AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso represents not merely a cigar, but a declaration of purpose from Habanos S.A. — a defiant assertion that the hand-rolled Cuban cigar remains the world’s most sophisticated luxury good. Introduced in 2010 as the apex of Cohiba’s already elevated portfolio, the Behike line was built around a single, audacious innovation: the inclusion of Medio Tiempo leaf, the uppermost two leaves of the tobacco plant, harvested only in exceptional growing years and aged a minimum of two years before rolling. The BHK 52 is the belicoso vitola of this trilogy, measuring 6.1 inches with a 52-ring gauge, and it remains the most concentrated expression of the Behike philosophy — a cigar that exists at the intersection of scarcity, artistry, and agronomic rarity.
Produced exclusively at Havana’s El Laguito factory by the island’s most elite torcedores, the BHK 52 is a study in controlled intensity. Its wrapper is a Colorado-hued Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo leaf from Vuelta Abajo — rich chestnut brown, silky, lightly oily, and fine-toothed. Beneath it lies a binder of Cuban Seco and a filler blend that marries Seco, Ligero, and the aforementioned Medio Tiempo, all sourced from the same privileged region. The result is a cigar that opens with creamy cedar, roasted espresso, and white pepper, then deepens into dark cocoa, dried fig, toasted almond, and a subtle minerality that speaks directly to the Medio Tiempo’s influence. The final third intensifies with black coffee, tobacco earth, dark chocolate, and a long spiced finish of clove and black pepper — all delivered without a trace of harshness.
What elevates the BHK 52 above even its formidable peers is the texture. The Medio Tiempo leaf imparts a silkiness and layered body that no other Cuban blend replicates. The draw, on a properly humidified example, is near-perfect — slightly firm, deeply satisfying, producing dense, creamy smoke. The burn line is razor-even, the ash pale grey and exceptionally firm. This is a cigar that demands to be taken seriously: it requires a 90-minute session, undivided attention, and a palate experienced enough to parse its evolving complexity. It is not for the occasional smoker, nor for those who prefer the straightforward punch of a younger blend. It is, in the view of this publication, the most important Cuban cigar produced in the post-2000 era — not because of its marketing, but because the Medio Tiempo leaf is genuinely transformative. The BHK 52 is a benchmark against which all other prestige Cubans are measured, and it remains, more than a decade after its release, an object of aspiration and reverence in equal measure.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Seco leaf — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba |
| Filler | Cuban Seco, Ligero, and the exceedingly rare Medio Tiempo — all from Vuelta Abajo, Cuba; aged a minimum of two years bef |
| Country of Origin | El Laguito factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Vitola / Shape | Belicoso |
| Size | 6.1 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $55–$80 per cigar (box prices vary significantly by market and import duties) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years of leaf aging prior to production; post-roll box aging also practiced; cigars benefit from additional |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered belicoso head delivers an immediate concentration of creamy cedar, roasted espresso, and white pepper on the retrohale. A buttery smoothness coats the palate early, underpinned by aged leather and a faint floral note — likely an expression of the Medio Tiempo leaf showing its elegance from the first light.
Second Third
Complexity deepens considerably — dark cocoa, dried fig, and toasted almond emerge in waves, with the cedar transitioning toward a richer, earthier sandalwood quality. The Medio Tiempo contributes a dense, layered body that is rare even among premium Cubans; a subtle minerality and stone fruit sweetness thread through the smoke.
Final Third
The final third intensifies beautifully without harshness — black coffee, rich tobacco earth, dark chocolate, and a long, spiced finish dominated by clove and black pepper. The smoke volume increases and the Medio Tiempo's full contribution becomes unmistakable — a concentrated, resonant finish that lingers well after the cigar is set down.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is among the finest in the world — the draw on a properly humidified BHK 52 is near-perfect, slightly firm but deeply satisfying, producing dense, creamy smoke. The burn line is razor-even, the ash pale grey and exceptionally firm, reflecting the quality of Cuban leaf and the skill of El Laguito's rollers.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum — Havana Club 15 Año or Edmundo Dantés Gran Reserva 15 — or a lightly peated single malt Scotch such as Glenlivet 18 or Dalmore 18; avoid heavily peated expressions that would overpower the floral Medio Tiempo notes
Wine
A structured, aged Rioja Gran Reserva (Vega Sicilia Unico or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia) or a well-aged Burgundy Pinot Noir — something with earthy complexity and red fruit to complement without competing
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Cuban or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee, brewed light enough to allow the floral and fruit notes to mirror the cigar's complexity; or a lightly oxidized oolong tea
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the seasoned aficionado who has already traveled the breadth of the Cuban portfolio and seeks the uppermost register of complexity and refinement. It rewards patience, a developed palate, and the willingness to sit still for 90 minutes. The BHK 52 is ideal for a milestone celebration, a personal victory, or an evening of total solitude and focus — never for hurried smoking or casual conversation. If you appreciate the interplay of floral notes, minerality, and aged tobacco depth, and you have the experience to identify what Medio Tiempo contributes, this cigar will speak to you in a language few others can. Beginners should wait; this is a graduate-level smoke.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso is not just a cigar — it is a rare convergence of agricultural rarity, masterful construction, and transformative flavor. If you can secure one, and you possess the palate to appreciate it, this is the definitive Cuban of its generation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Behike cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5) in strength. It delivers a concentrated body and significant nicotine presence, but the strength is beautifully balanced by the silkiness of the Medio Tiempo leaf and the refinement of the aged filler tobaccos. It is not a powerhouse in the style of a full-bodied maduro, but its intensity builds steadily and deeply, especially in the final third.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from creamy cedar, roasted espresso, and white pepper in the first third to dark cocoa, dried fig, toasted almond, and sandalwood in the second. The final third intensifies with black coffee, rich tobacco earth, dark chocolate, and a long spiced finish of clove and black pepper. Throughout, the Medio Tiempo leaf contributes a subtle floral note, minerality, and a rare layered depth.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso take to smoke?
Plan for a minimum of 90 minutes of unhurried smoking. The belicoso vitola, combined with the dense filler and impeccable construction, produces a slow, even burn that rewards a relaxed pace. Rushing this cigar will diminish its complexity.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso?
Aged Cuban rum — Havana Club 15 Año or Edmundo Dantés Gran Reserva 15 — is the classic pairing. A lightly peated single malt Scotch such as Glenlivet 18 or Dalmore 18 also works well. For wine, a structured Rioja Gran Reserva (Vega Sicilia Único or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia) or an aged Burgundy Pinot Noir is ideal. Non-alcoholic options include a light Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee or a lightly oxidized oolong tea.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso good for beginners?
No. This is a graduate-level cigar that demands an experienced palate to fully appreciate its nuance, complexity, and the transformative contribution of the Medio Tiempo leaf. Beginners would be better served by a milder, more approachable Cuban such as a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 or a Romeo y Julieta No. 2.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso?
Authorized Habanos specialists worldwide — La Casa del Habano franchises, duty-free shops in select international airports, and premium cigar retailers in markets where Cuban cigars are legally imported. Due to extreme production limits and high demand, availability is sporadic and often requires advance ordering or relationships with trusted vendors. Beware of counterfeit products; only purchase from verified sources.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso?
Retail prices range from $55 to $80 per cigar, though box prices vary significantly by market and import duties. In some regions with high taxation or limited supply, individual sticks may exceed this range. The secondary market can command substantially higher prices.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso worth aging?
Yes. The cigar benefits from additional post-production box aging. The tobacco is already aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling, but further aging can soften the white pepper notes, integrate the floral and mineral elements more deeply, and create an even silkier texture. A well-stored BHK 52 can improve for 5–10 years, though it is also highly enjoyable in its youth.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo leaf grown in Vuelta Abajo, Cuba. It is classified as Colorado in shade — a rich chestnut brown — and is described as silky, lightly oily, and fine-toothed. The inclusion of Medio Tiempo as wrapper leaf is exceedingly rare.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Belicoso made?
It is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, by the island's most elite torcedores. El Laguito is the historic home of Cohiba and is renowned for producing the most meticulously constructed Cuban cigars.