Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!
Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!
Brand History: The Juan Lopez brand is a hidden gem within the world of Cuban cigars. Founded in the 1870s, this brand has a rich history of producing exceptional cigars that often fly under the radar compared to some of the more prominent Cuban brands. Despite its relatively low profile, Juan Lopez has gained a loyal following among cigar aficionados who appreciate its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Vitola Specifications:
- Name: Juan Lopez No.1
- Size: Grand Corona (5.6 inches x 46mm ring gauge)
- Wrapper: Cuban
- Binder: Cuban
- Filler: Cuban
- Strength: Light to Medium
- Production: Handmade
Tasting Notes:
Pre light: A lot of cedar and fruity vanilla note. Beautiful Colorado claro wrapper at a grand corona size. I love the longer thinner ring gauge cigars, preferable to the trendy fat ring gauges popular today.
First Third: The initial draw of the Juan Lopez No.1 greets the palate with a burst of rich earthiness and toasted wood notes. Upon lighting up there is a spicy cream with hints of pepper and cedar. The draw is on the tighter side but burn is even and no canoeing. This guy has a couple years of age on it so looking forward to what unfolds. There’s an underlying creaminess that provides a smooth start to the smoking experience. After the first half an inch the flavor transitions into a creamy spicy nutty tone with floral and citrus undertones. the aroma is herby and vegetal. Vey unique. Ton of earthiness/ vegetable note with a spiciness of white pepper coming off the aroma and delighting the senses. The flavor is starting to mellow out into a more delicate flavor profile of floral, vegetal, and herbal nots. The cigar exhibits a gentle spice that adds complexity without overwhelming the senses. The smoke production is generous, coating the mouth with flavors of roasted nuts and a subtle hint of citrus or orange. Strength is light to medium and end of first third is very earthy with a nice citrus note.
Second Third: As the cigar progresses into the second third, the flavors continue to evolve. The woody notes deepen, taking on a more pronounced cedar character, while the creaminess persists, providing a delightful contrast to the woodiness. The spice remains present, but it transforms into a more nuanced white pepper, adding an invigorating zing to the profile. The cigar’s construction shines at this point, offering a consistently smooth draw and an even burn. I can start to taste some nuttiness and chocolate along with a nice citrus note. The earthiness and floral notes still linger on the palate but are not the main show. A nice orange chocolate note is now prominent with a creamy and smooth retrohale that has a touch of pepper. The aroma changes to more pepper, vanilla, and cedar. After the first half the cigar transitions to a nice honey sweetness that combines with the citrus and chocolate note. The honey graham cracker note stats to take the forefront with similar earthy and veggie undertones as before. Brilliant nuances that are unique to Juan Lopez with some age in y experience. Similar to a nice HDM epicure no.2 and a Ramon Allones specially selected. The second third ends in a sweet honey graham cracker note that has a slight chocolate and citrus note.
Final Third: In the final third, the Juan Lopez No.1 develops a delightful crescendo of flavors. The cedar notes from earlier intensify, offering a satisfying blend of earthy and slightly sweet honey woody elements. The same chocolate and orange note returns in and out with that nice Cuban twang. The last third is unbelievable and is in my opinion the best. There is a nice creamy honey note that continues to perpetuate my palate and the retro hale. The spice settles until the very end. The pepper gains strength but maintains its balanced character, contributing to a pleasantly warming finish. 1qaThe aroma is like honey baked goods with a little bit of baking spices. Overall construction has been phenomenal and burn has been perfect even with some damage to the wrapper. The cigar’s body and strength build as well, providing a robust yet never overpowering experience that aficionados of medium-light cigars will appreciate. The last part of the cigar is very reminiscent an aged RASS with more sweetness and citrus. The strength evolves into a medium and ends with lots of spicy vanilla note. Honestly its hard which to pick this or its little brother the no.2
Food and Drink Pairings: To complement the flavors of the Juan Lopez No.1, consider pairing it with a well-aged single malt Scotch whisky. The smoky and peaty notes of the whisky can harmonize beautifully with the woody and spicy characteristics of the cigar. Additionally, a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can enhance the cigar’s cocoa undertones and provide a delightful contrast to the pepper spice. I also paired this with a cold Hatsu tea infused with mangosteen. If you have ever been to Colombia I highly recommend you try it! Perfect compliment to the delicate and herby flavors of the cigar. Green tea with some honey would go well too!
Rating: 94/100 The Juan Lopez No.1 Cuban Cigar is a testament to the brand’s history of quality and craftsmanship. With its complex flavor profile, excellent construction, and well-balanced strength, this cigar is a standout choice for both seasoned aficionados and those looking to explore the world of premium Cuban cigars. Its evolution of flavors from the first third to the last showcases the careful blending and attention to detail that makes Juan Lopez a name worth seeking out in the realm of fine cigars.
Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!
Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!