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Has anybody ever seen this smoke? I can't find any information on it and can't find a Juan Lopez Belux Regional Edition on any release list.

Cubacigar is the distributor for Benelux region which services Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. After Habanos S.A. started doing Regional Editions in 2005, Cubacigar came out with their first, a variation on the RASS that we have all come to know and love. This new cigar was a Gran Robusto. The same ring gauge (50) as the RASS but 1.225 inches longer. First introduced in limited quantities in 2007 with a little over 25,000 cigars made, they did something unusual for a Regional Edition in bringing it back in 2008. This time it was a larger release of 65,000 cigars. 1,400 boxes of 25 and 600 cabinets of 50, of which I have one of the 50 cabinets that I received recently. I was going to let this cigar rest longer but for the purposes of the review, I thought this was as good an occasion as any to try my first one. The cigar has sat at a consistent 66%rh since it’s arrival and we have a nice fall day to smoke it outside with the temperature in the 60’s and the humidity at 49%. Not sure how many more of these days I will enjoy outside before the temperature gets too cold. First the smell cold, I would compare it to a cappuccino with some chocolate notes as well. As I couldn’t find my usual punch cut, I opted for a straight cut. The construction was good, not perfect but I am a little surprised at how nice the cigar looks considering it’s age. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen on it which invites me to light it and try it out. Upon first light I am greeted with a nice aroma and nothing harsh about it. There is a little saltiness, similar to what you would find in a fine European butter, that balances the cream and coffee flavors that start out the cigar. The draw is excellent. Not as tight as by Monte Anejados nor as open as I find the Upmann 56 EL. In spite of the fact that this cigar traveled half way around the world to get to me and has only spent 5 days in the humi, I am surprised with how perfect the burn is on it. As it burns through the first third, I also detect the stewed fruit that is so common in the Ramon Allones marca. Also, at times, I get the taste of vanilla. Sometimes a little carmel. After 8 years, this is an amazing cigar and my only regret, not having gotten a second cabinet but then again, my understanding wife might have stopped being so understanding of my “hobby” if I had. Still, this has got to be one of the best cigars that I have ever enjoyed. The smoke production is good, better than your typical RASS. As we get into the second third, I sense more of a coffee flavor but nothing overpowering. Cigars like this are what make it almost impossible for me to smoke NC’s anymore. So much flavor, so much complexity. This cigar is a pleasure to smoke versus the peppery spice bombs from other countries. Not to say that this cigar doesn’t have any spice because it’s there. At times some white pepper and certainly a sharpness at times as well but nothing distracting and the cigar continues to impress me as the flavors changes with each puff. The second third started out with coffee, 7 pulls into it, now I get a little more stewed fruit. Sometimes walnuts. Always a little salt, sometimes the cream comes back. The burn is a little off but doesn’t seem to need correction and I will remind you that this cigar has only had five days to settle before I smoked it. The strength is a solid medium, just where I want it to be. I have heard some complaints that people had on the draw when it was first released but if this cigar shows me what to expect from the other 49 in the cabinet, I am going to be in for a wonderful ride for years to come. This is truly a cigar to be treasured. As we get into the final third of this cigar, there is nothing harsh about the cigar and the aging has only helped smooth out the flavors without reducing the complexity. I think that this cigar will continue to age nicely. The fruit and floral flavors seem to come and go. Then you taste the walnuts again, then a little carmel to add to it. I even found the taste of cinnamon at one point but never overly spicy. The flavors are always there but balanced in every way. They complement each other and one never overpowers the other. The ash has held well but not going to set any records as it usually falls before it gets more than an inch or so. The cigar gains a little in strength but still not much more than medium IMHO. The puffs that I take as I write this are more floral in nature with a little white pepper and still some of that saltiness that I enjoy. I wouldn’t say that this cigar was different as we got towards the end but instead, the flavors just kept going and would come and go with one more noticeable than the other. I have every intention of smoking this down to the nub and appreciating the craftsmanship that went into this cigar. When I was considering purchasing this cigar, it was a debate between the cabinet of this or a cabinet of the Siglo VI. I am very happy with my choice as this will be a cabinet that I will treasure for many years to come.