Juan Lopez #2 HP UME ABR14 -- JL/LGC Review Weekend

[skalls]

The robusto is one of my favorite vitolas.  When I don't want to plan an afternoon around a cigar or have something with a bit more substance than a minutos/PC/HC the robusto fits the bill perfectly.

Pre Light:

The wrapper is silky smooth and supple.  The draw is a touch on the firm side but not unplesantly so.  I can't put a finger on what it is I'm getting, but it's sweet.

1st Third:

The sweetness is sticking around.  I don't want to call it sugary sweet because I don't think that's right, but that's the sweetness i'm getting.  There's a hint of black pepper in there too.  Flavor is being dominated by leather though.  There's some earthy elements in there too as well.  Flavors are meshing well.  The smoke is very oily but the flavors don't linger.  They announce themselves and then move on.

2nd third:

The ash holds on for a bit over an inch.  The burn is perfectly level, smoke output is good.  No new flavors appeared here.  The leather is still there but dropped off quite a bit.  The show is being shared by the earth and pepper.  The sweetness has gone away.  The earthy notes are still here and the only flavor that lingers on in the finish.  My only complaint about this cigar comes at the tail end of this third when the ash landed on my lap.

Final Third:

Ash still holds on for a bit over an inch.  The burn remains excellent as does the smoke output and texture.  The final third had a very earth twang to it.  Not entirely dissimilar fromt eh Bolivar twang but sweeter.  The pepper and leather were found throughout this third.  The sweetness showed up in a couple puffs but was generally absent here.  Cigar was put out when it got warm with a bit under an inch to go.  Total smoke time was 65 minutes.

Final Thoughts:

This cigar reminds me of Dip 2s (admittedly I haven't had any of the recent TOS/EML PSP ones) that aren't stars, but very solid performers.  I've yet to have one from this box that disappointed me.  I'd give it an 89/100.  It's not going to wow you, but it's a solid value and has yet to leave me disappointed.  It won't leave me with that feeling that I must have another one right away, but it's not going to make me dread buying the box.

[Dimmers]

Great review! A bit younger than my pref to smoke JL2s at. Another year or so down might see some improvements

[Akela3rd]

Nice review, thanks.

[TheMonk]

Nice review! Never had a JL #2 that reminded me of a Dip #2, so that does show how flavour palates can differ.

[skalls]

45 minutes ago, TheMonk said:

Nice review! Never had a JL #2 that reminded me of a Dip #2, so that does show how flavour palates can differ.

I didn't do a good job in explaining that.  Neither Dip 2s nor JL2s scream amazing 98-99 point cigars.  They are very consistent performers in that 89-93 range.  There hasn't been great highs or lows with them from my experience.  Now, the TOS run of Dip 2s may change that but I won't be getting into that box for awhile