601 La Bomba Bunker Buster

Today I’ll be smoking and reviewing the 601 La Bomba Bunker Buster, the 8th edition in cigar retailer Smoke Inn’s Microblend Series.

Manufactured at the La Zona factory by Espinosa Cigars, this is a special, limited edition version of Erik Espinosa’s 601 La Bomba line.

601 La Bomba Bunker Buster Breakdown

Pre-order boxes of the Bunker Buster will arrive with a commemorative Military Challenge Coin

I’ve always enjoyed Smoke Inn’s Microblend Series. From the classic Tatuaje fan favorites of Anarchy and Apocalypse, to the quirky Room101 Big Delicious, it seems this series always offers something fun and different. Now, I must say, the Bunker Buster had my attention from the beginning – maybe it was the striking band, or maybe I just love Espinosa cigars…

The first thing you’ll notice with this cigar is the great presentation. Old school army green and gold are wrapped around the cigar with the look of the US Army rank insignia. The cigar feels great in the hand, having a springy construction – not being rolled too tight or loose. The figurado shape is a nice touch, with a slight box-press, the cigar has the looks of something you’d stow on your top shelf.

On the nose, the Bunker Buster gives notes of hay, leather and cedar. And with a cut, the pre-light draw feels perfect, which was surprising coming from a figurado shaped smoke – usually these cigars feel tight before reaching the bulk of the cigar. Toasting takes only the briefest flame, and a quick burst of smoke sets the cigar into motion.

Without having a moment to ponder the flavors from my first puff, caramel douses my palate instantaneously. After a moment I had time to gather my thoughts. Yes, there was caramel upfront, backed by leather and a pepper zing – which crept up the back of the throat and into the sinuses. After these pleasant, introductory flavors, I was left with a refreshing, clean finish. At this point, I’d peg this smoke at medium/full flavor, medium strength, and medium in body.

Construction wise, the 601 Bunker Buster was looking quite nice. Medium-gray ash stacked perfectly, remaining in that beautiful figurado shape – having a look similar to the tail end of a cocoon.

Just past the 1st inch, the flavors were really developing. With loads of cedar and a backdrop of leather and tobacco, the smoke felt reminiscent of a classic Fuente! Soon there was a nice added chocolate flavor, accompanied by a sweetness on the finish – I was loving the way this smoke was developing. Reassessing the 601’s progress, we were now at medium/full flavor, strength just under full, and medium/full in body.

Nearing (and passing) the halfway point, the Bunker Buster slowed its flavor development. That’s not to say it went downhill, just that the flavor dial had locked in its place – offering a steady stream of cedar, thick, strong tobacco, leather, and sweetness on the finish (caramel that I noticed in the beginning).

We were now at full strength, and I mean FULL! Throughout the smoke, there was one constant, which was a terrific zinginess – biting its way up your throat and out the nostrils. Almost like eating really spicy wings, it was a welcome, yet challenging zing – one that may require some practice to appreciate.

Would I smoke this cigar again?

I already have- and I’ll say that the 2nd was even better than the 1st.

All in all, this is a fun project, go by a box of these, they have a great presentation and are something every collector should want.

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