This box-pressed beauty from Espinosa's iconic 601 Series packs serious flavor in its 6½×50 frame. Priced at $199.80 for 20 sticks, the Short Churchill version features that signature Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper we all crave. I've been letting my box sit for about 6 weeks - perfect moisture content and springy resistance when squeezed.
Cold draw gives espresso grounds and molasses. Initial puffs deliver black pepper that's more tingle than burn, backed by semisweet chocolate notes. The box-press shape creates a slow, even burn - ash holds solid for 1.5 inches.
Pepper subsides into leather territory with baking spices emerging. Found myself retrohaling constantly to catch the cinnamon undertones. Smoke output increases here - keep your ashtray close.
Dark fruit sweetness pops up unexpectedly, balancing the earthy core. Last inch gets slightly tarry but never bitter. Finished at 75-minute mark when the nicotine buzz started tingling my fingertips.
The La Zona factory roll shows in the perfect box-press edges. Wrapper has that signature San Andrés oil sheen without being messy. Found 2 plugs in my box so far - typical for maduro wrapped sticks. Pair with an oaky bourbon to complement the sweetness.
