Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 — The Churchill That Deserves More Attention
The Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 is one of the most underappreciated Churchills in the Cuban catalogue, and that obscurity is precisely what makes it worth seeking out. At 178mm by 47 ring gauge in the Prominente vitola, it is a full-sized Cuban Churchill that delivers medium-full strength with a depth, consistency, and balance that rival more celebrated names. Juan Lopez is a brand that flies below the radar — it does not have the marketing profile of Cohiba or the ubiquity of Montecristo — but among experienced smokers who know the catalogue deeply, the Seleccion No.2 is spoken of with genuine respect. It is a Churchill for the enthusiast who values substance over reputation.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
The Seleccion No.2 opens with a composed, confident character that immediately signals quality. Cedar leads — warm and toasted — and a nutty sweetness develops, toasted almond with a light honey quality. The 47 ring gauge provides a generous, creamy smoke that fills the mouth comfortably. The retrohale offers a firm, building pepper — more assertive than a medium cigar, a clear signal of the medium-full classification. This is an opening that has more weight than the typical Churchill, and it sets the tone for a smoke that will build steadily through its length.
The middle third is where the Seleccion No.2 distinguishes itself. The nuttiness deepens toward hazelnut, and a cocoa note enters — darker than milk chocolate, approaching a bittersweet dark chocolate quality. A leather note develops — substantial and well-defined — and an earthy richness provides a deep foundation. The honeyed sweetness evolves toward molasses, darker and more complex. The cedar warms into sandalwood, and a subtle baking spice — cinnamon — adds aromatic depth. The medium-full strength is evident through this section, but the blend's balance keeps the power integrated rather than dominant. The 178mm length allows these notes to develop slowly and fully, with each phase distinct and unhurried.
The final third is where the Seleccion No.2 reveals its full character. The cocoa and leather intensify, the espresso quality deepens, and a mineral, chalky note enters the finish — the signature of fine Vuelta Abajo leaf. The strength builds toward the top of medium-full, and the cigar closes with a long, dark, savoury finish that lingers. This is a Churchill that earns its two-hour duration through genuine development across its thirds, and it closes with the kind of authority that earns respect.
Construction
The Prominente format is a demanding vitola, and the Seleccion No.2 is well-executed. The draw offers ideal resistance — not loose, not tight — and the burn line tracks straight through each third. The wrapper is a mid-Colorado shade, lightly veined with a subtle oil sheen that speaks to well-aged leaf. Triple cap application is clean and precise. Ash holds in firm, grey-white bands that stack well over an inch. The Vuelta Abajo filler is bunched with care to ensure consistent draw through the full 178mm length. Construction consistency across boxes is a strong point — Juan Lopez is known for reliable production quality.
Pairing Suggestions
The Seleccion No.2's medium-full, developing profile pairs well with an aged dark rum — 12 years or more — whose caramel and oak notes complement the cocoa and molasses. A sherried single malt also works well, its dried fruit and spice complementing the cigar's middle third. For non-alcoholic options, a strong espresso or a spiced chai draws out the cigar's baking spice and coffee notes without overwhelming the blend.
Value
The Seleccion No.2 sits in the mid-to-upper pricing tier, consistent with its Prominente format and medium-full strength. For the enthusiast who wants a long, complex, well-constructed Churchill that delivers genuine depth without the premium pricing of more heavily marketed brands, the Seleccion No.2 represents outstanding value. It is a cigar that over-delivers relative to its reputation.
Brand Background
Juan Lopez was established in 1876 and is one of Cuba's older cigar brands. Despite its long history, it has remained a relatively niche name in the Habanos S.A. portfolio, producing a small range of cigars that are prized by connoisseurs for their consistency, depth, and balance. The Seleccion No.2 is the brand's flagship Churchill.
Storage
Store at 65–70% relative humidity and 18–20°C. A Prominente of this quality benefits from at least a year of additional aging, during which the cocoa and leather notes will deepen, the pepper will mellow, and the blend will integrate further. Store flat in a well-seasoned humidor with adequate space to allow airflow around the long cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vitola is the Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2?
The Seleccion No.2 is rolled in the Prominente vitola — the Cuban standard for a Churchill-format cigar measuring 178mm by 47 ring gauge.
Is the Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 a strong cigar?
It is classified as medium-full in strength, making it more robust than a typical medium-bodied Churchill but not as intense as a full-strength cigar. It is well-suited to experienced smokers who want depth and complexity.
Why is Juan Lopez less well-known than other Cuban brands?
Juan Lopez is a niche brand in the Habanos S.A. portfolio with a small range and limited marketing profile. Its cigars are prized by connoisseurs who know the catalogue deeply, but it does not have the visibility of brands like Cohiba or Montecristo.
Related Cigars
