Espinosa 601 Gold Label Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The Espinosa 601 Gold Label is a private label extension of the 601 brand made for JR Cigar and their wholesaler Santa Clara Cigars. It has been around since 2016 and comes in three sizes: Robusto 5 x 50, Toro 6 x 50, and Gordo 6 x 60.

The blend for the Espinosa 601 Gold Label is a Nicaraguan puro and is not made at La Zona like most other Espinosa Cigars. It is rolled at AJ Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Ocotál, Nicaragua.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: San Lotano AJ Fernandez
Blender: Erik Espinosa and Hector Alfonso Sr.
Number of reviewers: 4 – Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard) Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Randy B. (randobush) Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Price: $6.72
Age: 2 years
Release Date: July 2016
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

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Initial Impressions – Espinosa 601 Gold Label Toro

Appearance: 94

“This good looking cigar weighs in at 6”x50-52rg, a nice triple cap on the shoulder, open foot downtown, minimal veins, tight seams, and a firm pack with no lumps.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Aroma: 90

“A slight sweet floral note off of the foot is all I pick up pre-light.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

First Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Cedar, baking spice, savory-sweet cayenne, salted butter, & coffee, hit the palate, and make for a med-long finish, and a very nice retrohale. The draw is perfect.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“There is a strong floral, bitter tea flavor that opens this blend. Notes of sweet cedar make an occasional appearance along with a mild spice on the tip of my tongue.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“No transition except the flavors have lessened. The harshness has also tamed as well. Still getting some light creamy,

cacao nibs, and slight cedar notes. Still getting some bitterness on the tongue and aftertaste. The second 3rd is better than the First 3rd but only slightly. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“The spice has become more prevalent, most prominently a cinnamon kick. The bitter flavor remains in the background.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the final third, the retrohale is where the treasure is found. Very fulfilling mouthfuls of smoke with each draw. The finish is still very nice, lasting in between puffs. The flavors on the palate are a bit flatter, but still very enjoyable. Salt, sweet cayenne, light baking spices, light cocoa, and black coffee.
That’s what I got.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“Mostly woody notes with the constant peppery heat” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

Overall Impressions – Espinosa 601 Gold Label Toro

Draw: 96

“Great draw” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

Burn: 92

“The burn was solid with a little wobble but did require several relights.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Construction: 89

“Ash fell in 1” chunks. Solid construction throughout. Zero issues.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 90

“A great flavor profile, perfect draw and burn” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

“The cigar was very average at best with very light flavors of creamy, cacao nibs, and cedar which alone would be a great smoke. However, the bitterness that was present and the harshness during the start of the smoke really took away from this smoke.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“I really enjoyed this cigar, and would not hesitate to smoke it again. Transitions were subtle but noticeable. The flavors were excellent with a little chicory coming in at the end. #KeepItLit” –Randy B. (randobush)

“While not for my palate this blend would be great for those who enjoy a nice spiced tea. Spicy cinnamon and floral notes but to me the bitter flavor was overwhelming. ” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 83

Reviewer	Appear.	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall Experience
Joseph S.	93	88	90	90	90	95	97	90	90
Chad M.	85	85	83	85	85	88	88	85	85
Randy B.	95	95	95	95	90	95	88	92	95
Lauren S.	95	92	90	90	90	97	95	88	90

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

601 Gold Label Toro – Blind Cigar Review