Cigars.ie

Cohiba Behike Launch, May 12th 2010

The official release of the new Cohiba line took place in London’s Goring Hotel, on May 12th 2010. Myself, Andy and Ian headed over to London, where we joined up with Rob and Stuart. Having spent the day sampling cigars in the lounge of Fox and No1 St James Street, we headed towards the Goring hotel, where the Behike Launch was taking place. We arrived a shortly after 6:30, the starting time and the garden was already full of smokers, with a thick Behike cloud hovering over the area. Although the evening was not warm, the garden was equipped with some patio heaters and a huge marquee, as the clouds looked

Upon welcoming all guests were presented with a behike themed bag, full of goodies; matches, delicious chocolates by Damien Allsop, cutters, informational material and most importantly, cigars! A black and white paper box, in the Cohiba Behike theme, containing a BHK 56, a BHK 54 and two BHK 52, as well as an El Rey del Mundo Choix de L’Epoque, UK Regional edition for 2009 in a metal tube.

Delicious canopies were served, Belvedere vodka cocktails and Hennessey XO were also available,  while Krug Champagne was flowing non stop, with the gorgeous waitresses ensuring our glasses were always full. A live Cuban band was entertaining the guests with Salsa rhythms, while  Anibal Delgado Gonzalez was demonstrating his rolling skills nearby.

During the evening, Simon Chase gave a speech about the Behike Series, explaining the significance of the brand and the name “Behike”, as well as the background of the use of the “Medio Tiempo” leaf. Interestingly, when Colombus arrived in Cuba in 1492, “Cohiba” was the word used by the native Taino Indians to describe the bunch of rolled leaves they used to smoke. The natives used to smoke “Cohibas” in spiritual ceremonies, conducted by a highly regarded person, known as the “Behike”.

With Simon Chase being our “Behike” for the evening, a lot of respected figures of the cigar industry were also present. The H&F team with Jemma Freeman, Sean Croley and Jimmy McGee, cigar merchants like Desmond Sautter, Ajay Patel, Mitchell Orchant, Stewart and Rob Fox, European cigar editor of Cigar Afficionado James Suckling, and of course collectors and cigar enthusiasts.

The event commenced after 9pm, with the party breaking up in smaller groups that filled the most popular smoking venues in London. Our group finished the evening in No.10 Manchester Street and its comfortable smoking area that was filled familiar faces and rich Behike smoke!

A great day in London, will definately be there next year too!