MEL FEB 17 Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2. WOW!!!

[joshhooper7]

Alright guys, just smoked a JLS2 for the first time since I got the box two years ago. Let me preface this by saying this is my highest rated cigar to date, tied only with a Davidoff Art Edition 2016, a $45 cigar. 96 points overall, the only minor flaw was a burn that self corrected. Loss of one point in each third the burn was wonky paired with a loss of a point in each third the burn was wonky for construction. If you have this box code smoke them now, they’re exquisite. This is going to be hard to beat, at $8 to boot! The full review follows. If you like my review and want to see all of my reviews check out my Instagram, Josh.hooper7, and if you want me to keep posting here let me know!

Beautiful sheen. Awesome construction. Draw has the tiniest bit of resistance. (1/3) right away opens up a bit over medium bodied. Big toasted tobacco on the palate. Touch of pepper on the tongue. Cuban twang, bit earthy in the background. Bitter citrus peels on the nose. Leathery. Rich, velvety smoke. End of the first third gets the tiniest hint of sweetness. (2/3) picks up a creaminess paired with the citrus peel. Finish is still long and all rich tobacco with a spice on the tongue. Touch over medium bodied and medium strength. Didn’t expect this punch! Retrohale picks up a very interesting flavor that reminds me of breathing out of your nose after a sip of sherry cask whiskey. Burn is a bit wonky but self correcting. Oddly hoping something goes wrong because I can’t find any fault in this, it can’t be my highest rated cigar! (3/3) Final third continues medium plus in body. Rich and velvety smoke with flavors beginning to mesh. Spice persists on the tongue. Burn still wonky but self correcting, the only flaw here. Toward the nub the orange persists through the nose and a semisweet vanilla creeps in. This cigar... wow. Tied as my highest rated cigar with a Davidoff Art Edition 2016. Price aside this is an outstanding smoke, pair the rating with the price of around $8 and its value is untouched. If there was a value factor this would be a 100 point smoke. Final smoke time: 57 minutes. Overall rating: 96. Classic!

Appearance - 5/5

Construction - 8/10

Burn - 8/10

Draw - 10/10

Flavor - 25/25

Smoke Temp - 5/5

Final Impression - 35/35

 

 

 

[Connoisseur Kim]

I also like this Robusto so much, 96 points cigar! It is super coffee bomb, and because of this it should be called "Cigarpresso" ?!

[Diabolicalpherpher]

I have a PSP box with the same code but have gone through 3/4 of the box already.  The pungent aroma from the box is out of this world. Jealous you still have 24 to go.  I got another JL2 box, different code, later production date but it doesn't even compare.

[Thirds]

Just received a box of JLS2 UTL Jul 18...looks like I still have some waiting to do to get that experience.  If this box pans out anything like yours I’ll be pleased. 

[BoliDan]

Shhhhh. Stop telling people. Seriously though, JL1 and 2 are both serious contenders for my top three 2018 production. And that's saying something because it has been a damn good year across a lot of marcas. 

[Chucko8]

Sounds like you hit pay dirt there mate. Congrats

[IanMcLean68]

My box is exactly the same code, bought around the same time. We might have even got them from the same 24:24! I remember picking these up just before Havanathon 2017. Have to agree with @Diabolicalpherpher, this is one of the most oily and pungent boxes I have ever had. When received, I remember being able to smell it through the packaging.

Great review @joshhooper7! I was ageing my box - was going to wait until the 3 year mark, which it is not far off from, but after your review I think I've just lost all resolve to wait any longer! ?

[Luca]

I agree the JL n2  is a fantastic cigar. I have a similar box code and I do get those nice orange citrus notes and that "Cuban twang". Rob describes it as of you are smoking a Negroni which I totally agree! I have tried a 4 year old JLn2 from Rob at a FoH meet last year. It was fantastic. Let them age a bit longer if you can!

[HumidorJuan]

Love it when a Marca like this breaks down the whole idea of “luxury”. Good product