Cohiba Behike BHK 56

Size: 56 x 166 (6.5")
Shape: Double Robusto

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking Time: 1.5 hours

Beverage: Can't remember

Box Date: June 2010

After recently reviewing the Cohiba Behike 54 we thought it was time to try the largest of the Behike triplets, the Cohiba Behike 56.  Unfortunately, we did not overly enjoy the Behike 54 despite Habanos S.A.'s impressive media assault promoting the Behike line as God's gift to cigar enthusiasts everywhere (for complete review of the Behike 54 and additional background on the Behike line of cigars click here).  The Behike 54 began with promise, but dwindled after the first third (which was surprisingly lacking in both body and flavour) and eventually left us disappointed, especially considering the exorbitant price and relative rarity of these cigars.  And so, with slightly lowered expectations, we clipped the cap of this behemoth of a cigar and sampled the subtle cold-draw that teased my palate with the faint but elegant aroma of honey, oak, and hay.

Upon lighting the foot of the Behike 56 I became instantaneously aware that THIS was a different cigar than the Behike 54.  The flavours were far more substantial and pronounced and where I felt the Behike 54 lacked in strength the 56 certainly did not disappoint.  Powerful plums of sultry Cohiba flavour filled my palate and I detected a complex bouquet of oak, molasses and bitter espresso throughout the first third.  The second third of the cigar was equally intriguing and complex with some faint notes of honey, barnyard, graham cracker, and cream.

 

Throughout the entire stick the flavours continued to change and mature and I certainly began to feel the strength that is often cited as a common characteristics of the Behike line.  It is a rare occasion that I smoke a Cuban cigar down to the nub; however, on this auspicious occasion I felt saddened to have to toss the final few millimetres of the Cohiba Behike 56 into an ashtray filled with inferior compatriots.  The Behike 56 provided me with something few cigars often are able to match - one and a half hours of utter bliss.  Therefore, I feel that the Cohiba Behike 56 is well deserving of the highest honour we are able to provide at the Friday Cigar....a perfect five Castro heads out of five.

- Sean