Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2

The draw usually offers just the right amount of resistance once you clip the cap. Right away, you get a distinct hit of woodiness, specifically fresh Spanish cedar. There is a sweetness underneath that reminds me of roasting nuts, perhaps almonds or hazelnuts. It produces thick, white smoke immediately, setting a relaxed pace from the first puff. The burn line tends to correct itself quickly if it starts uneven, showing the quality of the construction. You will notice the aroma is fragrant and floral, filling the room with a scent that is unmistakably Cuban.

As the burn line progresses past the first inch, the texture of the smoke gets creamier and denser. The cedar takes a half-step back to let notes of cocoa powder and dried fruit come forward. You might notice a subtle earthiness grounding the profile, but it never gets gritty or harsh. The strength stays firmly in the medium range, making it very approachable without losing your interest. A hint of sweet spice, similar to nutmeg, begins to tickle the back of the throat. This is the sweet spot of the cigar where all the flavors seem to hum in unison.

Approaching the band, the heat picks up slightly and intensifies the spice. That sweet spice mentioned earlier turns into something more like cinnamon bark or white pepper. It remains smooth until the nub, avoiding the bitterness that plagues lesser sticks. The finish leaves a lasting impression of toasted wood and leather on the palate. The body thickens up here, providing a satisfying weight to every puff. You can smoke this down until your fingers burn because it refuses to turn sour.

Juan Lopez is a brand that has survived since the 1870s largely due to a loyal following rather than aggressive advertising. For a long time, the Seleccion No. 2 was available almost exclusively in cabinets of 50 without bands, making it a true connoisseur's choice known only to those in the know. Since 2005, they have sported the red and gold bands we see today, yet they remain a cult favorite produced alongside Partagas. It is a brand that has managed to maintain its identity despite the turbulent history of the region.

- Whiskey: Balvenie DoubleWood - The sherry cask finish of the scotch pulls out the dried fruit and sweet spice notes hidden in the tobacco.

- Coffee: Turkish coffee - The intense, unfiltered nature of the coffee stands up to the medium body while cutting through the creamy texture of the smoke.

This is the cigar for someone who wants the complexity of an Epicure No. 2 but with a bit more backbone and less hype. It fits perfectly into a mid-afternoon slot or as a starter for a long evening of smoking. Beginners can handle this easily, while veterans will appreciate the nuance and the fact that it ages incredibly well.