By NH Cigars | Updated October 2026

Editorial note: NH Cigars carries this cigar. This review combines verified release information, tobacco analysis, and independently published smoking evaluations. Tasting results are attributed to the reviewers who performed them.

601 Blue 20th Anniversary Review – Is This Maduro Worth the Attention?

Twenty years is a long time for any cigar line to remain relevant. Trends come and go. Factories change. Blends that were once everybody’s favorite sometimes disappear without much of an explanation.

The 601 Blue has managed to hang around since 2006. And for good reason.

To celebrate that milestone, Erik Espinosa introduced the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary in 2026, taking the tobacco combination that helped establish the original line and giving it a rather unusual presentation. A thick Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan tobaccos underneath, and a 56-ring-gauge Toro that’s been pressed into an oval instead of the familiar round or squared-off shape.

Different enough to get your attention. Familiar enough that longtime 601 smokers will recognize the idea behind it.

But there’s something more interesting than the anniversary band.

Published reviews suggest this cigar doesn’t always deliver the predictable chocolate-and-coffee experience people associate with Connecticut Broadleaf. Pepper, roasted wood, leather, fruit, and caramel play surprisingly important roles.

That makes the 20th Anniversary worth examining beyond its appearance.

601 Blue 20th Anniversary Cigar Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Espinosa Premium Cigars
Cigar	601 Blue 20th Anniversary
Release Year	2026
Size	6 2.5″ x 56 (manufacturer-announced)
Shape	Oval-Pressed Toro
Wrapper	USA Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder	Nicaragua
Filler	Nicaragua
Factory	AJ Fernandez San Lotano, Ocotal
Origin	Nicaragua
Body	Medium-Full
Flavor Character	Pepper, Wood, Leather, Earth, Caramel
Original MSRP	$18 per cigar
Packaging	Box of 10
Published Ratings	89–92 Points

The Story Behind the 601 Blue Maduro

The 601 name goes back to 2006, when Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega were working together under the business that eventually became EO Brands. The original 601 cigars were produced by José “Pepín” García, back when his name was becoming increasingly important in the American premium cigar market.

Those early 601 releases developed a following, particularly among smokers who preferred Nicaraguan tobacco with some muscle behind it.

The Blue Maduro was an important part of that story.

Connecticut Broadleaf on the outside, Nicaraguan tobacco inside. Nothing terribly complicated when you read the specifications. Getting those tobaccos to work together properly is another matter.

After the original business partnership ended, the 601 name became part of Espinosa Premium Cigars. Different chapters in the company’s history, but the Blue Maduro remained a recognizable part of the lineup.

By 2026, it had been twenty years since the original debut.

Espinosa could have simply introduced a commemorative band. Plenty of cigar manufacturers have done exactly that.

Instead, the company commissioned an oval-pressed anniversary Toro at AJ Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Nicaragua.

A little unusual for the 601 family. That was the point.

Connecticut Broadleaf – Why the Wrapper Matters

There’s a misconception that every dark maduro cigar should taste like chocolate, espresso, and molasses.

Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don’t.

Connecticut Broadleaf is a thick, naturally textured tobacco that’s capable of developing substantial body, earthy flavor, and sweetness when properly cured and fermented. The leaf doesn’t necessarily look perfect. Veins can be pronounced, the surface may have a rough texture, and the color can vary from dark brown to nearly black.

That’s normal for the variety.

The 601 Blue 20th Anniversary uses this American-grown Broadleaf over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. It’s a combination that allows the darker wrapper character to work against the spice and deeper earthy qualities commonly associated with Nicaraguan-grown leaf.

But the final balance depends on the actual blend proportions. The wrapper alone doesn’t tell the entire story.

And in the anniversary release, that distinction becomes particularly important.

Independent reviewers found plenty of pepper, roasted wood, and leather. Natural sweetness was present, although not always where they expected it.

The takeaway? Don’t choose this cigar strictly because you’re looking for a sweet, chocolate-heavy maduro.

There’s more going on here.

601 Blue 20th Anniversary Flavor Profile – What Independent Reviews Found

Two established cigar publications evaluated this release in 2026, providing a useful picture of its character.

Stogie Press awarded it 92 points in September, highlighting pepper, caramel, fruit, and earth.

A three-cigar evaluation published by halfwheel produced an 89-point rating. That review placed greater emphasis on roasted wood, leather, earth, and a creamy tobacco character, with relatively few major flavor transitions.

Interesting difference.

Both found substantial flavor and noticeable spice. Where they diverged was the sweetness and how much the profile changed as the cigar burned.

First Third – Pepper, Roasted Wood, and Early Sweetness

The opening appears to be one of this cigar’s stronger features.

Stogie Press reported an assertive pepper character that became more balanced once caramel-like sweetness developed. The review also identified a lighter, cracker-like tobacco note early in the smoke.

The halfwheel tasting leaned more toward toasted wood, leather, and earth, with coffee and pepper playing supporting roles.

Different descriptions, certainly. But they point toward a similar overall conclusion: the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary starts with substantial tobacco flavor rather than a mild, creamy introduction.

There’s some sweetness behind the darker notes. Just don’t expect it to take over immediately.

Second Third – Earth, Leather, and More Body

The middle portion is where reviewers found the blend settling into a richer tobacco character.

Stogie Press noted an increase in perceived strength alongside growing earthiness. Pepper remained prominent, while earlier sweetness helped keep the profile from becoming completely dry.

The halfwheel evaluation found a more consistent experience. Wood, leather, earth, and creaminess remained central, although the prominence of individual flavors shifted.

That’s an important distinction for anyone considering a full box.

This anniversary release doesn’t necessarily offer dramatic changes every inch or two. For smokers who value consistency, that’s a positive. Those looking for a cigar that completely reinvents itself from one third to the next may be less impressed.

Final Third – Lingering Spice and Darker Tobacco

By the final third, both reviews continued to identify pepper and deeper tobacco character.

Stogie Press found the fruit notes returning alongside the spice, although the reviewer thought the flavor development became somewhat less interesting toward the finish.

Halfwheel reached a similar conclusion about limited transitions, even though its overall flavor description was different. The cigar remained rich and cohesive, but it didn’t suddenly reveal an entirely new collection of flavors.

One thing is clear.

This is not a delicate, mild-bodied cigar that gradually fades into the background. The Broadleaf and Nicaraguan tobaccos maintain a substantial presence throughout the smoke.

What Makes the Oval-Pressed Toro Different?

Most premium cigars are round. Traditional box-pressed cigars have flatter sides and more recognizable edges.

An oval press falls somewhere between the two.

The 601 Blue 20th Anniversary has a gently compressed body with rounded edges instead of the sharper corners found on many box-pressed cigars. It’s an interesting look, particularly with a 56-ring gauge.

And there’s a practical difference, too.

The cross-sectional shape changes how the cigar rests between your fingers and lips. It also requires careful bunching and pressing during production so that the filler remains properly distributed.

Does an oval press automatically create better flavor or a more even burn?

No.

Those qualities still depend on the tobacco, moisture, bunching, and construction. An unusual shape can influence the smoking experience, but it isn’t a guarantee of superior performance.

In this case, the oval press is part of what distinguishes the anniversary edition from the regular 601 Blue.

It’s a meaningful design change. Just not a miracle.

Construction and Burn – Where the Reviews Disagree

Here’s where a little caution is useful.

Stogie Press reported generally respectable construction, although the draw was more open than the reviewer preferred. That affected the final rating.

The halfwheel evaluation involved three cigars and found occasional combustion issues, including touch-ups on two of the samples. The reviewer also noted that the flavor was quite consistent, with comparatively few major transitions.

Neither finding means every 601 Blue 20th Anniversary will behave the same way.

Handmade cigars vary. Storage, humidity, and smoking pace all matter.

Still, it’s worth mentioning because proper draw resistance and combustion are important considerations, particularly with a premium cigar carrying an unusual press.

One useful measurement comes from the halfwheel evaluation: the three cigars averaged approximately two hours and 35 minutes of smoking time.

That’s a substantial session. Actual time will vary, but this isn’t necessarily a cigar to pick when you’ve only got half an hour.

601 Blue 20th Anniversary Ratings – What Do the Scores Tell Us?

Stogie Press – 92/100

The review praised the contrast between persistent spice and developing sweetness. Caramel, fruit, and earth were important parts of the profile. A slightly loose draw and fewer changes in the final third kept the score from going higher.

halfwheel – 89/100

Based on three samples, the reviewer found an enjoyable combination of roasted wood, leather, earth, and creaminess. The cigar’s consistency was both an advantage and a limitation. Minor burn problems also affected the assessment.

Those are two different reviewers arriving at somewhat similar overall evaluations.

The cigar has substantial flavor, a clear identity, and enough positive characteristics to warrant attention. Neither reviewer considered it flawless.

That’s more useful than simply declaring it a perfect anniversary cigar because it happens to wear a premium label.

And these are published critic scores, not an NH Cigars in-house rating.

601 Blue 20th Anniversary vs. the Original 601 Blue Maduro

The anniversary release shares the same general tobacco foundation as the original Blue Maduro. Connecticut Broadleaf over Nicaraguan binder and filler.

But they’re not interchangeable.

The standard 601 Blue Box-Pressed Maduro is available in several traditional box-pressed sizes, offering smokers a familiar way to experience the line.

The anniversary edition is a single, larger oval-pressed format. Different proportions. Different presentation. And a more specialized release.

From a buying standpoint, the question isn’t necessarily which cigar is stronger.

It’s whether you prefer the familiar dimensions and established character of the regular 601 Blue, or want to explore a commemorative vitola with an unusual shape and its own published tasting profile.

For longtime 601 smokers, having that choice is probably the biggest attraction.

Is the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary Really Limited?

The 601 Blue 20th Anniversary was introduced for the 2026 PCA trade show as a limited retailer-incentive release.

Early coverage mentioned 20-count boxes, while later release and review information identified boxes of 10.

Production reporting also identified an initial run of at least 4,000 boxes of 10 cigars, with the manufacturer leaving open the possibility of additional production.

That’s an important distinction.

A limited release doesn’t always mean a permanent, absolute production cap. Unless the manufacturer confirms a final number, claims that no additional boxes will ever be produced should be treated cautiously.

The anniversary edition is a special release rather than an ordinary addition to the standard Blue Maduro lineup. That much is established.

Who Will Appreciate This Cigar – And Who Might Not?

For smokers who enjoy savory Connecticut Broadleaf with noticeable pepper, roasted wood, leather, and earthy tobacco, the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary has an appealing profile.

It’s also an interesting cigar for collectors who follow Espinosa releases or have been smoking 601 Blue for years. The commemorative presentation and oval shape give it a clear identity.

There are trade-offs.

If you’re hoping for a sweet maduro overflowing with chocolate, molasses, and creamy coffee notes, the independent tasting reports suggest you may find a drier, spicier experience than expected.

And if you’re especially particular about a perfectly effortless draw and razor-straight burn, the reported construction quirks are worth keeping in mind.

No cigar is perfect for everybody.

The 601 Blue 20th Anniversary seems best suited to experienced smokers who appreciate full-flavored tobacco and aren’t expecting constant dramatic flavor changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary

What is the wrapper on the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary?

The cigar uses an American Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobacco. It is handmade in Nicaragua.

What size is the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary?

The manufacturer-announced size is 6¾” x 56 in an oval-pressed Toro format. Some retailer listings use different lengths, so the exact physical measurement is worth verifying.

Is the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary full-bodied?

Independent reviewers describe substantial flavor and generally medium-full body, with strength that may increase as the cigar progresses. Flavor intensity and nicotine strength are not necessarily the same thing.

What is the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary rated?

Stogie Press rated the cigar 92 points in September 2026. Halfwheel awarded it 89 points in a separate evaluation involving three cigars.

How many cigars come in a box?

The retail anniversary release is available in boxes of 10 cigars.

Who makes the 601 Blue 20th Anniversary?

Espinosa Premium Cigars owns the 601 Blue brand. The anniversary release is manufactured at AJ Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua.

Final Verdict – A Different Side of a Familiar Maduro

After twenty years, the 601 Blue has earned a place in the conversation among traditional Connecticut Broadleaf maduros.

The anniversary release does something worthwhile with that history. It respects the tobacco combination that made the original popular, while introducing an oval-pressed format that feels different from the regular production cigars.

The most interesting part, though, is the flavor.

Rather than relying entirely on the dark chocolate and espresso character often associated with Broadleaf, published evaluations point toward a smoke with a pronounced pepper-and-wood backbone, leather, earth, and varying degrees of sweetness.

It’s not flawless. The documented draw and combustion observations deserve mention. So does the relatively consistent flavor profile.

But taken together, the reviews describe a substantial, well-regarded anniversary cigar with a distinct personality.

Twenty years of 601 Blue. A different shape. Some familiar tobacco, with a few surprises along the way.

For smokers who enjoy an old-school maduro with real character, it’s a release worth knowing about.