Cigar of the Week: Juan Lopez

Connoisseurs always prize finding unique brands that are made with artisanal quality, in small quantities and that hold the promise of an exquisite experience. Once they find them, some will not be satisfied with anything else. Welcome to the world of Juan Lopez.

This small Cuban brand, named for its founder – Juan Lopez Diaz – who created it in 1876, is not well known by consumers, but has fanatical devotees among enthusiasts who prize its soft, creamy taste and rich finish. Only five shapes are made today.

Unlike so many Cuban brands for which there is a counterpart on the American market, Juan Lopez didn’t have a U.S.-marketed blend until 2004. Altadis U.S.A. owns the trademark and decided to bring out its own version of the brand, but in a style completely unlike that of its Cuban counterpart.

The marketed-in-America Juan Lopez is made in Nicaragua from all Nicaraguan-grown tobaccos. Like its namesake, it’s only made in a few sizes – six – and isn’t heavily promoted. But perhaps it should be.

This full-bodied cigar is square-pressed and has an extraordinarily rich and deep flavor that has the tang of a dark fruit similar to black cherries. It’s unusual, but the sweetness and tartness of this flavor makes the cigar almost irresistible and, unfortunately, encourages over-smoking.

But if you will give the blend a chance to express itself, it reveals this unique taste that stays consistent throughout the cigar. Take your time, and both the depth of flavor and an accent from a dash of spice will come through and provide a rewarding smoke. It received a CigarCyclopedia.com grade of "A."

An additional bonus is the colorful blue, red and gold band that gives the cigar a regal appearance. However, it isn’t necessary to be a king or a prince to afford them: The entire line is very reasonably priced, from $4.50 for the 5 5/8-inch by 45-ring Corona up to $6.00 for the Belicoso (6 1/8 x 54) or Titanias (7 1/4 x 54), all offered in boxes of 20.

This is a cigar worth trying and worth aging if you can. And when someone asks you for a tip on a special cigar, you’ll know what to tell him.

(Rich Perelman is editor-in-chief of CigarCyclopedia.com, offering comprehensive daily coverage of cigars, accessories, issues, people and prices at www.CigarCyclopedia.com.)

Rich Perelman

4/7/08

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