This was also a gift from someone, but I don't remember who. Whoever it was, thanks.

601 Habano Red Robusto (5X50) (old band)

0.0 - 2.0 = poor/inferior quality
2.1 - 2.9 = fair
3.0 - 3.5 = good
3.5 - 4.5 = excellent
4.6 - 5.0 = superior

1) Aesthetics: A gorgeous Colorado wrapper, some slight veins. I like the old band better than the new one, very nice.presentation.

Score for aesthetics: 4.7

2) Pre-light Construction: Some nice heft, this is a full cigar that is very firm and the tobacco is every evenly distributed.

Score for Pre-light construction: 4.5

3) Post-light Construction/How it smoked: Wow, I don’t even have try to pull smoke through this cigar - and given the firmness of the roll and the heft, thinking it a full roll, that is very surprising. For the most part, it exhibited a sharp burn, but I did touch it up a couple times, but only because I am a bit anal about an even burn. This stick produces a white firm ash.

Score for post-light construction: 4.6

4) Flavor and strength: My first thought was, “WOW!” There is an interesting mix of flavors with this stick, many I have a problem identifying. A sharp tingle on that nose when I retrohale shows a predominance of pepper. There is some fruitness, some leather, and coffee interplaying in this very complex smoke..

Score for flavor and strength: 4.9

5) Finish/Aftertaste: This finishes nicely, a bit heavily, but some pleasant flavors of spice on the palate.

Score for aftertaste:4.5

6) Aroma: A pleasant hit of pepper and complexity makes this an enjoyable smoke on the nose.

Score for aroma: 4.8

7) General Comments: I enjoyed this with a Samuel Adams Holiday Porter. I like the strength and the complexity of the flavors.

Overall score for the cigar:4.5
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Thanks for the review this used to be my favorite go to stick havent had one in a while I need to revisit it.
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Thanks for the review.
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Nice review Todd!! :-) :-)
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Thanks Todd, I hope all is well.
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Thanks for the kind words. Yes, all is well.
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This sounds good. But it's "old band". Is it just an old band or is the blend changed too? Anybody know?
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Not sure if the blend has changed yet but yes, Pepin was going to refine the blend to make it a bit stronger.

Again, I say those new bands are the worst, ever! Thanks goes to Rocky. :-)
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I love the 601 Red and Green. Thanks for the review.
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I like the Rabito (long corona) in the reds. I sure hope RP doesn't get in the way of this blend. I hear they are going to get rid of the new bands. Hope they go back to the old ones.
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