What Ever Happened to Behike?

[Orion21]

Seriously, are they just crap now? They used to show up in the LITFs on a regular basis, but I haven't read Rob, or anyone, really rave about them in a long long time. What's up with current production? I know they are expensive, but a good cigar is a good cigar. Have they changed the blends? The OR 52's are still some of the best cigars I have ever smoked.

[JohnS]

Rob (El Presidente) put it to the forum prior to his trip to Europe in late May as to why some standard Cohiba marcas were unavailable at the moment here...

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=123141

There's a theory that Cohiba Siglos and Behikes are been either stockpiled for the anticipated easing in the US/Cuba embargo so that US future demand is met or crops for Cohiba is in current short supply.

[BonVivant]

was discontinued in 2010, but nobody got the memo

[Orion21]

Rob (El Presidente) put it to the forum prior to his trip to Europe in late May as to why some standard Cohiba marcas were unavailable at the moment here...

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=123141

There's a theory that Cohiba Siglos and Behikes are been either stockpiled for the anticipated easing in the US/Cuba embargo so that US future demand is met or crops for Cohiba is in current short supply.

That may be true if they were unavailable, but a look at multiple vendors show wide availability of 2014 stock in all three sizes....

[mk05]

Behike was a true blue Edicion Limitada of 2010.

[El Presidente]

That may be true if they were unavailable, but a look at multiple vendors show wide availability of 2014 stock in all three sizes....

Might be available but no depth to quantity's. I haven't seen any discounting for a while.

Has been out of stock (from Havana) for 4-5 months. Confirmed when speaking to other vendors/distributors when overseas last month.

[JohnS]

That may be true if they were unavailable, but a look at multiple vendors show wide availability of 2014 stock in all three sizes....

Sure...but no 2015 stock. Thanks Rob for chipping in while I was writing this post!

[Orion21]

Interesting. Of what's available I wonder if they are still a stellar cigar or not? They may be holding back stock, but I can't see the embargo bein lifted anytime soon. Maybe if another Democrat becomes President and they take both houses of Congress. But the earliest that could even be a possibility is in 2017 at the very very earliest. I'm officially stumped.

[wabashcr]

I don't think they're stockpiling for the lifting of the embargo. That's a long way off still. If they're stockpiling for anything, it would be Cohiba's 50th anniversary next year. I could see them holding back leaf for that. Shortage of medio tiempo and major factory repairs seem like the most plausible explanations to me.

[Puros Y Vino]

From what I hear, the recent weather issues has hurt the crops. Very little quality, large wrapper leaves. And for the BHK line, very little Medio Tiempo. I've been told to avoid box codes from MAY 2014 onwards. There are no BHK's in Havana to be found. And new stock isn't expected until Nov/Dec 2015. That's from a couple of sources but when it comes to Cuban news; grains of salt needed.

[kobsjones]

I think it's the 50 yr anniversary for the reason they are holding back. With the success of the CRS they will do something special and want as much stock as possible. They won't be cheap.

[TCContender]

I don't think they're stockpiling for the lifting of the embargo. That's a long way off still. If they're stockpiling for anything, it would be Cohiba's 50th anniversary next year. I could see them holding back leaf for that. Shortage of medio tiempo and major factory repairs seem like the most plausible explanations to me.

^ this

[Drguano]

I heard that there plenty of BHK being rolled but the counterfeiters have all the bands.

[mk05]

The reason why there are no Behike in Cuba is independent of cigars from 2014 being horrible. You must ask the right questions to at least wade through the bs answers cubans will give you to arrive at the correct one.

What your source did slip, however is that 2014 cigars are horrible, as stated by several members a year ago.

[canadianbeaver]

Just purchased a box of BHK52 2010. Not even 100% sure why other than I am collecting as well as buying for smoking now. Actually grates my cheese to tie up $ in this box when so many other choices available. But also bought this at the same time and very pleased.

2006 Partagas V Annual LE

[nicaraguanlubber]

I have been holding on to the last of the ones I picked up in 2013 as they have become scarer than hen's teeth. I am hoping that they are holding onto the leaf for something special to celebrate their 50th though.

[mk05]

Just purchased a box of BHK52 2010. Not even 100% sure why other than I am collecting as well as buying for smoking now. Actually grates my cheese to tie up $ in this box when so many other choices available. But also bought this at the same time and very pleased.

2006 Partagas V Annual LE

image.jpg

No one buys 2010 Behike for investment. 99% of people have no idea what that cigar is vs subsequent batches.

[jimsta10]

Does this mean we should star stock up on Cohibas then? I might need to ring my bank manager for another loan...

[Zoki]

I just returned from a trip to Havana and toured the Partagas 'fcatory' where they were making several brands including Chohiba.  They stopped the Behike production in November, but I managed to get a box of 52s and 56s. I have yet to smoke any but I allow myself to look at them about once every few days.  Maybe I should have a glass top humidor (LOL).