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

Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserva No. 46

Size: 46 x 143 (5.63")
Shape: Grand Corona
Filler: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: 5-year Aged Connecticut Maduro Broadleaf
Smoking Time: 1 hour
Beverage: Red Racer Pale Ale

Everyone loves a good story and the story behind the birth of the Fuente Anejo is about as intriguing as it gets in the cigar industry.  However, like most good stories the line between fact and fiction is often a bit blurry.  My understanding is that in 1998 Hurricane Georges wiped out much of the Fuente family's famous wrapper tobacco leaving Carlos Fuente and son having to make some tough decisions.  Eventually it was decided that instead of using the traditional Dominican wrapper to produce the Opus X they would use a 5 year Aged Connecticut Maduro Broadleaf that they would age in Cognac barrels.  This new cigar would be called the Anejo (Spanish for "aged").  Originally it was thought that the Anejo used the exact same filler and binder as is used in the Opus X, but today the blend is a combination of the Opus X, Hemmingway, and Don Carlos.  This last part is up for debate with some websites and blogs still claiming that the Anejo is simply an Opus X with a fancy Connecticut wrapper.  Who knows...and who really cares.  You can't smoke a good story (well I guess technically you could) and so with that Carl and I carefully clipped the well-appointed cap of this gorgeous looking cigar.

Apparently the Anejo is only available around Christmas and Father's Day, but if you're willing to do a little searching and have a fist full of dollars you can find the Anejo much of the year.  Carl was gracious enough to pick up a couple on a recent trip to Vegas.  The wrapper on this cigar was dark and toothy...almost rustic looking, but classy at the same time.  Kind of like a lumberjack dressed in a tuxedo. 

Upon lighting the foot I was pleasantly greeted with some nice flavour notes of espresso, cedar, and leather.  We both detected some bitterness in the first third, but unlike bitterness present due to "youth" this was more of a coffee bitterness that was not unpleasant.  I was told that the Anejo was a powerful full-bodied cigar, but I would place it in the medium category.  I was impressed with the cigar throughout the first third, but the Anejo simply did not improve or evolve throughout the second and final third.  I detected notes of dried fruit, leather, and cedar throughout much of the cigar, but found my interest wandering as the life of the Anejo came to an abrupt close.  My final thought about the Anejo...overhyped.  The cigar was altogether far too average to warrant the ridiculous price attached to the stick.  Therefore, I grant the Fuente Anejo two and a half Castro heads out of five.

- Sean