Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016
by Staff
£31.99
Reviewed by Kevin Schonhaut ( October 2000)
No need to describe the appearance of the cigars again here. The cigar's pre-lit aroma was very subtle, enough to allow me to detect that there was, indeed something under my nose. When first applying a flame to the foot, there was a hint of mild spice. I had in my hand a very rich and complex single malt with strong, rather than subtle hints of chocolate, butterscotch and stewed fruit. With the first puff of smoke from the Juan Lopez No. 2, it was clear that the cigar was not going to be able to hold up against the onslaught of flavor offered by the scotch. I laid the drink aside and slowly tried to get a sense of the cigars character.
What can I say? Despite a perfect burn and draw, my first cigar was as bland as my brother's. It was like going to the beach and hearing the radio play on someone else's sand dune. It was like the sound of a train in the distance. It was like some neighbor down the block was burning leaves in his back yard. A couple of times, I sipped again at the scotch, just to remind myself that I still had a sense of taste and could still detect an aroma. The only appropriate beverage to accompany the first cigar would have been a glass of water. Out of sheer boredom, I left the last inch and a half unsmoked and then went inside to snatch another brand of cigar from the humidor.
I rested the remaining cigars in my humidor and tried the second one five days later. It was a beautiful, sunny Wednesday morning and I had just finished breakfast and filled a second cup of coffee. Things were very different this time around. The cigar was very enjoyable, with hints of cedar, honey, coffee (maybe that was because of the accompanying beverage) and white pepper. I did find myself relighting the cigar a few times. By the time I reached the last inch and a half, the strength had picked up considerably. I smoked the cigar until I could no long hold it between the edges of my fingernails. I was left with a sweet, nutty aftertaste that was very satisfying.
On the following Sunday morning, (again after breakfast with coffee) I smoked the third cigar and the experience was very much like the second one. After the first inch or so, I laid the cigar down and went inside the house and opened all the windows leading to the back yard. I turned on the stereo, put on a Beny Moré CD and cranked up the volume. Returning outside, I just smoked the cigar and savored the moment. My neighbor told me I was the picture of contentment. My wife asked me how soon I would begin to clean the house.
In summation, despite having started out with what was probably a 'sick' cigar, I found the Juan Lopez No. 2 cigars to be thoroughly enjoyable mild to medium smokes with a sweet, woodsy, nutty character and a substantial kick delivered at the end. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in this taste test experience.
