Juan Lopez is one of those marcas that flies under the radar. It has been around for a long time and delivering solid cigars for those in the know. This is the first time Juan Lopez was used to produce an Edicion Regional.
The Obus is a Pyramide size (52 x 140mm) regional Edicion for the French market. It was released quietly in 2006 and again in 2007.
I never heard much about these so I am going into this cigar without any expectations or preconceived ideas, which is good.
Pre light:
The construction is good and solid. There aren’t any weak or soft spots anywhere. The capa is tight and seems solid. The feet is full of sweet smelling tobacco. I usually give torpedoes an angled cut to direct the smoke to my palate. When I draw the unlit cigar I get light Cuban tobacco flavors. Lighter than I usually get.
1st
Right at the start I get toasted bread. I love to get that at first because it says the cigar will only get better and more complex. It sits at medium-light body and it fits like a tailored suit. This is shaping up nicely. There is ample amount of smoke that produces a short and dry after taste. It suits this cigar. I get red fruits in the back like prune or peaches but something light. When I retro-hale I get splendid notes of vanilla and to my delight, there isn’t any aggressive flavors usually associated with a young cigar.
2nd
We are still at light medium body with this cigar and the burn is surgical. No relight, no touch up, just a straight burn. The second third is great. The flavors are similar. Toasted bread and vanilla but well defined. I’m impressed with how complex and delicate this cigar is turning out to be. This a perfect first cigar for those nights when you know you will have 3-4 cigars. This will get you going nicely without killing your palate.
3rd
I can taste some coffee beans sneaking in this cigar. The body is also picking some steam and it is now rightfully presenting itself at a solid medium body. I get that clean, dry and smooth finish I had the beginning as if I just lighted it. This cigars has 7 years on it and let me say that you can tell. I think this cigar is starting to touch it’s full potential. For the next 3-5 years, I believe these will be amazing. The Obus (translates to shells, like mortar shells) is a good cigar to be discovered. Pick one up and save it for when it will be one of those cigars nights and start the night with.
Also, if you are like me and you are holding on to anything you only have one single of, please do yourself a favor and smoke this one. You can thank me later.
8.5/10
This cigar was purchased here:
http://lacasadelhabanomontreal.com
