601 Serie Green Oscuro Tronco

Introduced in 2006, the 601 Serie Green Oscuro is made in Esteli, Nicaragua by none other than Don Pepin Garcia. The 601 line is known for being powerhouses, but the 601 Serie Green may be the strongest out of the 601 line. The 601 Serie Green begins with a super dark Habano maduro wrapper from Nicaragua that is dripping with oily goodness. Underneath is a Nicaraguan binder and a blend of Nicaraguan Cuban-seed long-fillers. This powerhouse has a bold and rich combination of chocolate, coffee, pepper, leather, and a long toasty finish. Not only did our panel love it, but Cigar Aficionado gave it a 90 point rating! Since it’s on the fuller side, we pair ours with a bold cabernet after dinner on the patio.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.