Juan Lopez Obus - SML AGO 06 Revisited

GP012 · August 6, 2008

Last time I did a review on this box was July 07. I smoked several in the later stages of 2007, but tonight's was the first in a while. Dryboxed for three days prior.

I don't think I've had a bad Obus yet. They keep getting better and better, which is to be expected. I absolutely love the smooth, clean finish on these cigars, and tonight's was no exception. An hour or so after the fact, and I can still taste the sweet cream.

Initial light was heavy on nuts & caramel. However, the burn was uneven and did not correct itself until the last third. I decided to light the "runt of the litter" so to say, the one at the bottom of the bundle with the indentation from the ribbon. No effect on draw whatsoever. In fact, the ergonomic shape wasn't too bad after all. Very slightly similar feeling in hand to a culebra, but not anywhere near as pronounced.

Medium body in the first third, still picking up on caramel, but undertones of herbal & woody notes. Plenty of smooth, silky smoke throughout.

Disappointed in the ash, not nearly as firm as the past few. First specimen, the ash lasted almost until I nubbed it. Previous examples have been able to stand on their own, not this one unfortunately.

Beginning of the second third I'm starting to pick up on the pepper that Tampa mentioned in his review. Seems to lurk in the background, but never fully comes into itself. Still tasting honey on the finish.

These have definitely gotten better with time. Gone is the youthful, green undertones I've experienced last year. As ridiculous as it sounds, there are similarities to cheesecake at the middle.

The pepper begins to show itself near the last third, but in a good way. Definitely noticeable through the nose. Finish is impeccable, and easily my favorite attribute about these cigars. I normally drink a glass of water when smoking, although I have been experimenting with champagne and cava pairings lately. Rarely did I reach for the water.

Ken would be proud of my notes... err, scribble.

All in all, an excellent smoke. I'm not one to judge whether these will be "classics", but they certainly are a favorite of mine. Would be curious to see how the 07 re-releases compare.

90/91, points deducted due to uneven burn.