Description
Why the Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 Deserves More Attention
Look, I’m just going to say it: the Juan Lopez line is one of the most underrated marques coming out of Cuba. And the Seleccion No. 2? This is the cigar that reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban tobacco in the first place. I picked up my first box during a trip to Havana back in – I think it was 2007? Maybe 2008. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that first smoke on the Malecon, watching the waves crash while this beautifully constructed torpedo opened up with flavors I still remember today.
Here’s the thing – while everyone’s chasing Cohibas and Montecristos, the Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 sits there quietly being absolutely fantastic. This is a cigar that showcases what Cuban craftsmanship is really about: balance, evolution, and that unmistakable terroir from the Vuelta Abajo region. If you’re looking for a mild-to-medium smoke with complexity that keeps you guessing, you need to experience this. And I know this sounds dramatic, but some of my best cigar memories involve this exact vitola.
The Juan Lopez Story: Cuba’s Best-Kept Secret
The Juan Lopez brand doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves, and honestly? I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about it. Founded way back in the 1870s – we’re talking serious cigar history here – Juan Lopez built a reputation for quality blending before most of the “premium” brands you see today even existed. Thing is, after the Cuban Revolution, the brand went quiet for a while. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that Habanos S.A. brought it back with serious intent.
The Seleccion No. 2 represents what this marca does best: elegant construction, smooth flavor development, and that creamy character that makes Cuban tobacco so special. This isn’t a cigar trying to punch you in the face with strength. It’s sophisticated, measured, and – I’ll be honest with you – it’s become my go-to recommendation when someone asks me about “the next step” beyond their usual rotation.
What makes this stick special? The tobacco selection, for one. We’re talking prime Vuelta Abajo leaves – that legendary growing region in Pinar del Río province where the soil and climate create something you literally cannot replicate anywhere else. The wrapper has this gorgeous, silky texture that feels premium the moment you pick it up. And the filler blend? It’s complex enough to keep seasoned smokers interested but approachable enough for someone stepping up from milder offerings.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Torpedo |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Long Filler Blend |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 70-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Light to Final Draw
Okay, so here’s where this cigar really shines. The cold draw – before you even light it – gives you hints of what’s coming. I get cedar right away, that classic Cuban aroma that smells like walking into a proper humidor. There’s a subtle sweetness too, almost honeyed, with some hay notes in the background.
First third: The initial flavors come at you gently. No joke, this is one of the smoothest light-ups I’ve experienced in the Cuban portfolio. You get creamy cedar dominating, with some light coffee notes underneath – not espresso, more like a latte with good milk. The construction is typically excellent; Juan Lopez rollers know what they’re doing. The draw is effortless, and the burn line stays razor-sharp without any touch-ups. The ash? Beautiful light gray, holds for a solid inch before you need to flick it.
And the wrapper – oh man, the wrapper – it’s got this oily sheen that tells you the tobacco was aged properly. You can taste it in that first third: smooth, refined, with just enough pepper on the retrohale to remind you this is Cuban tobacco, not some bland Connecticut shade leaf.
Second third is where things get interesting. The creaminess stays, but now you’re getting more complexity layered in. I pick up toasted almonds – wait, no, more like hazelnuts. I always mix those up. The coffee notes deepen slightly, and there’s this leather quality that starts coming through. Not heavy, overpowering leather, but more like the smell of a well-worn leather chair in a gentleman’s club. Real talk: this middle section is why I keep coming back to this cigar. The balance between the mild character and developing flavors is just chef’s kiss perfect.
The pepper comes and goes in waves. Sometimes it’s there on the retrohale, sometimes it backs off completely. That unpredictability? That’s Cuban tobacco doing what it does best – keeping you engaged, making you pay attention to what you’re smoking.
Final third – and here’s where some mild-to-medium cigars fall apart, getting harsh or bitter – the Seleccion No. 2 maintains its composure beautifully. The strength builds just slightly, maybe pushing into solid medium territory, but never aggressive. The cedar comes back stronger now, mixing with earth tones and a hint of dark chocolate. The aroma is incredible at this point; my buddy Carlos from the cigar club always says this final third smells better than some cigars taste.
I’ve smoked dozens of these over the years, and the consistency is impressive. Sure, you’ll get the occasional draw issue – it’s Cuban, they’re hand-rolled, variations happen – but probably 9 out of 10 sticks perform flawlessly. The aging potential is solid too. I’ve got some with five years on them, and they’ve mellowed even further while gaining this almost vintage character that’s hard to describe. The harshness that sometimes appears in young Cuban tobacco? Gone completely.
How Does It Compare? A Practical Look
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 | Mild to Medium | 70-90 minutes | Afternoon smoke, sophisticated flavor without intensity |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 80-100 minutes | Classic torpedo experience, more strength and earth tones |
| H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 | Mild to Medium | 75-95 minutes | Similar elegance, slightly grassier profile |
Here’s the thing – if you’re comparing the Seleccion No. 2 to the Montecristo No. 2 (which everyone does because they’re both torpedoes), you’re looking at two different philosophies. The Monte is the showoff – bolder, more in-your-face, that iconic earthy punch. The Juan Lopez is the sophisticated one at the party who doesn’t need to dominate the conversation but says the most interesting things. I love both, but for different moods entirely.
Against the H. Upmann Connoisseur, you’re in the same strength ballpark, but the flavor profiles diverge. The Upmann leans grassier, more herbal. The Juan Lopez brings more of that creamy, coffee-forward character. Between you and me, I reach for the Juan Lopez more often, but I’m probably biased here.
Perfect Pairings: What to Drink With This Beauty
Look, I’ve tried this cigar with everything from single malt Scotch to tequila, and here’s what works best. For coffee? A proper Cuban espresso or a smooth café con leche amplifies those natural coffee notes without overwhelming the tobacco. It’s almost too perfect.
Spirits-wise, a lighter rum is fantastic – think Havana Club 7 Year or even the 3 Year if you want something simpler. The rum’s sweetness complements the creamy character beautifully. I’ve also had great experiences with aged cognac – a VSOP level cognac brings out the cedar and adds this warming quality that’s perfect for evening smokes.
But here’s what gets me: pair this with a good Spanish Rioja – something with 5-10 years of age on it. The tannins play against the tobacco in this unexpected way that makes both the wine and cigar taste better. I discovered this combo at a cigar dinner in Madrid, and now I can’t smoke these without thinking about Spanish wine.
Time of day? This is my perfect late afternoon cigar. Not too strong for daytime, substantial enough to feel like an event. Saturday at 4 PM on the patio? That’s Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 time. It’s also excellent after a light lunch – you know, seafood or something that won’t leave you too full but sets the mood for a relaxed smoke.
Storage and Aging: Getting the Most From Your Investment
Okay, so you’ve bought a box – smart move. Here’s how to treat these properly. First off, Cuban cigars generally arrive a bit young, and the Seleccion No. 2 is no exception. Right off the truck, they’re good. But give them six months to a year in your humidor at 65-68% humidity, and they transform into something special.
I keep mine at 65% humidity and around 67°F. Not gonna lie, I’ve experimented with different humidity levels, and these seem happiest in that 64-66% range. Too much moisture and you lose some of that refined character; too dry and the wrapper gets fragile.
The aging potential? I’ve got sticks going on seven years now, and they just keep getting better. The pepper mellows, the cream becomes more pronounced, and you get these vintage tobacco characteristics – slight must, deeper complexity, flavors that fold into each other rather than standing separate. Thing is, you need patience. I know some aficionados disagree, but I think these hit their sweet spot around the three-year mark. Before that, they’re excellent. After that, they’re memorable.
One more thing – box selection matters with Juan Lopez. Look for boxes dated from 2019 or earlier if you can find them. The tobacco quality from those years seems particularly good, and they’ve had time to settle. Fresher boxes from 2022-2023? They’ll be great too, just know you’re playing the long game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What strength level is the Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2?
The Seleccion No. 2 sits comfortably in the mild-to-medium range. It starts quite mild in the first third, builds to a solid medium by the halfway point, and might push slightly stronger in the final third – but never aggressive. This makes it perfect for daytime smoking or for when you want complexity without intensity. I’ve recommended it to people transitioning from Dominican or Nicaraguan mild cigars, and they’ve all appreciated the approachable strength coupled with genuine Cuban character.
How long should I age Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 cigars before smoking?
Here’s the thing – they’re smokable immediately, but they really blossom with time. I’d give them at least six months of rest in your humidor at proper humidity (65-68%). The sweet spot, in my experience, is around two to three years when the flavors really integrate and that creamy character becomes more pronounced. I’ve smoked them fresh and I’ve smoked them with five years on them, and the aged ones are noticeably smoother with more complexity. But if you can’t wait? I don’t blame you. They’re still excellent young.
What are the dominant flavor notes in this cigar?
The flavor profile centers around creamy cedar as the backbone, with coffee notes (think latte rather than espresso) coming through consistently. You’ll get hints of toasted nuts – hazelnuts and almonds – particularly in the second third. Leather appears subtly throughout, and there’s a gentle sweetness, almost honeyed at times. The pepper is there but measured, mostly on the retrohale. What makes this cigar special is how these flavors layer and evolve rather than hitting you all at once. It’s sophisticated stuff that rewards attention.
Is the Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 a limited edition cigar?
No, the Seleccion No. 2 is part of the regular production lineup for the Juan Lopez marca – it’s not a limited edition or special release. That said, the brand itself has limited distribution compared to the big-name marcas like Cohiba or Romeo y Julieta, so finding them can sometimes be tricky depending on where you shop. But they’re consistently produced by Habanos S.A. as part of the standard range, which means when you find a source, you can typically get them regularly. This is actually good news for aging – you’re not dealing with limited edition scarcity or inflated availability issues.
How does the wrapper quality compare to other Cuban brands?
The wrapper on these is genuinely excellent – we’re talking prime Vuelta Abajo tobacco with a silky, oily texture that indicates proper aging and selection. I’ll be honest: it’s easily on par with wrappers you’ll find on cigars from more expensive marcas. The color is usually a beautiful Colorado shade, consistent across the box, with minimal veins. Construction quality from the Juan Lopez factory is consistently high in my experience. You might occasionally see a wrapper with slightly more tooth or oil than others, but that’s just natural variation in tobacco. The wrapper contributes significantly to that creamy, cedar-forward flavor profile that defines the smoking experience.
What time of day is best for smoking the Seleccion No. 2?
This is my go-to late afternoon cigar, typically between 3 PM and 6 PM. The mild-to-medium strength means it won’t overpower you during the day, but it’s substantial enough to feel like a proper smoking session. I’ve also enjoyed these after light lunches – think seafood or salads rather than heavy steaks. Some people smoke them in the morning with coffee, and the coffee pairing definitely works, though personally I find torpedoes a bit too much of a time commitment for morning smokes. Evening sessions work too, especially if you’re not looking for something full-strength before bed. Really, the versatility is one of this cigar’s strengths – it fits more occasions than you’d expect.
Are Juan Lopez cigars good for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Actually, scratch that – what I mean is yes, but with a caveat. The Seleccion No. 2 is absolutely approachable for someone new to Cuban cigars, especially if they’ve been smoking milder Dominican or Connecticut-wrapped cigars. The strength won’t overwhelm, and the flavor complexity gives them a taste of what Cuban tobacco is really about. However, the torpedo vitola itself requires some smoking skill – you need to cut it properly and manage the draw as it opens up. For someone completely new to cigars in general? I might point them toward a smaller Juan Lopez vitola first, like the Seleccion No. 1. But for someone with basic cigar experience looking to explore Habanos? This is an excellent entry point that won’t punish them but will show them quality.
Why This Cigar Belongs in Your Rotation
Look, here’s what it comes down to. The Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 is one of those cigars that reminds you why Cuban tobacco has the reputation it does. It’s not trying to be the strongest or the most complex or the flashiest. It’s just consistently excellent at what it does: delivering a refined, elegant smoking experience with genuine character and evolution.
Between you and me, I think more people should be smoking these instead of chasing the same old famous names everyone talks about. This is a cigar for people who’ve moved past needing the brand recognition and just want a great smoke. The mild-to-medium strength makes it incredibly versatile – you can reach for it more often than those full-strength powerhouses that require the right mood and timing.
The construction is reliable, the flavors are sophisticated without being challenging, and the aging potential means buying a box now is an investment in future enjoyment. That creamy cedar profile with coffee and subtle spice? That’s the essence of what makes Cuban cigars special, distilled into one beautifully crafted torpedo.
If you’ve been curious about the Juan Lopez marca or you’re looking for that next cigar to add to your regular rotation, this is it. Pick up a few, give them some time if you can manage the patience, pair them with good coffee or a Spanish Rioja, and settle in for 90 minutes of exactly what a premium Cuban cigar should be. You won’t regret it.
