Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2

[adic88]

This really did turn out to be one of my Top 3 best cigars of the year so far.

One very good reason to buy cabinet cigars is that you get to lift them out of the box all at once, and bury your nose into the foot of the cigars. That’s where the scent of the cigar is the most concentrated, and it can be a tremendous delight to be presented with all the incredible aromas in a highly intense manner.

When i did this to the wheel of Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2s i received from the great lads of Czar’s recently, i detected small traces of ammonia, and a barnyard, earthy pungent smell that was quite pleasing to the nose. The ammonia is still present, as this cigar is probably just coming out or still in the throes of its sick period. Probably not a good time to smoke this cigar, but i’ve always been a fan of experimentation, and i like to see how a cigar evolves over time so i’ve never been afraid of having a cigar fresh and young.

Full review and more pictures on my blog: http://mycigarblog.org/blog/?p=1466

[CigarmanTim]

Thanks for posting one of my favorites.... This cigar is of the most pungent smelling cigars out there. I absolutely hate this cigar for a year and then it settles down to one of my favorites. The difference between the fresh/green stage and the smoothing out stage is huge.

Here's a pic of a box of PSP I just bought the other day... just look at the wrappers... can smell them from here.

[Habanos2000]

i detected small traces of ammonia, and a barnyard, earthy pungent smell that was quite pleasing to the nose. The ammonia is still present, as this cigar is probably just coming out or still in the throes of its sick period.

I'm surprised to hear about the ammonia. Fortunately, it's been so long, that I can't remember the last time I picked up that aroma. Probably 2000/2001 production. Cuba's done a great job of letting the leaves ferment properly the last 5-6 years.

[mbrody]

Thanks for the great review & pics. I have been sort of hoarding these lately, knowing that they can be demons upon arrival (as Tim says) and then become a wonderfully complex flavor bomb of a smoke. I still enjoy them young, but they can put you on your a$$. There seems to be a string of hot boxes for months now...keep your eyes peeled!

[adic88]

Taking a flame to the foot, it lit quite well quickly, but i gave it a few extra seconds to really toast it well so that the burn would be perfect. The first draw was like a shot to the head: immediate pepper and spice bursts on the lips and tonuge. My palate was tingling all over, and my tongue felt like a thousand small pinpricks had pierced it. Leathery, dark and musky vanilla beans. It was a terrific combination of flavours, very very complex. By the end of the first 2 inches, my tongue was numb with pleasure, almost as though someone had pulled it out of my head and given it a massage! More, more!

That was from the first few draws. Booom! Headshot!

God, that was an incredible opening. Like the first few bars of a masterful symphony opus.

Only have 21 sticks left, lol, after gifting them out to friends. They remarked the same thing, how tasty and complex it was.

And this coming from a PE box??? Damn, Lisa did a number on me here. Imagine how much better they'd be from a PSP!!

[Tarks]

IMO, these cigars shine after 3 years of rest. I have several boxes of 2010's and they are not ready, not even close to being ready. I'll go out on a limb and say that this cigar benefits more than any other Habano with 2-3 years rest.

[mbrody]

IMO, these cigars shine after 3 years of rest. I have several boxes of 2010's and they are not ready, not even close to being ready. I'll go out on a limb and say that this cigar benefits more than any other Habano with 2-3 years rest.

Tarks, you are not going out on a limb, you are spot on...the cigar really morphs. It's funny though, I can enjoy it young and with some age. If you know this cigars MO, then you can appreciate it. Otherwise, some people may totally dismiss it...

[Frinkiac7]

I also received and ABR 10 box a few months ago, and in the name of experimentation, smoked one. Ammonia and green banana...not anywhere near ready. Banished to the bottom of the humidor for a long, long time. But I certainly haven't written them off...it'll just be quite a while before I try another one.

[adic88]

I'll probably order another box, and keep this one i have for aging... lol. They really are quite super.

[mbrody]

They really are quite super.

Shhhh We don't want others to catch on!

[adic88]

On sale this week too! rofls. The Czar Gods have been watching.

[olotti]

I had to order a box with this sale. I just finishes smoking my last from an 04 box and they were so good but the recent production has so much more oomph to them. I had a fiver of 09's that I'd been sampling just to see if I wanted to get back in and well my mind was made up after the first one, theyre better than I ever thought they were. I actually like the newer blend better.