Juan Lopez Selección No.2 ??? ABR 22 (MQRW)

[Low]

Bought this from 24:24 as a 1/4 box so I have no idea of the factory code. I have sampled a few throughout the years, but they were always given to me and enjoyed with company so remembering the flavors is truly impossible. After I started collecting a few months back, decided to grab a 1/4 box to see about getting a full box or two.

Almost perfect wrapper that smells of sour chocolate and toasted hay. Went with a straight cut, draw was tight so I poked around the foot with a Perfec Draw, and it opens up perfectly. This tool has saved enough cigars to be a worthwhile investment, as I'm sure many of us around here already know. Paired with ice water. 

First 3rd - Dark cherries, creaminess, but deep down there's some orange. Finish is lightly chocolate. Burn is perfect, but I wish there was a higher smoke output. Body is light to medium and I can't really comment on strength, since I also vape on path to quitting all inhaled nicotine. 

Second 3rd - Pairing this with ice water has brought out something interesting, roasted peanut shells. Every time I take a sip, it blasts me with it. Otherwise, it's still a dark cherry and chocolate party. Finish is less enjoyable now as it's gone a bit bitter, but the body has gained momentum, settling firmly into medium.

Final 3rd - Cherry has gotten lighter, chocolate has gotten stronger, and the orange has come back slightly. Finish at this point is something I can't pinpoint, only word that comes to mind is Zesty.

Smoke time was exactly one hour. It required zero touchups and the construction was comparable to anything on earth, as it was a perfectly built cigar. This was honestly a very boring experience. I know they are very young, but the core flavors just aren't all that enticing. The local blender I've talked about on here a few times nails this exact same flavor profile at almost 1:1, while also being medium-full. The remaining 5 will lay down for a long time because I have no desire to return. 

6/10 - It would've been an even 5, but the construction was immaculate. Other than that, this was a perfectly average smoke, nothing unenjoyable and nothing that stood out.