Label box-pressed toro was introduced in a square-pressed shape. The consistency across the different lines highlighted the signature maduro blend's versatility.

Flavor Profile

The 601 Blue Label Maduro is known for its complex flavor profile:

• Wrapper: Aged, fermented Nicaraguan Habano
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Strength: Medium-Full
• Body: Full
• Core flavors: Chocolate, coffee, leather, spices
• Aromas: Earthy, cocoa
• Finish: Smooth, lightly sweet

Reviewers often note the savory spice and leather notes balanced by chocolate and espresso flavors. The cigar produces thick clouds of smoke with an oily, earthy aroma. It has some peppery zing but finishes smooth and satisfying.

Accolades

The consistent construction and complex flavor profile of the 601 Blue Label Maduro has earned it high ratings from reviewers:

• 92 rating from Cigar Aficionado in 2019
• Ranked #4 Maduro of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2016
• 90 rating from Cigar Coop in 2018
• Rated in top 10 cigars of 2012 by Famous Smoke Shop

The Blue Label Maduro Rothschild was named one of the top 25 cigars of 2010 by Cigar Aficionado. The toro and torpedo vitolas have been rated 90+ by multiple publications.

601 Blue Label Maduro Cigar Options

The 601 Blue Label Maduro is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any smoker's preferences:

Toro - 6 x 52

This robusto-sized cigar features a tapered head and oily Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. It delivers complex flavors balanced with natural tobacco sweetness in around 1 hour.

Torpedo - 6 1/4 x 52

With a rounded cigar head, this toro format has excellent draw and burn. The tapered head concentrates flavors for amazing taste in the first few puffs.

Robusto 5 x 50

As a shorter robusto, this size generates rich smoke output. It's medium-bodied profile makes it a great introductory maduro for new cigar smokers.

Picadores - 4 5/8 x 50

The petite corona size has a sharp cap on the head for easy cutting. It delivers the full 601 blend in a quicker 20-30 minute smoke.

Box Pressed Toro - 6 x 52

The signature 601 maduro blend takes on a squared-off shape. The box press helps concentrate flavors for additional complexity.

Where to Buy 601 Blue Label Maduro Cigars

601 Blue Label Maduro cigars are sold at quality cigar shops worldwide. Prices average around $7 to $9 per cigar depending on retailer. Full boxes of 20 can be purchased directly from online cigar merchants for additional savings. The cigars are also found on auction sites. With consistent high ratings, the 601 Blue maintain steady demand on the secondary cigar market.

Since 2012, all 601 cigar lines including the Blue Label Maduro have been produced at La Zona factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The facility is known for skilled artisans who craft each cigar by hand. This results in a flawlessly rolled, complex smoke every time.

Over a decade after its launch, the 601 Blue Label Maduro remains a staple cigar for maduro aficionados. Its balance of strength and sweetness delivers a one-of-a-kind smoking experience. As Espinosa Cigars' signature maduro, it continues to earn acclaim from seasoned reviewers and novice smokers alike.

FAQs

What country is the 601 Blue Label Maduro made in?

The 601 Blue Label Maduro is handmade in Nicaragua at the La Zona factory owned by the Garcia family.

What makes the 601 Blue Label a “maduro” cigar?

It uses a special aged and fermented Nicaraguan Habano wrapper leaf that has been darkened to create a sweet, rich maduro flavor profile.

What are the cigar’s main flavor notes?

Chocolate, coffee, spices, leather, and earthy aromas are most pronounced in the 601 Blue Label Maduro.

What vitolas are available in the line?

Toro, torpedo, robusto, petite corona, and box-pressed toro shapes are made for the 601 Blue Label Maduro.

Is the Blue Label a limited edition cigar?

No, the original 601 Blue Label Maduro blend has been in continuous production since its 2009 debut.