Juan Lopez #1 - Cigar Comp. Review

[brazoseagle]

I've been sitting on this JL# 1, that I got from the Czar & Co. for several months. During this time I have been hearing others talk about the JL's 1 and 2 and my excitement has been mounting. This is my first experience with any Juan Lopez, no other reason other than I just never think about ordering them..

I was out at the lake with some family and friends, cooking , boating, swimming and hanging out for a great 5 cigar day and this was the 2nd and the most enjoyable of the day.

The smell pre-light was lightly grassy, sweet, very pure tobacco qualities, cedar chips, a little barnyard. This is one stick, that I can just smell is a smooth medium body.

1st 1/3 - Perfect draw, couldn't ask for a better draw, not a wind tunnel, but not too much resistance. Very sweet on the lips too. Producing great amounts of thick viscous smoke. Medium body for sure, nothing harsh, nothing bitter, nothing off putting at all. Syrupy Raisins! Hint's of charred cedar, a little floral grass, or a sweet wet hay.

2nd 1/3 - It's getting less charred wood and toasted tobacco and much sweeter. Almost an eggy panacotta with very faint hints of vanilla and caramel. I would say creme brulee, but it's not as sweet as creme brulee, but shares a lot of the characteristics on the palate. Still producing great smoke, and even though it was a windy day, sustained an excellent burn.

Final 1/3 - Much of the same, the honey and dried fruits came back in to the eggy sweetness and wet hay. Floral notes have dissipated, and almost a caramel on the brink of burning is what lingers on the palate after each draw. very creamy and velvety. If you have ever eaten melted ice cream that has reached room temperature, and it just en-robes your mouth like a velvet wave, that is what the final 1/3rd of this tasted like.

Overall: Very pleased. I thought that It wouldn't be a favorite of mine due to the weaker strength, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the stick. Burn was perfect, no relighting, now uneven patches, just splendid. I paired this with a Rum and Coke, but I easily see this going great with a coffee or hot chocolate, or a really good port wine.

94/100 (Not that every cigar needs to have chocolate, there was none in this one, but if there had been, I foresee giving this a 95 and mass ordering boxes)

[maverickdrinker]

Great review David. Gonna have to give these another try.

[ksblazer]

Nice review and Pic's

What is the factory code and date for the box you have?

[CanadianKodiak]

Damn, that sounds good. Must try.

[cottierm]

JL1 and 2 are pure bliss when they are good. Thank for the review, David.

Best,

Michel

[isa]

Wonderfully detailed review & some good pics, David, thank U

[nonameno]

Hi Brazos,

Wonderful review and pictures! The Juan Lopez No 1 and 2 are two of my favorite Cuban cigars! Just lovely flavor and consistant construction quality.

Thank you for sharing,

Curtiss