Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1 - MTS FEB 20 (OYMRW2)

[Ites]

 

So when the wife left around 18:30 I decided I wanted a cigar while I read my book. I've been holding off of enjoying my second JL1 (same box) I bought a while back to let this last one rest a bit longer. I wanted something "big" and unfortunately I am running low on that category so I ended up lighting this as of around 19:00. It's Sunday, my last week at the current job starts tomorrow so all kinds of mumbojumbo with transferring tasks and knowledge is going on.

 

But right now I just want to relax. It does cross my mind that this week is "big" vitola category in the review competition so I end up trying to figure out if my chosen cigar fits the requirements and if the reward is even something I would want (yes I know, that's now why one should do the review and all but honestly I did check so this was my experience). I live in a rainy, windy and cold climate and generally prefer thin vitola. This coronas gordas at 46 x 143 (5 1/8) is in my upper limit and It is currently one of only three cigars above 42 ring gauge I consider keeping in rotation.

 

I go for a punch cut, but find the draw a little tight (I'm being picky today) so I go in with a deep drill with perfect draw which helps.

 

Construction overall and burn is great, no complaints. During the first third I'm thinking hard about the flavour, and I must say I does remind me of blackcurrant. I'm not sure it's the flavour in itself that does it but it reminds me of the love/hate feeling I have with these specific berries. It's definitely dark berry, but blackberry, blueberry, aronia or cherry doesn't quite fit the bill. During the second third I get reminded I've had this feeling with certain tawny(barrel aged) port. Then it hits me. I wonder if my mind is primed by@CaptainQuintero guide to marca flavour. Or maybe its just that the guide is so spot on with what the marca can offer.. Either which way, this specific cigar fits the description given and here I am, an hour and forty minutes later, thinking this might pass the test and be one of only two cigars above 44 ring gauge I intend to keep in stock.

 

I'd rate this specific specimen at 4/5.

 

[Chas.Alpha]

Love the JL 1!

[ChuckMangione]

Nice review. I just finished one and agree with the dark berry flavor. I don’t have the most refined palate but I feel like it was a kind of raisin taste. Very enjoyable. Thanks for sharing

[MrBirdman]

Nice review. Love the JL1 - maybe the best cigar to pair with a good port. 

[CaptainQuintero]

  Great review and thanks for the kind words!

  I love it when you get a cigar like this; you're chasing the flavours the whole time, almost catching them only for them to be off again just beyond your grasp. It can either be a lot of fun or it gets serious as you delve deeper and deeper trying to pin them down, love it!

[Chibearsv]

JL 1 will always be in my inventory.  Love em