Juan Lopez No2 (late 2008)

[whisky77]

Juan Lopez No 2 (Late 2008 vintage).

Ring gauge 50,124mm in the length.

Appearance; the wrapper was of good quality, the colour of the cigars is a nice Colorado shade and the condition of the cigars was first class, as it should be for a late 2008 vintage. On opening the box the aroma is a strong, deep and rich tobacco smell.

Construction; Juan Lopez have improved the construction of their cigars (especially the larger RG cigars) over the past 4 or 5 years and these cigars are now on a par with the likes of Partagas and Hoyo de Monterrey in their construction.

Taste; full bodied. Initially there are strong hints of rich woody/cedar taste and the cigars appear full strength right from the start. The Juan Lopez No 2 is still more mellow and smoother than some of the Bolivars, but full strength none the less. Because the cigars are so young my only criticism would be that another year in the humidor would benefit the cigars and make them even more mellow and enjoyable than at present.

Summary; Very enjoyable smoke and an improvement on the cigars produced by the company in years gone past. Although it does not have the spiciness of the Partagas SD4 (of which I am a fan), in my opinion this is a better all round smoke due to its mellower taste and its ability to still retain that full bodied strength. Often forgotten and underrated by many cigar smokers, this has to be in the top 5 of the Cuban Robusto vitola. As stated previously JL cigars do age well and another six months/year would make these absolutely outstanding.

Score; I would rate this as 8.5/10.

[Robusto]

Very detailed review, Whisky.

I've only ever smoked one Juan Lopez and it was this very cigar. It was rich, consistent and memorable, and I passed a good 90 minutes or so in its company.

[whisky77]

JL No2

Thanks for the feedback Robusto.As i said, they appear to slip by most cigar smokers in favour of the better recognised brands, but they are not to be written off.Offer me a box of Partagas SD No4 or a box of the JL No2 and i will go for the JL;no question about it.

[TJCoro]

I nominate senor Whiskey for Resident Reviewer!

Thanks for the feedback Robusto.As i said, they appear to slip by most cigar smokers in favour of the better recognised brands, but they are not to be written off.Offer me a box of Partagas SD No4 or a box of the JL No2 and i will go for the JL;no question about it.

Nice review, Mr. Whiskey. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. You are fast becoming the premier forum reviewer.

I currently have a box of the JL No. 2s resting comfortably in my humi (I'm at the office so I can't confirm the box date, but I believe they are a bit young). I have smoked several and find them a respectable smoke, but a wee bit overwhelming at the moment. A year or two in the humidor should vastly improve this puro.

I agree that the JL 2 has been flying under the radar for some time, which unfortunately was the subject of a very lengthy thread at another well known, but way less cool, cigar forum . As a result, interest in this puro grew, supply was quickly gobbled up, and the price began to increase at some vendors.

I believe, however, that the initial interest in this puro has ebbed a bit, making them more available to the aficionados who know a fine puro with good potential when they see/smoke it.

Names TJ, TJCoro, and sometimes I just say stuff.

[Robusto]

they appear to slip by most cigar smokers in favour of the better recognised brands

Juan Lopez. San Crisotobel. Trinidad.

I've only come to these three because of recommendations by people on this forum, and in the case of two of them, only in the last month!

Goes to show that a thoughtful review can really educate a stogieman's tastes and get him to play away from the better-known smokes' star billing.

[Mr Moore]

Another mouth watering review, whiskey.

[whisky77]

Mike Tyson!!

Nice review, Mr. Whiskey. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. You are fast becoming the premier forum reviewer.

I currently have a box of the JL No. 2s resting comfortably in my humi (I'm at the office so I can't confirm the box date, but I believe they are a bit young). I have smoked several and find them a respectable smoke, but a wee bit overwhelming at the moment. A year or two in the humidor should vastly improve this puro.

I agree that the JL 2 has been flying under the radar for some time, which unfortunately was the subject of a very lengthy thread at another well known, but way less cool, cigar forum . As a result, interest in this puro grew, supply was quickly gobbled up, and the price began to increase at some vendors.

I believe, however, that the initial interest in this puro has ebbed a bit, making them more available to the aficionados who know a fine puro with good potential when they see/smoke it.

Names TJ, TJCoro, and sometimes I just say stuff.

Completely agree TJ, the fact that there is less marketing carried out by Habanos on certain brands only means that people in the know are going to pick up on the little gems which remain undiscovered, and hopefully spread the word.I reckon if you could find a box of these from 2006/2007 then they would be exceptional.

I understand what you mean when you mention them being overpowering, I smoked another this morning after a light breakfast and it`s like getting hit by Mike Tyson, but in an enjoyable way.

[whisky77]

Cheers.

Another mouth watering review, whiskey.

Cheers for the feedback Mr Moore, we aim to please.

[whisky77]

Anorak.

they appear to slip by most cigar smokers in favour of the better recognised brands

Juan Lopez. San Crisotobel. Trinidad.

I've only come to these three because of recommendations by people on this forum, and in the case of two of them, only in the last month!

Goes to show that a thoughtful review can really educate a stogieman's tastes and get him to play away from the better-known smokes' star billing.

One of the things I do enjoy is reading peoples feedback and thoughts on particular brands and vitolas, and then comparing them against my own.I would never previously have entertained the thought of going for the Trinidads, but after the feedback i have seen on UKCF over the past week i am now going to try them out.

I have of course based my decision on the fact that i know some of the guys on here are as big in the cigar anorak department as i am, and do know what they are talking about.It`s a win/win situation as far as i can see, as the knowledge and experience is spread between the various members.

[Stevieboy]

Thanks for the feedback Robusto.As i said, they appear to slip by most cigar smokers in favour of the better recognised brands, but they are not to be written off.Offer me a box of Partagas SD No4 or a box of the JL No2 and i will go for the JL;no question about it.

I only recently sampled a JL#2 and it was first class. You're right about it being overlooked but it seems to be a favourite amongst long-time 'users'

[whisky77]

JL2

And long may it continue stevieboy.

[cohibaIV]

Great review mate.....really enjoyed reading your comments..

I have always loved the JL #2... and there are always some in my Humi....

In fact, time has come around for one to have the back end smoked out of it....

Cheers Amigos

[whisky77]

JL#2

Cheers for that, you sound like a man on a mission Cohiba IV, go for it!!

[larrysputnik]

If CohibaIV digs these cigars, then I am really missing out. I shall order a box right away. Anyone want to go in on Padron 1926s while I'm at it?

[TJCoro]

1964 Anniversary ranked 95 in recent CA mag!

If CohibaIV digs these cigars, then I am really missing out. I shall order a box right away. Anyone want to go in on Padron 1926s while I'm at it?

...got a problem with the 1964s, mate?