Review: Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2

[CoCigarSmoker]

So before you bother going through the entirety of this review I'll save you some trouble. Here is the short version: Great Construction, very young/sick cigar, very harsh, not even close to enjoyable.

Now, for those that wish to continue on with the review here we go...This review like all that I do was completed with only water accompanying the cigar. It was a wonderful 80*F March day in Sunny Colorado and I had such high hopes for this day. We don't normally EVER get temperatures this hot in March and I was so looking forward to spending time with the wife, a fine cigar, and the sunshine. Alas, this cigar had other plans. This cigar was not purchased from our host, but was purchased through a reputable source. This cigar was purchased as a single and therefore I don't know what the box code was. I can only assume based on this review that the cigar was either VERY young or it was going through its sick period.

Construction

The wrapper on the cigar was in pristine condition, there was a slight sheen to the wrapper in the sunlight but it is not what I would consider extremely oily. I believe the wrapper would be classified as a Colorado shade, or perhaps slightly lighter. The entire cigar was firm to the touch and appeared to be filled correctly with no soft spots. The triple cap was on securely and survived the guillotine cut without an issue. The foot of the cigar was well packed and no stems were located.

Pre-light

The cold draws were extremely aromatic and some of the best I’ve had thus far. Big and bright flavors of almost a toffee flavored espresso jump out at you with a medley of smooth swiss dark cocoa. Just a hint of cream or short bread finishes the cold draw but is there and gone again before you realize it. The draw itself was just about perfect. So far I’ve been pretty lucky with having well-constructed cigars to review. The draw on this cigar was slightly looser than the Siglo I that I reviewed recently, but this was still a very enjoyable draw that didn’t require much effort. Based on the cold draws I must say I have very high hopes for this cigar.

First Third

I tried to round up some cedar from some tubos to use for lighting but this just wasn’t working for me with the slight wind outside. So, instead I used my normal dual flame torch and toasted the foot. The first few draws I must say were very harsh. There was loads of cedar that came forward with a very abnormal amount of spice. My immediate thought was, “Oh no, this is too young”. As I sit here I’m hoping I didn’t make a mistake lighting this cigar up too early. As I work through the first third the harshness hasn’t disappeared but it has smoothed out. I still feel that this cigar was unfortunately too young but I’m not willing to give up just yet. The notes of cedar are very forward on the palate and every so often you can detect a bit of cream. That Cuban barnyard flavor is just too diminished by the harshness that overwhelms my palate. It may be due to the harshness but I would say that the strength of this cigar and level of spice is much more than the previous few Cubans that I have smoked. I would characterize this cigar in this condition as the lighter side of Full. I suppose since the flavor profile isn’t changing I’ll try and focus on the positives…The burn on this cigar for the most part has been razor sharp and even. All I have to do to keep it at a straight edge is occasionally rotate the cigar prior to setting it down. The ash dropped at just about one inch. I thought the ash was just a little fickle dropping off so short, especially given how gently I’ve been with the cigar.

Second Third

Guys, I’m trying so hard to get through this stick but man I’m so pissed at myself for clearly smoking this cigar too young. I bought this cigar as a single through an online source and therefore had no access to the box code. My guess is this is a very young cigar and it is going through its “sick” phase. We are just starting the second third and the harshness is still there and ammonia is coming through as well. All cedar has been lost and it’s like pulling teeth to try and discern any other flavors. I feel like an idiot wasting this cigar but without knowing the box code it’s a guessing game. This cigar has been in my humidor at between 61-63% RH for about 40 days now. I guess you live and you learn. I really feel that this cigar would have benefited immensely from perhaps 12-24 months of aging. As I struggle through the second third I’d have to reverse my previous statement about the strength and body of this cigar. I don’t think it’s necessarily full bodied; the harshness makes it difficult to accurately make a statement in this area of the review. Towards the end of the second third I neglected the cigar a little too long and it went out. Had to relight, which didn’t seem to affect anything…positively or negatively lol.

Final Third

I’m not going to lie; I’m at the point where I just wish this cigar would fall off my deck and disappear. I’m so disappointed in this cigar. I’m still trucking through it praying out of desperation that something glorious will happen in this final third but it just isn’t. Guys and gals I finally threw in the towel and gave up. Very disappointed, but I’m hoping I’m correct in the fact that this is just a young cigar and was in the middle of its sick period.

Total smoking time was 1 hr. 27 min.

[CoCigarSmoker]

I'd love to try this cigar again, but hopefully next time I can get one from a box that is actually smoking well at the time. Thanks for tuning in lol.

Cheers,

Seth

[dangolf18]

I've only had two examples of this cigar. One was pretty solid but the other was possibly the worst cuban cigar i've ever had. Acrid, bitter, and horrible.

[CoCigarSmoker]

That's pretty much how I would describe the one today....very disappointing.

Seth

[dicko]

Try some other JL2's because they can be really good mate. Thanks for the review.

[JohnS]

Sorry Seth to hear this was no good for you. Let me encourage you by saying that I had a JL2 last night from the recent 48:48 sampler and it smoked beautifully from beginning to end!

[CoCigarSmoker]

Sorry Seth to hear this was no good for you. Let me encourage you by saying that I had a JL2 last night from the recent 48:48 sampler and it smoked beautifully from beginning to end!

I'd love to try one again. I'll have to find one from someone somehow. That's what is hard about not having box codes when buying singles. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say this isn't a normal occurance for this cigar, I hope lol.

[fabes]

Bummer. When on these are just fantastic. Although I prefer the Seleccion No.1 and the petit coronas (it's a vitola thing) the Seleccion No.2 has been enjoyable when I've had them.

[CoCigarSmoker]

Bummer. When on these are just fantastic. Although I prefer the Seleccion No.1 and the petit coronas (it's a vitola thing) the Seleccion No.2 has been enjoyable when I've had them.

I actually found the deminsions of the no 2 to be quite enjoyable. But then again, the robusto size has been my go to Vitola for years. But I will say I'm beginning to really enjoy the skinnier habana Vitolas.

Seth

[Hunter1974]

been wanting to try these

[PuroDan]

I have had a few young JL #2's they were both outstanding. I have heard if you give em two years in the humi they are incredible

[gr8eman]

Never buy "Blind"...meaning not knowing the box code. From my master list JL2s are best from these codes. I wouldn;t buy any others!

LTB SEP 13, ELU ABR 14

[brownpeter335]

It's a nice cigar. The construction of this cigar was very good with an excellent draw.

[joeskow]

Never buy "Blind"...meaning not knowing the box code. From my master list JL2s are best from these codes. I wouldn;t buy any others!

LTB SEP 13, ELU ABR 14

Have a HQ box of BMU SEP 13 which are superb.. have only had about 3 or 4 a while back, the rest are napping.

[Quint]

Well done review even though it was a ****. Thanks for taking the time

[ElPuro]

These were on my buy list....now reconsidering.

[Bennettjohnl]

Love these, I've had 3 from a 24:24 over the last couple of weeks. One of the three was pretty rough but I attribute that to bad storage on my part. The last I had was a week ago and it was rather nice but going to hold off for a while so they can rest.

[Destino30]

I recently had a JL2 LTB AGO 13 and really enjoyed it. Maybe 2 years out is when they start to hit their stride.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[skarolla]

That's weird.

I had a JL #1 from 2011 recently and it was outstanding. Totally different flavour from the #2

[Anth87]

Ah the JL #2 - My first box I purchased from our host and I'll never forget it - from a 24:24 psp/hq ORA May 14 - The first one ROTT was THE BEST cigar I've had all year - the flavours were just so vibrant and the box when opened had this magnificent deep cocoa smell

I've had around 4-5 from the box, trying to give them til around May 16 before I start tucking in

[vinnyvega]

I have always enjoyed this cigar. I think the No.2s may have been my first box purchase Bach in the day.

Nice review.

[Troels]

The bizarre thing for me is who much it tasted like a NC. Just had none of Cuban flavor at all for me. This is the only Cuban I have had this experience with. All others share some similar note that you only get in a CC

Wait six months - might make a big difference

[NCPANTHERZFAN]

I bought a SLB of JL #2's on the 24:24. I've only had 2 but they have been really solid! ORA AUG 14. Very happy with this purchase.

[ElAbogado]

Just got a SLB of these in today. I really enjoy the JL2, always remind me of a cross between a Mag 46 and a PSD4.

[jackattack]

Thanks for taking the time to review this stick. I've had similar experiences with young JL 2's. Most of mine have been big powerful full bodied smokes. Putting them down for a little as 6 months can make a world of difference. If you can't wait, dry boxing over night in a cedar box can really help IMHO. I wouldn't write them off after one bad experience. They have a lot to offer at a reasonable price.