Opus X and Padron '26 vs. Cohiba Behike

[Mr. McSquirelly]

Not sure if this post should be here. Move if necessary. But what can you guys tell me about price points on these three popular cigars? I was in my local B&M and saw the Padron '26s and Opus Xs priced at $35 a cigar. WTF. One is Dominican, the other Nicaraguan. I've seen Cohiba Behikes selling in 10's for 318-380. Honestly, we all know the better cigar--if not the best in the world. So where the hell do Padron and Fuente get off selling these cigars at such high prices? What make these two cigars so special that they are priced at the same point as the best cigar in the world? It almost makes me wish the embargo is lifted, so that these two cigars come down to the price point they belong, $18-$25. Even Kelner's Davidoff, which blends some of the finest non-habano cigars, are priced fairly. So what gives, guys?

 

[Xavier Dredo]

Honestly, what "the best cigar in the world is" is a matter of opinion. Comparing the price of a single Opus or Padron at your local BnM to the box price of a Behike online is comparing Apples and Oranges. We're all savvy enough to know Opus and Padrons can be found online for a lot less than $35. And if and when Behikes ever become available at your local BnM they'll be a hell of a lot more than $35!

 

[Horseshoe]

You shouldn't question the cigar companies rather than the B&M for selling them at that price. Padron 1926 #1 is my all time favorite stick. Very very good cigar. Prices seem to be inflated by your B&M not the Brands. That is all.

 

[smokinghole]

Best cigar is the world to me is one I like and I can buy a box of 25 for ~$120. Anyhow its a matter of supply and demand and fair pricing by retailers, at my B&M Padron and Opus X got for msrp and you get 5% off for three at a time or 10% on a box.

Another compounding issue is possibly the lack of some retailers ability to get direct order accounts from Padron and Fence for the specified smokes. I do believe shops get allocations based on sales figures. So the more you sell of the regular lines then the more you get if the flagship brands.

 

[herfdog]

Locally here both behike and opus X sells for 85$/stick.

I haven't got into myself yet to try any of those unicorn rockets...

 

[SDShark]

The price of the single stick cigar is always going to vary based on a lot of factors, not just what the manufacturer (Fuente, Padron) wants to sell it for. It's going to depend on the B&M owner, location, state tax (if applicable), availability of the cigar, etc. You will always get a better deal on buying a box. This is why some guys resort to buying online versus in store because the prices (with or without tax) at their locals are ridiculous. If it is a limited or regional release, they can set the price at whatever they want. If they really want it to sell, they will price it fairly.

Seasoned smokers may prefer a Padron Anniversary release, or an Opus X, over the Behike. It's a different flavor profile. If the consumers are willing to pay for that quality, it is up to them. That is why Fuente and Padron can sell their best releases and tobacco at a certain price. Believe it or not, there are guys who smoke strictly Non-Cubans. That, is another conversation entirely.

 

[ItsBarbarino]

Best cigar in the world is a bold statement to make... In my opinion, it's like saying "the best artist in the world". It's such a subjective statement. That's like comparing Beethoven, Zeppelin, and Paul McCartney; they're all amazing and innovative and classic, but yet all very different. Trying to make the comparison is apples to oranges.

Here is the counter question for you; have you had one of each? Which did you prefer? What was the age on them? I haven't had a Cuban Cohiba, but I can remember my first 1926 as an experience; I was floored. It was so smooth, so balanced, so rich. I remember the first time I smoked an Opus and it was like smoking a fine Cuban; I was kind of amazed I was smoking a Dominican cigar. It was mind blowing, and freaking delicious. I've also had some Davidoff's that knocked my socks off, and had some that made me wish I'd bought 4 cigars I really liked.

As Steven kind of alluded to, I don't want to get into a Dominican vs. Nicaraguan vs. Cuban tobacco discussion, because it's been had a million times on every forum. However, I will say that a lot of different folks have at one point said that each of those countries are producing the finest tobacco in the world.

A lot of people will say the best cigar in the world is the one that you never want to end.

 

[jfettlol]

Your b&m is selling opus and padron at inflated prices because people must be buying them. It's a free market, laissez-faire.
In my experience, sticks over 20$ are hardly ever worth it, regardless of brand.

 

[socalsailor]

Locally here both behike and opus X sells for 85$/stick.

I haven't got into myself yet to try any of those unicorn rockets...

Is that $85 Canadian, though? I think that converts to something like $1.95 American...

Or at least that's what Canadian Bacon taught me.

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

lol

 

[daleo8803]

Padron makes the best cigars in the world! Wahahaha!!!!!!


But serious its all up to people and what they are willing to pay. I wouldn't pay $35 for a X but a lot will. Most people I see buying opus X are celebrating something so its OK to buy that one time. Most can't buy box's and boxs. Just my 2¢....

 

[SeaGarr]

Padron makes the best cigars in the world! Wahahaha!!!!!!

But serious its all up to people and what they are willing to pay. I wouldn't pay $35 for a X but a lot will. Most people I see buying opus X are celebrating something so its OK to buy that one time. Most can't buy box's and boxs. Just my 2¢....

Yup... 100% right. The market (smokers) is dictating the prices.

I mean I haven't seen an Opus retail for at the price point it was supposed to in... forever. Padron has marketed themselves as a premium cigar for as long as I recal. If their product didn't command that price... they would go on sale (which in essence they do on the auctions "for those in the know"). Cubans probably have inflated prices too if only because of scarcity. Cuban's - great cigars? Maybe. But to me, WAY overpriced! LOL!!

 

[Zmilin]

Ive yet to smoke the BHK in my humi but I have had both Opus Xs and Padron 26s. Honestly when you said best cigar in the world I through you meant the Padron.
Your prices do seem a bit high. You should shop around. I have a place here that sells the 1926 80th Anni for $25 a stick when they have them. Opus I've paid a range for depending on what it was and the BHK has been out of reach for me. The only reason I have one is because a very generous BOTL sent me one.

 

[BMack]

I'm all for supporting local businesses but if those are the prices for Padron 1926s and Opus, you need to find another shop.

 

[ckay]

I don't get how anyone says Cubans are overpriced. Regular production are in the $7-10/stick range

 

[Mikenice81]

I don't get how anyone says Cubans are overpriced. Regular production are in the $7-10/stick range

H. Upmann Half Coronas are $30 for a tin of 5. That is on par for most boutique blends you see on here. I've seen Partagas Serie D going from $8 a stick for a box.

 

[smokemifugotem]

It's all about what you like and if worth it to you. I personally think opus is over priced. I think padron deserves the price point over opus but do wish they were cheaper (just so I could afford as a daily smoke). And the behike is just a different animal all together. Great cigar and tough price due to island. Not sure totally worth it but I still think it is a cigar worth the splurge time to time. Just remember that the next time you spark a tat or liga that was $13-$15...there is a rocky or perdomo smoker who thinks you are insane for spending that on "those overrated cigars" to each their own.

 

[FH Finster]

Honestly, what "the best cigar in the world is" is a matter of opinion. Comparing the price of a single Opus or Padron at your local BnM to the box price of a Behike online is comparing Apples and Oranges. We're all savvy enough to know Opus and Padrons can be found online for a lot less than $35. And if and when Behikes ever become available at your local BnM they'll be a hell of a lot more than $35!

Right. Got the 1926 Maduro's No1 for less than $15 per stick during one of Field Supply's sales. As compared to the $30 my local B&M charges..

 

[Old Smokey]

I agree with shopping around. The prices you mentioned are ridiculous IMO, but have heard of B&M pricing them stupid high. I think some do that just so they can say they have Padron and Opus on hand. I have smoked a few of the 26's and several different Opus. I thought both were great smokes. Some Opus much more to my taste than others. But if you ever decide to get some cigars to age, Opus ages very well.
I have 1 Behike that is 6 years old and I am saving it to smoke the day I retire, which will be in a couple more years. I am looking forward to it.