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Cigar Review: 601 Red Label
Size: 5×50, Robusto
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Full
Price: Box of 20, $106.00
Grade: 9.1
United Tobacco got its start in 2003, when Eric Espinosa and Eddie Ortega joined forces. Since their partnership began, they have released some highly rated cigars, including the 601 line (Red, Blue, Green, and Black), Cubao, and Mi Barrio, all blended by Don Pepin Garcia.
The 601 line, released in 2006, is produced in Pepin’s Nicaraguan factory, Tabacalara Cubana, and comes in several wrappers: Nicaraguan Habano (Red), Nicaraguan Habano Maduro (Blue), Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro (Green), and Ecuadorian Connecticut (Black). The Blue Label was Pepin’s first box pressed and his first Maduro cigar produced.
Today we are reviewing the Red Label, which comes in seven sizes and is available in boxes of 20, except for the Guapito, which comes in boxes of 100:
Churchill, 7×48
Rabito, 6 1/2×46
Robusto, 5×50
Toro, 6×50
Torpedo, 6 1/8×52
Trabuco, 6 1/8×58
Guapito, 4×32
We haven’t focused a lot on EO Brands here at Toasted Foot, though we did quick toast the Black Label (here). It does seem however that we’ve been attracted to some Pepin blends as of late.
Now, on to the toast.
Pre-light, 1.8:
This Nicaraguan puro was a great looking smoke right out of the gate. The medium brown wrapper was very toothy with one noticeable, prominent vein. The cigar had no soft spots, a good weight, and the triple cap was constructed very nicely. The pre-light aroma was of leather and oats at the foot. The cold draw produced a note of pepper spice that tickled the throat on the inhale.
Burn, 1.7:
Toasted and lit, the 601 Red Label produced a nice amount of smoke with just the right amount of resistance on the draw. The ash was very dark on the cigar and was not layered well at all, but it held well past an inch before I let it go. The cigar burned well until the last third, when it got a bit jagged, though this did not deter from the smoking experience – the draw remained open and the cigar produced a mouthful of smoke throughout.
Flavor, 2.8:
This being a Don Pepin Garcia blend, my expectations were high in this department. The first puff on the 601 was of tobacco with a hint of spice. The first third followed this trend but of course the spice picked up as I smoked. The second third seemed to transition into a more lively tobacco profile, with some leather and the ever present spice. The last third really took it up a notch in the spice department – it was a very warm spice that left the tongue and lips a little numb on the exhale, but in a good way.
Overall, 2.8:
The flavor profile on the 601 Red was very balanced and somewhat complex. You can readily pick these up between four and six dollars a stick, making this an excellent value for the money. EO Brands has a solid stick on their hands that produced a nice, consistent smoking experience that will not break the bank.
(Total: 9.1)
Question of the Day: What is your go to smoke?
There are 19 Comments to "Cigar Review: 601 Red Label"
Nice review, this is the only 601 label I have yet to smoke. Sounds like I need to pick one up soon.
Hard to name a go to cigar as it changes depending on the recent box purchases I’ve made. For instance, in January it was the Ambos Mundos No. 2 Toro, last month it was the El Rey de los Habanos Corona and right now I would have to go with the Petite Tatuaje. I guess you could say my go to cigar is going to be one of the less expensive blends by Don Pepin Garcia; even if my current No. 1 cigar is a Liga Privada it is just too expensive to be an everyday smoke.
Nice! I have a copula these resting.
As for “go to”: well, to be honest, my go to is a bowl of Cap’n Bob’s in a nice briar pipe! But if you are asking about ‘gar land, I must admit a liking for Acid Opulence (there I said it!)
Look forward to trying this. Mt go-to is The Brickhouse. I love it first thing in the morning or after dinner!
Thanks for the excellent review of a great stick.
My current “go to” smoke is the Brickhouse robusto, just edging out the CAO La Traviata Divino.
[...] seems quite a good mark for this cigar from United Tobacco. Read the full review here… Read our take on the EO 601 [...]
Thanks for the review! Currently I really like the Brickhouse as my “go to”, but I have only tried about a dozen different cigars at this time. Really appreciate your reviews!!
Great review! I really like the 601 line.
My go to smoke changes often. I like variety. Currently, my go to smoke is the My Father Le Bijou 1922 petit robusto.
Great review! This was the first 601 line I had tried.
My go to smoke is the Padron 2000 Maduro
I have been really enjoying alot of Nicaraguan tobaccos lately… Will need to look for these.
My go to: Nub Conn, or Man O’War (time of day)
hrm, go to smoke?? H. Upman vintage cameroon or just about anything punch
great review by the way
Thanks for chiming in fellas, always nice to know everyone’s go-to. The Brickhouse is top on our list as well, as is the La Traviata. High on my list right now is the JdN Cabinetta.
great review – I am a huge 601 Blue fan and recently tried the red label. I have to say the next time I see the 601 red around I will be picking up a few sticks
[...] seems quite a good mark for this cigar from United Tobacco. Read the full review here… Read our take on the EO 601 [...]
Awesome review man. I’ve not smoked this one because I always go for the Bat when given a choice. I was at an event with Eddie Ortega on friday (some pics on my site) and he told a few of us that we would see new stuff for 601 coming soon. Very cool guy.
keep up the good work
Dan
forgot to mention the 601 blue is my go to smoke
Any of the Oliva Letter Series. Vs if I can get ‘em (Which I rarely can :’( )
Great review of this cigar. I have been putting off buying the Green and Red versions of the 601 line but after reading this review I think I wil have to stop at a B&M and pick up a couple of each to try. My go to smoke is a Gran Habano # 5 Corojo.
[...] reviewed other EO Brands cigars in the past, so check our reviews of the 601 Black, 601 Red, and the Murcielago. I have enjoyed Cubao’s but until now have not taken the time to form a [...]
Awesome review, my fave 601 is close between the green and blue with red not far behind. Never had the black. My go to constantly changes but right now it’s the man o war ruination.