Let's talk Cohiba BHK again...

[strikethebox7]

So the topic of BHK's has been beaten to death over the years but I figured I would revisit it to see how the current stock is doing. The scarcity of the medio tiempo leaf drove the prices sky high and left a very limited supply. While many agree the prices are still astronomically high the supply seems to be back, but are the current production any better? Have we rounded a corner with these smokes? Do the flavors found justify the price? For me it is luxurious smoke that is very elegant, the flavors are there but not where I would like them to be for the price. For the current prices these sticks should make you say wow and I just haven't seen it. Most of my stock is from 2014 and had a few years to age but will more time make these any better? The question is a tough gamble to take with such an expensive stick. After reading reviews on the original 40th anniversary 2006 Behike, one would like to think all BHK's should be the "white whale cigar" they were intended to be. So why the disappointment. The only consistent characteristic I see with BHK's is the roll. They are a stunning cigar to look at. The band and the wrapper make for one hell of a presentation. But like so many have said before, the smoke leaves a lot to be desired and does not justify the price. Plenty of other marca's are putting out exceptional sticks recently at moderate pricing, so what happened to the BHK's. The 2006 Behike reviews show the smoke was worth the price, but unfortunately only a few got the opportunity to experience it. So what happened 2010-2017? Did the shorter size of the 52 change the flavor experience? Was the 2006 a marketing ploy to create interest in the line? I only wish I had the chance to try the 2006 so I would have more input as it sounds like a truly amazing smoke filled with rich flavors. If anyone has experience with the 2006 please feel free to comment. Hope this creates some good discussion and not bashing. Cheers!

[danny]

The 2006 40th Anniversary Behike cigar isn't a comparable cigar to the BHK line in my opinion.  To me, it would be what a hand-written 1st edition hardback book by a legendary author (in this case Norm Fernandez) would be to a printed 2nd/3rd/4th/etc edition soft-back by a simple publisher; in essence the same, but at the same time apples-to-oranges.  More of a "tribute" in theory, or maybe even name, than anything.

 

The BHK might be worth the original price as a premium stick for the very reasons that you memntioned, but not at the inflated prices at  3-4x what they should be.  (Which seems to be the case with many Habanos on the market that are simply "Supply & Demand").  The 2006 Behike on the other hand, is what they are for a reason.

 

Just my own opinion so take it for what it's worth. 

[Islandboy]

My input is likely of minimal value to the discussion for several reasons: 1) I’m a relative noob (2+ years into cigar appreciation), 2) I have zero reference to any of the releases prior to the 2015 box of 52’s I own, much less the highly regarded original release. But I was lucky enough to be gifted the box I have by my boss, who picked it up in the Netherlands during a recent family visit. 

I know I need to sit on it for a while, but of course I had to try one after a few months in my humi. FWIW, I have 2 other Cohiba boxes to compare taste to: Robustos (2015) and Esplendidos (2016). The Robustos, while still young, are by far my favorite in terms of taste at this time, and because my first CC was a VERY tasty Robusto from Old Morris Tobacconists in Victoria, it is now the measuring stick I use to evaluate pretty much everything I smoke. Not very fair, I know.

To cut to the chase, the BHK had the most amazing burning aroma (and unlit aroma for that matter) I’ve ever taken in. But the taste didn’t quite live up to my high expectations. I think time will definitely put it over the top in terms of current stock in my humi, but I have to admit, for me personally, a box of Robustos is by far a better value. 

[RijkdeGooier]

Having had the enormous fortune of puffing on a prerelease original BHK (same year and month) thanks to @nino and smoking a few normal BHK, I can say that.

From those few puffs it appeared that the original BHK is in a class of its own with wonderful complex and full flavours. Strong and  complex more reminiscent to me of the few 80's Cohibas that I have smoked.

The normal BHK are different sweeter tasting cigars and seem to need more downtime IMO to develop.

As to whether they are worth their price the old adagium suum cuique applies.

[strikethebox7]

I completely agree the comparison is very difficult, not only by availability standards but also price point, The 2006 is definitely in a class all by itself as it was designed to be, I am more curious as to why the current production stock is lacking so much flavor while the 2006 which sparked the initial interest in the line and was such an amazing smoke. The evolution so far doesn't support the price point or the interest , however I am told the first batch of 2010's were outstanding but a significant slide has occured since, so what do we think happened? I think we can all agree they are great smokes that have a uniqueness to them but will age help the muted flavors develop or is the line pure hype based upon the 2006


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[canadianbeaver]

We have gone through a few boxes of 2010, plus newer dates. BHK52 and BHK54. I have also made trips to my local guy where he has given me empty boxes to share with friends to put on their coffee tables. For many, this is the best feature.

We like them a lot but really only smoke them on special occasions to celebrate something now. 

True, the 2010's may have more high top leaves in them, but even the newer cigars are very nice. As long as we keep the marketing ploy in perspective. 

If I am going to spend $500+, my list can be more special than this.

CB

[merkonakis]

Interesting revisit of this topic as I was just contemplating this subject this week. My first box of BHK was purchased in 2011. Great cigars, but I had a recent 2010 CoRo that was frankly a better cigar IMO. The 2011 box always impressed me with the rolls, construction, appearance, cold smell on a box.

Fast forward to earlier this week I purchased a box from a friend who had just returned from Cuba. I pulled trigger because it was such a reasonable price compared to what I've seen people charging for these cigars lately. Opened sealed box and very underwhelmed by quality and appearance. Wrappers seemed a shade off compared to earlier box. These are going to need a long nap IMO. I'll try one in about 6 months or so to see where they're at. Until then, I think I'd rather have a CoRo or Siglo VI.








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[amaxp81]

Interesting revisit of this topic as I was just contemplating this subject this week. My first box of BHK was purchased in 2011. Great cigars, but I had a recent 2010 CoRo that was frankly a better cigar IMO. The 2011 box always impressed me with the rolls, construction, appearance, cold smell on a box.

Fast forward to earlier this week I purchased a box from a friend who had just returned from Cuba. I pulled trigger because it was such a reasonable price compared to what I've seen people charging for these cigars lately. Opened sealed box and very underwhelmed by quality and appearance. Wrappers seemed a shade off compared to earlier box. These are going to need a long nap IMO. I'll try one in about 6 months or so to see where they're at. Until then, I think I'd rather have a CoRo or Siglo VI.








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How hard did your friend have to search to find these in Cuba? I was under the impression they were never on shelves .... here is to hoping I'll get lucky in June when I go and can score a few boxes.

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[JohnS]

Ajay Patel, Gordon Mott and David Savona seemed to enjoy 2010 Cohiba Behike 52's recently in Havana (plus 2014 H Upmann Connoisseur No.1's)...

 

[merkonakis]

This person is highly connected and buys hundreds of boxes a year, so I am not sure he would be best barometer of what's on shelves or not. Sorry. 

[JohnS]

4 minutes ago, merkonakis said:

This person is highly connected and buys hundreds of boxes a year, so I am not sure he would be best barometer of what's on shelves or not. Sorry. 

Ajay discusses this issue around the mid-point of the video because he commonly gets asked about it. Hunters & Frankau is also mentioned, as is current availability in Cuba. Plus, I don't get what you are sorry for. Aren't these guys entitled to an opinion, whether we collectively agree or not?

[merkonakis]

I was just sorry I wasn't more informative in answering his question. 

[JohnS]

1 minute ago, merkonakis said:

I was just sorry I wasn't more informative in answering his question. 

Yes, fair enough.

[boopdeep]

The 2006 version (only smoked 1) was very different to me than the 2010-current release.  Not necessarily better, but different tasting and different blend to me.  

I enjoyed all the BHK produced in 2010 (whether early/mid to late) and find a marked drop off in mid-2011, continuing in 2012 and 2013.  I have not smoked any 2014-16 to compare. 

I consider the 2010 in a league of its own (as to later bhk) and would be worth the price being offered for current production.  If current production are similar to 2011-2013, then I would save the coin and go with a CoRo or something else.  

Im interested now that they are on shelves and would like someone who has smoked earlier years to opine how these recent production stack up.  

[shlomo]

Any pics of the smoked 40th Behikes? Those would be awesome! 

[SurpriseMVP]

Smoked a 2011 54 last night followed by a 13 RyJ mf.
RyJ was a better cigar in every way



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[cookj1]

Price always comes down to two things: supply and demand.  

 

One could make so many analogies.  The first that comes to mind is a cult CA cab sauv vs a premier cru.  While one may prefer a Cab vs a Bordeaux, it's irrelevant on two levels.  First, something is only worth what one is willing to pay, and second, taste is subjective.  

 

So smoke what you enjoy.  Pay what you want.  Everything else is irrelevant.

[BonVivant]

2010 BHKs going for lower than 2014-15 production makes no sense at all - 

Original BHK52 tasting

[Puros Y Vino]

On 4/15/2017 at 0:47 PM, shlomo said:

Any pics of the smoked 40th Behikes? Those would be awesome! 

Here you go!

Prove me wrong!   

[canadianbeaver]

Went through my Facebook photos and found this. It was in 2011. This would have been a pair of 52's, 2010. Might have been February, our anniversary or something like that. Frank (above) would smoke  the ones he says. *** one kind of like he says he does *** He was much farther along in his collection than us. Inspiring!

[shlomo]

Nice pics. I'm not as well connected in Cuban cigar world as some of you, but I have only seen a handful of personal pics of the Anniversary Behike, and have only met two people (not retailers) who actually owned a box or even a single. I have seen the serial numbered band in person, but never the cigar or the box. Always interested to see more pics and hear more stories about the events surrounding the purchase/trade/gift of this cigar, the serial number and the stories about the smoking experience. VERY little out there....except for Frank's Upmann (?) above...lol

[Puros Y Vino]

3 minutes ago, shlomo said:

Nice pics. I'm not as well connected in Cuban cigar world as some of you, but I have only seen a handful of personal pics of the Anniversary Behike, and have only met two people (not retailers) who actually owned a box or even a single. I have seen the serial numbered band in person, but never the cigar or the box. Always interested to see more pics and hear more stories about the events surrounding the purchase/trade/gift of this cigar, the serial number and the stories about the smoking experience. VERY little out there....except for Frank's Upmann (?) above...lol

Upmann!!? How dare you?!    FTR it was a Bushido. Not quite an OR Behike, but perhaps as scarce? 

[canadianbeaver]

Thanks Shlomo! Revised up there LOLOLOLOL!

[shlomo]

On 4/17/2017 at 2:42 PM, bundwallah said:

Upmann!!? How dare you?!    FTR it was a Bushido. Not quite an OR Behike, but perhaps as scarce? 

OR BHK, maybe...certainly the Original 40th anniversary Behike must be far more rare.

How is that Bushido? I passed on the box that was offered to me from our hosts. I don't regret the pass as it was and still is so expensive, but have always been curious about them.

[Puros Y Vino]

2 hours ago, shlomo said:

OR BHK, maybe...certainly the Original 40th anniversary Behike must be far more rare.

How is that Bushido? I passed on the box that was offered to me from our hosts. I don't regret the pass as it was and still is so expensive, but have always been curious about them.

I enjoyed it but it didn't knock my socks off.  I think I posted a review here.  Do a search.  I have another I might fire up later this summer.