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Christmas Corona Gordas, Day 11: Juan Lopez Seleccion No.1

Two days left until the Little Christmas, the day that was meant to be the last one of this series of reviews. However, I will not break the tradition and I will extend it by a day in order to review a special cigar. Two years ago it was the Partagas D4 Reserva along with the robustos, last year it was the Dunhill Malecon along with the lonsdales, so this year I had to find a corona gorda. And I have just found it. David Mc Grane from JJ Fox was kind enough to part company with one of his favourite cigars, that he treasures for over 4 decades; a 1971 Punch Nectares No.2! I am excited and already drooling with the thoughts of getting to try one of these legendary cigars later on this week. But enough with the drooling, there is some unfinished business that needs to be taken care of. Two “common” corona gordas are left to be reviewed on the menu for tonight is the Juan Lopez Seleccion No.1.

Juan Lopez is a brand that is often overlooked at, but they have produced some remarkable cigars over the last few years. The Selection No.1 and No.2 can be fantastic, unless you experience construction problems that seem to be common within the brand. The Seleccion No.1, along with the No.2, was released in the early 90’s and is today one of the three remaining vitolas of the marca. It is only available in cabinets of 25, while the cabinets of 50 were discontinued a few years ago. I haven’t smoked enough No.1’s to have a thorough opinion, but I have high hopes on this stick.

The wrapper on this No.1 has a beautiful red colorado shade and it is so oily that it looks like it is glowing! It is smooth and silky on touch, with very few veins and a couple of blotches around the foot. A large white water spot sticks out like a sore thumb, but it has not cracked or affected the wrapper in any way. The cigar is spongy on both ends, but firm in the middle and the cap is rounded and well applied. The prelight draw is perfect, with sweet, nutty flavours, while fruity aromas emanate from the wrapper and the foot of the cigar.

Sweet woody and nutty flavours are the first ones to show up after a couple of drags in the Selection No.1. However, a few minutes later, I encounter a barrage of rich and sweet flavours; chestnuts, honey, cappuccino, vanilla and some leather, all in good balance and depth. The body is medium and the cigar produces clouds of thick and creamy smoke that you can almost chew on!

On the second third the Selection No.1 changes flavours. Earth and wood, along with leather and caramel are now the dominant flavours. The body is a little stronger now, but still medium and the finish is long and oaky. The cigar burns nice and evenly, the combustion is good, and the ash has a dark grey colour, a flaky texture and stays on the cigar until it reaches about an inch in length. Although it is not the most complex cigar ever, it is really enjoyable so far.

Smoking into the last third and the Seleccion No.1 is now medium to full body and the flavours are richer. Still plenty of leather, earth and caramel, with undertones of coffee, nuts and a touch of white pepper. The cigar gets slightly hot if you smoke it quick, but if you pace yourself it shows no harshness or bitterness at all. The smoke is not as buttery as on the first two thirds, but has still enough volume. The burn is a little uneven, but with a little TLC it gets back to normal. The flavours are satisfying right to the butt and I smoked this cigar to the point that I could no longer hold it.

This time I hit the jackpot! The Juan Lopez Seleccion No.1 was a great one and hit the spot. No tight draws, no major burn issues, this stick smoked like a dream. It showed enough complexity, balance and richness, with a good combination of sweet, smooth and earthy flavours. Without blowing my socks off, it managed to keep me interested by evolving and transforming from the first to the last draw. This is a hidden gem that can be smoked fresh but will also age very well. The construction issues seem to have been taken care of in the recent productions so try it and you wont regret it! 5 stars for the corona gorda of Juan Lopez and a solid 92 points.

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