Juan Lopez Seleccion #1
Origin: Cuba
Size: Corona Gorda
Length: 5.675
Gauge: 46
Box code: HKV MAY 03
A few of these came my way and I must say, I am impressed. These smokes are stunning in appearance and as close to flawless construction as I have seen. The wrappers are very smooth with a chocolate brown color. These were my first experience with the JL brand. I tried three with various libations during the previous week and was enthralled with each stick.
As usual I used my Xikar for the cut. The pre-light draw is just about perfect, perhaps just a bit on the loose side. Toasting let off some wonderful aromas. Each of the #1's lit perfectly and burned evenly through the stick. This batch never seems to need correcting. The #1 gives off tons of smoke and the fragrance is truly wonderful. I would call this a medium bodied smoke that should please most taste buds. I found this stick starting off very spicy, then settling down to some very rich flavors after the first 1/2". I am not as good as some at recognizing the individual nuances of coffee, earth, etc., but I can tell you that this cigar changes throughout its length and is wonderful at each stage. It has a smooth, tasty finish and never gets hot or bitter and I definitely nubbed all three before putting them to rest. I cannot say enough about this vitola - it is truly superb.
After a little investigation, it seems these are easier to get with some age due to the greater popularity of the #2. I would highly recommend these. To paraphrase Todd: "These are the shit".
Origin: Cuba
Size: Corona Gorda
Length: 5.675
Gauge: 46
Box code: HKV MAY 03
A few of these came my way and I must say, I am impressed. These smokes are stunning in appearance and as close to flawless construction as I have seen. The wrappers are very smooth with a chocolate brown color. These were my first experience with the JL brand. I tried three with various libations during the previous week and was enthralled with each stick.
As usual I used my Xikar for the cut. The pre-light draw is just about perfect, perhaps just a bit on the loose side. Toasting let off some wonderful aromas. Each of the #1's lit perfectly and burned evenly through the stick. This batch never seems to need correcting. The #1 gives off tons of smoke and the fragrance is truly wonderful. I would call this a medium bodied smoke that should please most taste buds. I found this stick starting off very spicy, then settling down to some very rich flavors after the first 1/2". I am not as good as some at recognizing the individual nuances of coffee, earth, etc., but I can tell you that this cigar changes throughout its length and is wonderful at each stage. It has a smooth, tasty finish and never gets hot or bitter and I definitely nubbed all three before putting them to rest. I cannot say enough about this vitola - it is truly superb.
After a little investigation, it seems these are easier to get with some age due to the greater popularity of the #2. I would highly recommend these. To paraphrase Todd: "These are the shit".
