Welcome to our first cigar blog, a monthly blog to review the latest and greatest
cigars from beginner to aficionado.
Each month we will write to you about a cigar of our choosing so you can really get to know the cigars by the people that smoke them and join us in the lounge for one too!
What to expect from this blog: Honest and open reviews of our cigars, along with
potential whisky pairings for the cigars we sample and review. The ultimate experience is what we aim to provide you from reading this blog, so come on down to Cask23 and let us take care of your cigar (and dram!) needs.
Cuban cigar reviews will be split into the characteristic 1st, 2nd, final third of the cigar due to the changes in complexity and flavour profiles.
New world cigars will be reviewed as the first half and second half.
Cigar: Juan Lopez No. 1
Year: 2023
Length: 5 5/8"
Ring Gauge: 46
Strength: Medium to Full
Single Vitola: Corona Gordas
Estimated Smoking Time: 45 Minutes
Founded in the 1870s by Spanish businessman Juan Lopez Diaz, the Juan Lopez cigars offer a balance of elegance and complexity to cigar aficionados worldwide.
Let us begin.
The wrapper was simply stunning, with an oily sheen to it. Smooth and unblemished
with subtle veins running through the leaf. Upon cutting the dry draw was highly woody with early notes to it. There was some resistance in the draw however this is usually taken care of once the cigar is lit and warms up well.
1st third:
Upon lighting the first few puffs were full of fresh, light and floral notes. A very easy and gentle few puffs indeed. The retro hale was smooth and easy, from here I could detect the freshness of these floral notes. There was a tiny bit of spice, but nothing too demanding at all.. The cedar sweetness came through wonderfully and this would be a great pairing with a Speyside single malt. The light fruity and floral aroma of the scotch would complement this element of the cigar very well – one to try for sure if you’re reading this!
2nd third:
As you proceed with the Juan Lopez No. 1 the body of smoke becomes heavier. This is the smoke feel on the palate. A deeper richness begins to coat the palate and what was once a floral and light feel has rapidly changed into a deeper caramel flavour as you move into the 2nd third of the cigar. Here is where I believe the magic of this cigar really happens, the draw has now opened along with a cedar sweetness and caramel richness working its way deeper. For those reasons id really say a sherry barrel matured whisky is the perfect pairing for this part of the cigar. You need that sweetness to cut through the spice and earthiness on the palate!
Final third:
The final aspects of this cigar remind me why it is truly the aficionado’s cigar and not for the faint hearted or beginner. A spicier retro hale now hits with hints cardamom and star anise – yes that specific! This is followed by a very heavy body of smoke on the palate driven by a deeper earthy flavour.
This is truly now a full-bodied cigar, or rather has developed into just that. Personally, I’d recommend this to the cigar smoker who is used to the usual cigar portfolio and got a feel for their flavour profile. It will absolutely slow you down and get you thinking about the flavours you detect.
Until next time aficionados.
Cask23 Team.
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