Juan Lopez Petit Corona OME MAY 14: Ode to the 40 and 42 gauge review week.

[ChanceSchmerr]

I found time for a second PC this week!  After a hectic start and a brief to my superiors on Tuesday, I found enough time later in the week to enjoy a second cigar at work.  Rare as it is, I will take the opportunity, even if I can't enjoy a tipple with the cigar!

This one here is a little younger for sure.  I love Juan Lopez cigars more and more each year, and the PC is one that I keep my eye out for now.  I have a nice '13 HQ box aging away, but I found a good '14 box in the Partagas Factory in November last year during Havanathon, so I bought it as soon as I laid eyes on these beauties.  I tried the first one not long ago from this box and now they are in my regular rotation (if you could call it a rotation).  Young and punchy, but delivering the goods already!

I love the complexity, and yet the straightforwardness of this cigar.  It doesn't try to do too much, but still makes you pay attention at the same time. Kind of a paradox, but an enjoyable one.  This cigar looks great, with decent oils, a good firm roll with some give yet, and a nice cleaned up band.  The aroma is pure, straightforward tobacco.  I can't call it anything else LOL.  The opening draw is spot on, just a hint of resistance, and some cinnamon/clove spice on the palate.

First third - Can I just say "perfect everything"?  Loads of Rich molasses sweetness, with more cinnamon/clove spice around a copious amount of smoke generation.  Like a damn delicious spice cookie.  This is a can't lose smoke!  It's complex, demands attention, but makes you feel like it was worthwhile.  It just feels and tastes right.  At less than three years of age!

Second Third - still delivering the goods.  Power is medium to full, but the flavour remains constant - spice cookies with enough sweetness to keep you impressed.  Draw remains perfect, and I remain impressed. I must get more of these cigars.

Final Third - Well, this hasn't happened yet for any out of the box so far, but it happened hear - evidence of youth!  The power ramped up to full, and the sweetness has fallen off.  More white pepper and sharpness on the tongue.  I am still enjoying it, but it's becoming a heady smoke.  I can't be too surprised, and perhaps I'll let them age a little more now, but these have the pieces to age into 95-96pt cigars.  Firing on all cylinders right up until the end.

It finished off with 1/2 an inch to go, as I started to burn my fingers.  Overall, an excellent experience, that would make you want to buy another box right away.  The final third brings it down a tad overall, into 91-92 territory, but as I said, these could go to 95-96pts.  If you see this code, I'd say buy with confidence.  These are cracking good cigars.  At least they aren't discontinued (yet!)

Cheers mates!  To Canadians out there, have a great long weekend!  

[JohnS]

I don't think these come up on 24:24 listings anywhere near as many times as the Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1 and No.2. Still, if I recall correctly, the last time it did the stock sold out within minutes.

Thanks again for reviewing this.

[Stump89]

I have a box or BRS JUN 13 and they are one of my go to smokes. Rich and sweet, smI king great these days.

[TheMonk]

It's usually a pretty solid stick, I enjoy them a lot. Good review!

[PigFish]

Good job my friend. I guess I won't be reviewing one of those cigars you sent me this round!!! -LOL

-R