Quick Smoke: Espinosa Cigars 601 Red Label Habano Torpedo

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

After more changes than Lady Gaga in concert, the 601 Red Label Habano is back to its glorious origin. While it would no doubt take a professional cig-archaeologist to adequately evaluate the band evolution, to my eye it looks a lot like the original, perhaps a brighter red. But what matters is the cigar. And Erik Espinosa has returned the lovely Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan filler to full strength and flavor. The opening reminded me of my first 601 Red, with a great pepper blast whipping my tongue like a rented mule. After a half inch or so, it settles down a tad while remaining a tasty treat to the end. If you haven’t tried the new 601 Red, you’re missing an excellent cigar.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Espinosa Cigars