Juan Lopez No. 2 (sampler unknown box code) 12DCRC

[HopeUgood]

I tried to wait as long as possible to give my sampler some time to acclimate before I dug in. I sifted threw and ended up choosing the JL. 2 by smelling them blind, retested with my top 4 picks and ended up with JL again. My first time trying a JL was tonight while I did some work. I grabbed a Stewarts Orange Cream Soda to sip on while I indulged myself.  The first thing I noticed was how perfect the draw was, I spent several minutes doing a pre-light draw.  
I had no idea what to expect with this cigar, and am new to the hobby.  The initial flavor profile was heavy of earth, wood, and leather.  As the cigar progressed and I was in a bit of the first 1/3 those flavors were complimented with a light essence of cinnamon and citrus.  The cigar was drawing beautifully and I was taken back by how distinct some of the flavors were, especially with this being a young cigar. 
As the cigar transitioned into the 2/3 floral notes were becoming more and more prominent. Soon the floral notes were dominating the cigar, with a creaminess and slight saltiness in the background.  I was also being teased by a fleeting cocoa note. The 2/3 for me could be summed up with just one word and be accurate enough, floral. 
The last third the saltiness grew in intensity as well as some coffee flavors. The initial wood component seemed to be back in the picture as well.  The duo I was picking up on the most though was a saltiness and coffee.  The soda actually went pretty well with the cigar, although it left me wondering if that was causing me to have the orange/citrus experience.  I was impressed and happy I had the opportunity to try this cigar, I hope to have more of these in the future. 
Hope everyone is having a good new year! 

 

[99call]

Great review. Hats off to you Sir!

[RDB]

Great review for someone who says they are new to it. I bet you work in food or drink - or maybe have a serious interest in that direction.

[HopeUgood]

13 hours ago, RDB said:

Great review for someone who says they are new to it. I bet you work in food or drink - or maybe have a serious interest in that direction.

Thank you kindly. First cuban in August, so 4/5 months on the CC train.  This cigar was very distinct and the flavors were not hiding.  That may be due to just focusing more on the cigar when trying to review it or it maybe just the cigar was that spectacular? Normally I will go for a walk or something of the sort where the cigar is an accompaniment to another activity.

[HopeUgood]

13 hours ago, 99call said:

Great review. Hats off to you Sir!

It was my pleasure

[Markspring1978]

Nice job @HopeUgood, I had a JL2 last night, and also found the burn to be perfect. As to the photos, I had the same issue you are having with sideways pic posts. Someone here, I can’t remember who, straightened me out. The trick is to edit a portrait orientation photo before you post it. Any edit works, I have done a minor crop or a color enhancement, and bam, all good. Hope that helps. 

[HopeUgood]

42 minutes ago, Markspring1978 said:

Nice job @HopeUgood, I had a JL2 last night, and also found the burn to be perfect. As to the photos, I had the same issue you are having with sideways pic posts. Someone here, I can’t remember who, straightened me out. The trick is to edit a portrait orientation photo before you post it. Any edit works, I have done a minor crop or a color enhancement, and bam, all good. Hope that helps. 

Thank you much appreciated 

[Luca]

Great Review and interesting to hear your thoughts on this underrated cigar!

[alloy]

Good review. I have a box of BRE Dic 17's that have a citrus with twang on my pallet. With a happy ending of cocoa. 

[Whisky91]

Nice review! I definitely recognize that soda, too!