Juan López Selección No. 1 Colección Vintage Jar

5 years of ageing for the cigars of the ninth episode of the "Colección Vintage"!

Launched in 2012 and imported by Tabacalera S.L.U, the official importer of Habanos in Spain, the Colección Vintage has just welcomed a new jar: the Juan López Selección No. 1 Colección Vintage. Like the other jars from the series, it is produced in a limited edition and is intended exclusively for the Spanish market. The jar contains Habanos that have been carefully aged for 5 years in the best storage conditions.

Produced in 2000 examples, the Juan López Selección No. 1 Jar (46 x 143 mm) is the ninth edition of the Colección Vintage. It is the successor to the previous editions, which are listed below:

• Montecristo No.1 Colección Vintage 8 - 19 Cervantes (42 x 165 mm) - 2000 jars
• El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme Colección Vintage 7 - 19 Hermosos no.4 (48 x 127 mm) - 1000 jars
• Romeo Y Julieta Churchills Colección Vintage 6 - 19 Julieta No.2 (47 x 178 mm) - 2000 jars
• Punch Punch Punch Colección Vintage 5 - 19 Coronas Gordas (46 x 142 mm) - 2000 jars
• Partagás 8-9-8 Colección Vintage 4 - 19 Dalias (43 x 170 mm) - 800 jars
• Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.1 Colección Vintage 3 - 19 Coronas Gordas (46 x 143 mm) - 860 jars
• Trinidad Robusto Extra Colección Vintage 2 - 15 Dobles (T) (50 x 155 mm) - 700 jars
• H. Upmann Magnum 46 Colección Vintage 1 - 19 Coronas Gordas (46 x 143 mm) - 1100 jars

Let’s talk about the general look of the Jar: the design is classic and common to all the collection, it has blue patterns on a white background. The original blue patterned «Talavera Humijar» is showcased in the Tobacco Museum of Havana since 2002. The back of the jar is fully white and shows a slightly opened lid that reveals its internal structure. The amazing craftsmanship is made by artisans in Talavera El Carmen, a town near Toledo. It used to be the main center for the production of colored porcelain in Spain from the 16th to the middle of the 18th century.

The use of porcelain jars for Cuban cigars dates back to the end of the 18th century. This highly refined packaging was made famous by Partagás, which in the 1920s commissioned the artisans of La Cartuja to create the so-called "Sevilla Humijar". Located in Seville, La Cartuja is an earthenware factory founded in 1841 and at the time one of the most renowned in Europe. It was also appointed Official Supplier to the Royal House of Spain.

The popularity of the Sevilla Humijar among aficionados and collectors prompted Habanos to (re)introduce them through the Colección Vintage series and Serie Sevilla.

Just like its older sisters, the Juan López Selección No.1 jar contains 19 cigars. Until now, 19 was the number of cigars present in most of the Colección Vintage jars, except for the Trinidad Robusto Extra Colección Vintage Jar that housed 15 carefully aged Dobles (50 x 155 mm).

Now that we have discussed the historical aspect of this special production, let's take a closer look at the vitola. The Selección No.1, from the regular catalogue of Juan López, is a cigar well known amongst aficionados. Introduced in circa 1990, the Juan López Selección No.1 is a Coronas Gordas (46 x 143 mm) frequently known as a Grand Corona.

To differentiate it from its standard version, they are dressed with a second band stamped "Colección Vintage". The first one is the classic band of the brand. Let's proceed with the ignition of this particular Selección No.1, which could soon be called "vintage" because of its minimum 5 years ageing. Opening a jar is always an exciting moment for an aficionado.

Thanks to this maturation, the cigar has a beautiful Colorado wrapper. To the touch, a hint of softness suggests a quality construction and, by extension, an excellent draw. With very little veining on the wrapper and a perfectly applied capote, the plastic of this Coronas Gordas looks good.

When lighted up the Juan López Selección No.1, immediately shows an excellent construction with an even draw. The amount of smoke is generous what makes the tasting nice from the very first moment.

Speaking about flavors, we perceive in the first third delicate notes of cedar as well as spices and sweet pepper. By the second third an enjoyable hint of floral and leather favors appears. The final is very similar to the Juan López Selección No.2, with subtle creamy sweetness with a hint of woodiness. We can definitely announce that this smoke is a memorable and enriching tasting experience.

In addition to the quality of the cigars they contain, the Colección Vintage jars are a strong element in an aficionado's collection. They are magnificent objects that inherit a prestigious past and highlight the skills of craftsmen working in the purest tradition of Spanish porcelain makers.

JUAN LÓPEZ Selección No. 1 Colección Vintage 9 - Jar of 19 cigars
Vitola: Coronas Gordas (46 x 143 mm)

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