Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1

Overall Score

1 review for Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1

  1. J****

    Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1

    Juan LopezOrigin : Cuba
    Format : Corona Gorda
    Size : 143 x 18.26 mm (5.62 x 46)
    Ring : 46
    Weight : 11.41 g
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$230 for a cab of 25

    I had read some great reviews on the Juan Lopez brand lately and have anxiously anticipated trying one. Its counterpart the JL Seleccion No. 2 robusto was named one of Cigar Aficionados Top 25 Cigars of the Year. This cigar had a month and a half of humidor time on it, but I do not know the exact box code. I estimate that it is from 2008 production. My drink accompaniment for this cigar was Dr. Pepper (I have been enjoying drinking this while smoking cigars lately… weird I know).

    Appearance : [rating:4/5]
    This was a nice looking cigar that gave an imediate impression it was well made. It just felt nice in your hands. It had a light toasty tobacco smell and sported a well made triple cap with an unusually flat head. The colorado claro shade wrapper was veiny.

    Construction : [rating:4/5]
    The corona gorda had a perfect draw, which produced thick plumes of smoke. However, the burn was uneven for the duration of the smoke. The wrapper was well applied and the cigar did not require any relights.

    Flavor : [rating:3.5/5]
    The 1st half of this cigar produced a floral bitter taste with hints of balsa wood. There were some citrus peel notes present as well. The bitterness present made the cigar harsh at this point, which I would most likely attribute to youth. The 2nd half saw this cigar mellow out with a more earthy taste taking the place of the floral bitterness, which was definitely a taste improvement. This Juan Lopez was medium in body and strength.

    Value : [rating:3.5/5]
    This cigar cost me about $9.00, but price varies depending on where you live. I think it is fairly priced and right in line with its peers. Of course with the recent Habanos price increase, the value for your money on all Cubans has diminished.

    Overall Rating : [rating:3.5/5]
    I probably hyped myself up too much for this smoke, since I had been wanting to try one for awhile. It ended up being a let down, but was still an enjoyable experience, especially in the 2nd half. I thought the taste profile was similar to an El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme I had recently. This cigar should improve with age and I would try one again; however, I did not like the taste profile enough to consider a box purchase.

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • Z*****

      I think Dr. Pepper might not have been the best pairing for this cigar! Half way through my box of JL 1’s, I have discovered the ideal non-alcoholic drink pairing seems to be a lightly sweetened iced tea.

    • R****

      I just received a box, and like usual, I held off for only 2 days. I must say, this cigar does not get enough attention, great flavor, medium to full bodied, not for a beginner, but well worth trying one out if you are looking for something new to try.

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Cigar Region Cuba
Filler Cuban
Wrapper Cuba
Binder Cuba
Length 5 5/8
Ring Gauge 46
Vitola Coronas Gorda
Construction Hand Made