Today I have the pleasure of reviewing one of my favourite cigar sizes, a Corona Gordas. The cigar is a Seleccion No. 1 from Juan Lopez from a Cabinet from 2011.
THE BRAND – JUAN LOPEZ
The Juan Lopez marca is often overlooked as they’re portfolio is not as vast as other Cuban brands. Since it’s inspection only around 10 different known vitolas have been produced in regular production. The brand was founded in the 1870’s by a Spanish businessman of the same name. When Señor Juan Lopez Diaz passed away in 1900, the company was sold to a private firm called Cose del Peso y Cia. The cigars were manufactured by this company until the Revolution.
The Seleccion No. 1 was first released into the market in the 1990s. Until about 2005, the cigars came without a band.
It’s one of the brands that I find very consistent in flavour and tobacco blend.
ABOUT THE CIGAR – SELECCION NO. 1 from 2011
BOX DATE: 2012
SIZE: 46 X 5.6 inches.
FACTORY NAME: Coronas Gordas
The cigar I am tasting now has a bit of age on it being from 2012. It was aged in the same humidor it’s whole life, therefore, there wasn’t too much variances in the humidity and temperature that would affect the construction and integrity of the cigar.
1st Part
It has a delicious taste right off the bat! I would describe it as a smooth rich espresso flavour. Extremely enjoyable. After a few puffs, I am getting notes of peanuts, and even a sweet crème brule taste on the palette.
2nd Part
Intensity level remains solid, flavors remain the same. There is a creaminess in the mouth on this cigar which pairs beautifully with this mezzo latte from Baristello coffee!
3rd Part
Last 3rd, getting the very familiar peanut peel flavors now. Creaminess is at full blast. Intensity has remained the same, I would have expected it to get alittle stronger towards the end but it didn’t
SUMMARY
I very much enjoyed this cigar. Perhaps because they are not so popular, the rollers can stay true to their blend. The 8 years of age on it certainly enhanced the experience. Some of the more recent Seleccion No. 1 show similar flavours, more without the smoothness and depth on the palette.
SCORE
9/10
PAIRING SUGGESTION:
– Espresso, or espresso based drinks. Even a tasty Espresso Martini would fit up very nicely!
– An aged rhum that carries more of a woody flavour, such as an El Dorado 15 year.
– A beer stout would pair up nicely with this cigar as they would compliment each other very well.
Thank you for reading!
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