My Weekend Cigar: Apr. 9, 2018 – 601 Green Label Oscuro Tronco

MY WEEKEND CIGAR: 601 Green Label Oscuro Tronco Cigar Review

By Gary Korb

Does this cigar really look that strong to you?

Every so often, even when the weather is cooperative enough to sit outside my house and light-up a good cigar by myself, I head over to my local cigar lounge for some camaraderie with my fellow cigar smokers. That’s where I was on this particular weekend afternoon when I lit up a 601 Green Label Oscuro Tronco. With less than half the recliners in the lounge occupied, it was relatively quiet, and it was also nice to see a fellow and his wife enjoying cigars together.

601 GREEN LABEL OSCURO TRONCO

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5″ x 52
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

My Experience: It had been a while since I smoked a 601 Green Label Oscuro cigar, and the Tronco was once a regular favorite of mine back when these Nicaraguan puros were made at Don Pepin’s factory in Estelí. Today, AJ Fernandez is at the helm keeping the 601s’ high-scoring streak going, and I’m really glad I reached for this Tronco. The thing is, in some cases, when a really good cigar changes factories, they often only get it close, at best, but in this case the smoke was just as I remembered it. Suddenly I was a very happy camper as conversation ensued mostly over music and. . . cigars.

To look at the succulent Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrapper on the Tronco, a less-experienced cigar smoker might think it’s too formidable for them. Lest we forget our Cigar 101, darker doesn’t mean stronger; on the contrary, it generally means the smoke will be a little sweeter.

Without question, the 601 Oscuro Tronco is full-bodied, but the smoke is benevolently smooth, creamy and perfectly balanced, making it much less heady. You may notice a little peppery spice at the start, but I experienced a full-flavored salvo of earthiness, cedar, sweet-spice, espresso and the occasional momentary glance of cocoa.

Suffice it to say. . . even though the 601 Green Label Oscuro Tronco is not overpowering, I think it’s better suited for the consummate cigar smoker who can appreciate its more refined qualities, but I wouldn’t discourage n00bs from taking a whack at it. Moreover, not only am I re-adding it to my “humidor-worthy” list, but at the reasonable price of around $6.00 (at time of review), the Tronco gets you a lotta flavorful smoke for your coin.

If you’ve had an experience with this cigar, please share it by leaving a comment.

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