Together with the Seleccin No. 1, these are undeniablly the two best cigars from Juan Lopez. These cigars have propelled Juan Lopez from a 2nd class manufacturer into the league of great cigar makers. The “robusto size” smoker will really appreciate this cigar.
Review #115: APR 18 I’m very happy with how this box is going along, if this particular sample is representative of the box. It everything that I want and would usually expect from a JL2. Very nicely constructed, a slightly snug draw that made me work for the flavours but stopped well short of being a chore to smoke. Straight medium bodied with a lovely barnyard aroma coming from the foot all the way down.Flavours of unsweetened fruit shortcake biscuit with a touch of gingerbread spice in the background. I’ll still assert the The JL2 is an underappreciated gem in The HSA catalogue, I’ve always found to be very dependable. – Submitted by Vortigan on May 5, 2024
Review #114: APR 17 Not a beautiful cigar, but original and cubanesque. Draw was tight, too tight. Had to use my cigar tool. First third was woody, woody throughout but most evident in the first third. Second third was much more interesting. Baked goods and mocha coming on now. Final third added nutmeg. Just when I thought this cigar was going to get more intense, it mellowed out. Not entirely unpleasant but very odd. Almost perfect razor sharp burn. 18th cigar out of this box. I am on the fence about reordering another box. I’m leaning towards No, unless this cigar greatly improves. I prefer the selection #1 to this cigar. Much better Robustos than this cigar IMO. – Submitted by Gpayne on January 23, 2022
Review #113: APR 13 Reached for one of these the other night and boy was I ever glad I did! Coming up on 7 years of age now and they must be at their peak, I can’t imagine them ageing much better. Sweet citrus and nuts against a backdrop of sweet woods and a touch of coffee. I’d go as far as to say that this was right up there with one of the best cigar experiences I’ve had. The only downside was that I really wanted this to be a finger burner but the flavours sadly died on me at about three quarters of an inch out. I take nothing away from it for that, however, and this has to be a 97/98. Now I have to decide, do I put them back to deep sleep in the hope of even better things to come or do I wade in while they’re at what may very well be the crest of their wave, as it were. It’s a nice dilemma to have. – Submitted by Vortigan on February 21, 2020
Review #112: Got some from a friend. Holy smokes!!! Where to start; cold draw is peppery with some of that famous Cuban hay. Smell of the wrapper is divine like barnyard, hay, and chocolate. I’m bad at picking up on flavor “progressions” as far as 1st 2nd and 3rd 3rds go, but I will say there’s a little oak, leather, nutmeg, and robust yet smooth tobacco earthiness. Great draw and razor sharp burn. Takes me about an hour to smoke one. It never disappoints – Submitted by KingPartagas on June 10, 2019
Review #111: JUN 16 Medium to full body. Dark soil, peaty, meaty Cuban tobacco. Impeccable burn. This is one great Robusto, and IMO one of the great Cubano cigars. – Submitted by wmpevans on March 9, 2019