Cohiba Behike and Davidoff Royal Release sit at the very top of the cigar luxury market. Both are reference luxury cigars commanding premium prices. Both are smooth and refined. Different countries, different production approaches, similar luxury positioning. Most cigar enthusiasts will smoke neither in their lifetime due to price and availability. Those who do compare them rank them similarly: both deliver experiences that match the price tag.
This comparison breaks down Cohiba Behike vs Davidoff Royal Release side by side, what makes each different, and which luxury cigar fits which smoker.
Quick answer: Cohiba Behike is the Cuban premium cigar using rare Medio Tiempo tobacco. Three sizes: BHK 52, BHK 54, BHK 56. $80 to $200+ abroad. Illegal to import to US since 2020. Davidoff Royal Release is the Swiss-Dominican luxury cigar with refined Connecticut Ecuador wrapper and aged Dominican filler. $60 to $90 per cigar in US. Both ultra-luxury references. Behike is more allocated; Royal Release is more available. Browse 200+ cigar brands for legal alternatives.
Both cigars explained
Cohiba Behike
Released in 2010 by Habanos S.A. Premium Cuban tier. Uses rare Medio Tiempo tobacco (5 to 10 percent of plants produce usable Medio Tiempo leaves). Three sizes: BHK 52 (4.7 x 52), BHK 54 (5.6 x 54), BHK 56 (6.6 x 56).
Read Cohiba Behike: the $200+ premium cigar explained.
Davidoff Royal Release
Davidoff's most premium production line. Refined Connecticut Ecuador wrapper, Dominican filler from selected harvests. Multiple vitolas. Premium luxury Swiss-Dominican production.
Side-by-side comparison
Flavor differences
Cohiba Behike: Smooth, refined, complex. Cedar, cocoa, espresso, balanced finish. Vuelta Abajo character with the unique additional barrel fermentation Cohiba uses. Medio Tiempo tobacco produces concentrated flavor.
Davidoff Royal Release: Refined Davidoff character. Cedar, cream, light coffee, balanced spice, smooth finish. Slightly fuller body than Davidoff Aniversario. Selected aged Dominican tobacco produces premium refinement.
Both produce smooth, refined character. The differences are subtle: Behike has more Cuban-characteristic minerality from Vuelta Abajo; Royal Release has more cream-and-cedar Connecticut character.
US legality
Cuban Cohiba Behike: Illegal to import to US since October 2020. Personal possession of pre-2020 cigars is legal. New imports are not.
Davidoff Royal Release: Fully legal in the US. Available at Davidoff of Geneva flagship stores and major US online retailers.
For full Cuban legality, read are Cuban cigars illegal in the US.
Which fits which smoker
Choose Cohiba Behike if you...
- Are smoking abroad in Cuba, Canada, UK, Mexico (where it's legal)
- Have access to pre-2020 inventory in the US
- Prefer Cuban Vuelta Abajo character
- Want the rarest reference cigar in production
Choose Davidoff Royal Release if you...
- Live in the US (Royal Release is legal)
- Prefer Connecticut Ecuador refined character
- Want luxury without the Cuban legality complications
- Value Swiss-luxury packaging and presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cohiba Behike or Davidoff Royal Release?
Different. Behike has Cuban Vuelta Abajo character with rare Medio Tiempo tobacco. Royal Release has refined Connecticut Ecuador Dominican character. Both ultra-luxury references.
Is Cohiba Behike legal in the US?
No. Cuban Cohiba Behike is illegal to import to the US since October 2020.
How much does Cohiba Behike cost?
Abroad: $80 to $200+ per cigar. The BHK 52 is the most affordable size; the BHK 56 is the most expensive.
How much does Davidoff Royal Release cost?
$60 to $90 per cigar in the US. Boxes of 10 run $600 to $900.
Where can I smoke Cohiba Behike?
In Cuba, Canada, UK, Mexico, or other countries with legal Cuban cigar trade. Most international cigar lounges sell singles.
Are both cigars considered luxury?
Yes. Both at the top of the cigar luxury market. Behike is more allocated; Royal Release is more available.
What is Medio Tiempo tobacco?
The rarest tobacco variety from the highest leaves on the plant. Used only in Cohiba Behike. Produces concentrated, oily, full-flavored character.
Can I age both?
Yes. Both age exceptionally well. Behike improves with 5 to 10+ years; Royal Release improves with 3 to 7 years of additional humidor aging.
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Explore More: Read Cohiba Behike: the $200+ premium cigar and Davidoff Aniversario line guide. For Cuban legality, read are Cuban cigars illegal in the US. Compare with Cohiba vs Davidoff. For top luxury picks, read top 10 most expensive cigars.
