Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1 CUE MAY 03

[shrink]

Very nice review of good cigar that is not well known. Guess where I got my box a few years ago? I wrote this review at least two years ago, and haven't cracked the box since. It's getting warm here; your review encourages me to enjoy one on the porch this weekend, with a cool drink.

Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1 (CUE JUL03)

“ A Simple Wildflower Bouquet”

As I withdrew this unbanded Corona Gorda from its cabinet, I thought, “What an ordinary looking cigar”. So plain that I probably would have overlooked it, had it been lying in the singles drawer. The wrapper was a medium brown, with just a very slightly greenish cast. There was a single sunspot near the cap. Although dry to the touch, the afternoon sunlight revealed the glow of vegetable oils that the years had brought to the surface. It was coarse and firm when rolled between the fingers. I scented pre-light herbal notes of sweet cured tobacco.

It was time for Juan Lopez to meet his match. A Diamond kitchen match, that is! The initial draws weren’t particularly strong, though there were definite floral and herbal aromas when exhaled nasally. This cigar wasn’t going to knock my socks off. But it drew well, and burned evenly without the need for any extra attention on my part. Long, slow, easy pulls began to reveal this vitola’s complex and magical qualities. When I held the smoke in my mouth, I could detect vanilla, gentle herbs, and a light honeyed sweetness. And just a nuance of caramel. It reminded me of the honeysuckles I enjoyed as a boy; the flavor in each draw was so subtle and tantalizing, it simply demanded another. Exhaling released a floral bouquet. And the finish was exceptionally long and delicately sweet, with a distinct but refined twang. More like kiwi fruit than sour citrus. No doubt about its Cuban pedigree!

Had I sampled this cigar at the beginning of my initiation to Habanos, I wouldn’t have been impressed. I would have smoked it quickly, and concluded that it wasn’t strong enough. Today, I can appreciate its subtlety and sophistication. All the classic elements are there, but are presented with restraint, in balance and harmony, like a well-rehearsed symphony. Not too sweet, not too dry. Not too strong, not too mild. Like a hand-picked bouquet of springtime wildflowers… both simple and beautiful at the same time.

The Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1 is a smoke to be savored slowly on a sunny afternoon, in a shady spot with a cold drink in hand, and relaxing music in the background. It’s a good companion to have while watching the clouds drift by.

[El Presidente]

Thanks Shrink

You are in the perfect position for a follow up review.

I wonder if you will find that the cigar has actually become fuller in body....I wonder how those sweet herbal notes have matured and evolved.

Don't make me wonder too long ;-)

[shrink]

» You are in the perfect position for a follow up review.

»

» I wonder if you will find that the cigar has actually become fuller in

» body....I wonder how those sweet herbal notes have matured and evolved.

»

» Don't make me wonder too long ;-)

I'll get one out of hibernation this weekend, and post a follow-up here.

[smokum]

No review but I smoked a TME/ENE07 on the ride home. Loose draw...young. Back to sleep for them.

[shrink]

Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1 CUE JUL03 Follow-up review:

This is a very ordinary looking cigar; like the girl on the couch at the party, quiet and easily overlooked. What the hell, let’s ask her to go for a ride.

The wrapper was a mottled golden brown, very lightly oiled, with a few green spots. I don’t know why, but I like those green spots. They’re like the footprints of a chameleon lizard. I spent more than the usual amount of time focusing on the pre-light aromas. They were delicate, but distinctly on the sweet and herbal end of the spectrum. When I put the unclipped cap in my mouth, the tobacco was pleasantly sweet. A honeysuckle sweet kiss, if you will.

When lit, my corona gorda got right down to business. This girl isn’t so shy in the back seat of the car. The first few draws were surprisingly full-bodied, more than I recalled from the last encounter. The flavors were very distinctive, with unusual herbs and spices, and a tangy, mouth watering finish that was both honeyed and slightly peppery.

At first, I was reminded of a Rafael Gonzalez lonsdale, with its unique and complex marriage of floral, herbal and spicy qualities. By mid-point, the developing herbal core began to suggest a mature Upmann. As it progressed, there were even nuances of Cohiba sweet cream. The cigar itself is a chameleon; an exceptionally complex and interesting cigar, all the way to its inevitable extinction. Who would have known what an intriguing first date this was going to be?

Although this cigar is acceptably mature, and quite approachable now, I agree with Rob that it has the body and latent complexity to develop further in the next few years.

[El Presidente]

Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1 CUE MAY 03

I have been a little disappointed of late in a run of tastings of current stock Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1. I will try an 07 later this week.

Today however I took the opportunity to taste a CUE MAY03 Seleccion No 1. I don’t know if you agree….but they look so much better naked without the impediment of a band.

Construction is flawless. The wrappers possess a few nicks and bumps but there is a soft lush tactile feel to them Aroma at cold is in your face….just Vuelta Abajo tobacco which has been left to rest for 5 years.

Serrated the cap and tested the draw which was fine. Clean tobacco on the lips….nothing more.

Fired up the foot not really knowing what I would find. I was in for a pleasant surprise.

Pure unadulterated aged tobacco flooded the palate. There is that richness and smoothness that is unmistakable. This is fuller than expected, medium full and not something I would normally associate with the Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1. There is a touch of cool burning coal, toasted tobacco and a gorgeous hint of citrus peel in the opening minutes.

Settling now. The opening bravado pulls back into a medium profile. Seleccion No 1 takes the citrus and aged tobacco and blends in some cheese/cheesecake. Very elegant, very complex. There is a softness to the smoke in the way it teases the tongue. The aroma is woody and a touch sweet.

This is certainly one of those cigars that demands your attention. Its performance is one of controlled class. Well through the first third now and the body is lilting between medium and medium full. The cheesecake and toasted tobacco play so beautifully together. Every few draws you continue to be hit with an edge of citrus. The further the cigar burns down the more rich milk coffee comes into play. The coffee becomes progressively stronger as you traverse its length. The sweeter elements are now going but are countered by purer more intense quality tobacco notes. Still the cheesy nature persists. Intriguing.

The final third builds to a full body. Black pepper enters the fray and if you draw too quickly it bites you as a reminder. This cigar has a few years left to develop. Fantastic now but I can only guess as to what 2010 will bring. Still very complex, never out of control. This Seleccion No 1 has taken me on that ubiquitous “journey” cigar lovers often discuss when it comes to Cuban tobacco and it has done so in a structured and patient way.

Some cigars need a little time. The Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1 is one such cigar.

91 now, 94 2010.

3 boxes remaining of this code from memory [email protected]

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