Cohiba Behike BHK 54

Size: 54 x 144 (4.7")

Shape: Robusto Extra

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Box Date: April 2010

Smoking Time: 1.5 hours

Beverage: Appleton Estate Reserva & Cola

Not since we smoked the Cohiba Gran Reserva Siglo VI last year have I heard so much hype about a cigar.  Released at the 2010 Habanos festival, the Cohiba Behike has garnered so much attention from cigar aficionados around the world that I half expected a colourful aura to surround the cigar as Carl passed me the impressive looking BHK 54 on my patio the other day.  Billed as the top cigar line from the best brand that Cuba has to offer, the Cohiba Behike's claim to fame is based partially on the fact that some of the tobacco used in the cigar is comprised of the rare "medio tiempo" leaf.  Medio tiempo is a full-bodied leaf that comes from the two upper leaves of the tobacco plant.  The Behike line is also composed of sizes not yet seen in Cohiba cigars.  As if these two details weren't enough to get cigar smokers excited, the Behikes are adorned with a rich looking gold and black hologram band and a pig tail cap.  Habanos S. A. further upped the mystique surrounding this cigar by stating on their website that the "Cohiba Behike is a limited available product which will be somewhat inaccessible for lovers of Habanos." I suppose it comes as no surprise that I was excited to clip the pig tail and begin sampling this new and exciting Cuban release.

The appearance of the BHK 54 was pleasant; however, I did find the wrapper to be slightly dull in appearance and without much oiliness or sheen.  After clipping the cap we were both impressed with the draw of the cigar, but this comes as no surprise as we have yet to come across draw issues with any Cohiba.  We agreed that the pre-draw aroma was absolutely fantastic consisting of tea, dry cedar, and hay.  We both decided to forgo our often utilized Xikar lighters and instead employ the services of the much more elegant and traditional wooden matches to light the foot of this impressive stick.

Our first impression of the BHK 54 was good and we began the first third of the cigar with much hope and anticipation.  Surprisingly, we both found the first third fairly mild with subtle flavours of oak, roasted nuts, and hints of cedar.  We did not find the stick harsh or acrid and, like the Gran Reserva, I found the finish of the cigar to be quite elegant and sophisticated.  Unfortunately, unlike the Gran Reserva that seemed to get better and better, the BHK 54 peaked far too early and I was not overly impressed with the bottom two thirds of the cigar.  The second third of the cigar picked up in both strength and flavour and we detected notes of espresso, tobacco, and very subtle hints of honey.  The final third was better than the second third, but still disappointing considering the price and reputation attached to the Behike.  Overall, this was a very enjoyable cigar that I would gladly smoke again in the future.  However, considering we're paying almost $80 a stick for these bad-boys I doubt that will be anytime soon.  On this particular day smoking this particular cigar I can only grant the Cohiba Behike BHK 54 3 1/2 Castro heads out of 5.

- Sean

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Diplomatico Natural

Size: 50 × 178 (7")

Shape: Double Corona

Filler: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicuragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua (Habano)

Smoking Time: 1.5 hours

Beverage: Water

First released in 1994 to celebrate 30 years in the cigar business, the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series is well sought-after and has received many positive reviews and high ratings over the years. We had our first exposure to Padrón with the 1964 Exclusivo maduro, a robusto with full, rich flavours and packed with a good nicotine kick. On that experience alone we picked up a box of the Diplomatico Natural, and have smoked several of them prior to this review.

The Padrón 1964 Diplomatico smoked for this review was well-constructed with virtually no soft spots and a dense packing of dark Nicaraguan tobaccos. The wrapper was matte, dull, and somewhat rough with a firm box press. Clipping was easy but the wrapper split a bit near the head, which I think has happened with all 1964 series that I've cut. Thankfully, this didn't affect the performance of the smoke at all. The draw was perfect, with pre-light notes of earth, mint, and aged tobacco.

After lighting the foot easily with a single match, the first puffs revealed plenty of characteristic Nicaraguan pepper and spice. This faded away soon afterward, replaced by a complex array of cedar, vanilla, leather, and coffee. Each puff seemed to change in its presentation of these flavours, with some seeming more prominent than others at different times. There was a good deal of nicotine early on in the smoke, and it didn't relent at all for the remainder. The second third brought on balanced flavours of old tobacco, cream, and more coffee, which were very enjoyable. There was no harshness at all as the smoke moved into the final third, where all the previous flavours were joined by faint floral notes.

It's hard to find something not to like about this medium- to full-bodied cigar, especially given its richness and balance. I suppose it falls short somewhat in the finesse department, where it could only be improved (at no fault of its own) by more of the subtlety that is inherent in aged Cuban tobacco. But as it is, it's nearly perfect. That's why it earns the very rare rating of four and a half Fidels out of five.

- Carlton

Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill

Size: 55 X 130 (5 1/8")
Shape: Thick Robusto
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Box Date: May 2010
Smoking Time: 45 minutes
Beverage: Havana Club Anejo 7 anos

We have reviewed very few R and J's on the Friday Cigar.  Like many cigar enthusiasts, we generally find the R and J line of cigars a tad mild for our taste.  We have also found that they generally lack the complexity that is found much more prominently in brands such as Partagas, Monticristo, and Cohiba.  However, there are a few exceptions - we both enjoyed the R & J Duke, and the Short Churchill is one of our all time favourite Robustos.  It is because of these exceptions that I was excited to try the Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill.  The Wide Churchill is a new release by Habanos and has received mixed reviews in the cigar community.  Playing on the success of the R and J Churchill (rated 92 by CA) and the Short Churchill (rated 93 by CA) as well as the recent popularity of larger ring gauge cigars the Wide Churchill could be set to make an impact on the market.  This is of course dependent on one minor factor - whether or not they're any good.

I should really enjoy the Wide Churchill.  I'm a huge fan of larger ring gauge cigars and I enjoy both the R & J Short Churchill as well as the Churchill.  In terms of appearance, our specimen seemed to be well constructed with a well appointed sheen emanating from the wrapper that was visually pleasing.  The cap was easily removed using my trusty Palio cutter and, upon lighting, I was welcomed with heavy notes of cedar and chocolate with a tad bit of spice.  Unfortunately, that is where the enjoyment ended.

  

Despite some pleasant caramel sweetness that introduced itself on several puffs as well as a backdrop of floral notes and roasted nuts I was devastatingly disappointed with the Wide Churchill.  Simply put - the Wide Churchill is boring and lacks any of the requisite depth, complexity, and subtlety that great cigars (such as the Short Churchill) posses.  The name is ridiculous as well - the Wide Churchill should really be called a Wide Robusto, but that's beside the point.  I may be inclined to try another Wide Churchill in the future as I have read on several forums that they get better with even a few weeks in the humidor, but for now I'm obligated to call a spade a spade and grant the Wide Churchill a disappointing 1 1/2 Castro heads out of 5.

- Sean