Meet the box-pressed 601 Blue Label Maduro Toro - a Nicaraguan powerhouse wrapped in oily Connecticut Broadleaf. Clocking in at 6"×52 with medium-full body, this cigar rolls out like a flavor tank through three distinct acts. Espinosa's La Zona factory nails that perfect balance between construction and complexity, earning it the #6 Cigar of 2009 from Cigar Aficionado. The gold-and-blue banded Toro comes packed in sleek wooden boxes of 20 sticks, street-priced around $200/box.
First Third: Dark chocolate and black pepper dominate, with thick smoke that clings to your palate like espresso foam. The box press feels satisfyingly chunky between fingers.
Mid-Section: Cedar notes emerge through a sweet leather curtain, accompanied by nutty undertones. Ash holds strong past 1.5 inches - classic La Zona construction.
Final Stretch: Baking spices kick in with subtle dried fruit sweetness. Watch for nicotine buildup around the last inch; pairs better with black coffee than heavy spirits.
Esteli-grown tobaccos shine through the Maduro wrapper's oily sheen. While most toros burn razor-straight, occasional tight draws remind us to keep these at 65% RH. The box press adds visual drama but doesn't compromise combustion - a rare feat in pressed cigars.
