Review: Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 part Deux

[CoCigarSmoker]

Juan Lopez No. 2 part Deux

This cigar was gifted to me by a great BOTL here on friends of habanos. The complete box code is unknown, but it should be from March of 2013. I realize it took me a bit to do the follow up review for this cigar, but I wanted to give it ample time to rest. That being said, I hope this clears up issues that people may have derived from my previous review. Superb cigar! Clearly the one I smoked previously, was young and going through a sick period!

Appearance:

The cigar has a beautiful Colorado Claro wrapper and is firm to the touch from cap to foot. The triple cap is firmly secured and the cigar appears to be well put together. There is a small vein throughout the cigar, but overall it is beautiful.

Construction:

After cutting the cap the draw is near perfect. The burn of the cigar is even and all was right with the world from start to finish on this lovely stick!

Dry Draw:

The cigar starts off dry with notes of coffee, toffee, mild cedar, and roasted tobacco. I must say, from the opening notes, I have high hopes for this cigar!

First Third:

The cigar opens with notes of Cuban barnyard, roasted tobacco, and coffee. There is a mix of either subtle toffee or cocoa. The smoke is not very thick, but it is abundant and lush in flavor and aroma. The burn is very even as is the draw. This cigar is starting out in stark contrast to the first one I had. So far this is a very enjoyable smoke that I can’t wait to see where it goes in the second and final thirds.

Second Third:

The cigar continues with notes of wood, ceder specifically, roasted tobacco, subdued hazelnut, and cream. The draw has stayed consistent and the burn is razor sharp. The caliber of this cigar is in sharp contrast to the one I previously reviewed. I elected to knock the ash off as I entered the second third for fear of it falling on my lap. However, when I knocked it off, it was clear that it probably would have stayed on for another ¼ or ½ inch.

Final Third:

The cigar became just a bit harsh after having to touch it up multiple times. However, I don’t fault the cigar for this because the temperature outside was barely hovering above 32* F. In Colorado, winter is already starting to set in and the temps are dropping more and more each day. Even with the slight harshness, the flavor profile remains full of roasted tobacco, cedar, and Cuban barnyard.

Overall and take-away:

I would give this cigar an 85-86 overall. The appearance and construction were spot on. The strength stayed medium for the first 2/3 and then went to med-full. The flavors were pretty consistent and while I wouldn’t personally consider this cigar a complex it was enjoyable nonetheless. I really appreciate being gifted this cigar by a wonderful BOTL because it gave me a new perspective into the Juan Lopez line of cigars. This community never ceases to amaze me with the kindness and generosity shown to all! This may not be a box buy for me just yet, but I can’t wait to try more from this cigar manufacturer!

[TheMonk]

Nice review, thanks! The JL 2 is one of my two current favorite robustos, along with the RASS.

[Randolph]

Lovely...the JL No.2 has rapidly become a favourite of mine. Two Robustos that tickle my fancy are the JL2 and CORO. My wife knows I've had a JL2 in the garden as soon as she's in the front door she liked the aroma and recognises the cigar.

[CigSid]

Thank you for the review!

I am working through a 2004 cab right now, and they are very good... One of my favorites.

[Boosted]

Thank you for sharing. I enjoy reading your reviews. Nice work!

[nonameno]

Hello,

Wonderful review of one of my favorite and go to cigars!

Thank you and best wishes,

Curtiss

[puro]

Thx for review been wanting to try one of these