AshMap
Overview
There are cigars that announce themselves, and then there are those that simply exist, demanding you adjust your entire frame of reference. The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 is the latter. From the moment the cool, silken wrapper meets your fingertips, you understand this isn't a smoke; it's a thesis on what Cuban tobacco can achieve when rarity is treated as an ingredient, not a marketing gimmick. The pre-light draw offers a whisper of dried wildflowers and the scent of a freshly planed cedar plank, a promise of restraint that feels almost misleading given the legend preceding it. But the first light corrects any misconception—this is not a shy cigar. It is precise, a laser-focused beam of flavor that begins with a refined white pepper sting on the retrohale, immediately followed by a wave of creamy cedar that coats the palate. Beneath it all, a subtle dark honey sweetness begins to stir, a premonition of the depth to come, anchored by that unmistakable, loamy earthiness that only the medio tiempo leaf can impart. This is not a flavor; it is a resonance, a frequency that vibrates deep in the chest, setting the BHK apart from every other puro in the world from the very first puff.
As the ash holds its dense, pale grey column, the BHK 52 transitions into its second act with a confidence that borders on arrogance. The creamy cedar recedes, making way for a robust roasted espresso that is dark, bitter, and invigorating. Toasted almond joins the fray, adding a nutty, almost oily richness that intertwines with a developing leather note—not the harsh, new leather of a belt, but the supple, worn hide of a vintage armchair. Then comes the signature: a distinct mineral salinity, a briny, rocky undertone that is the purest expression of Vuelta Abajo's terroir. This is where the cigar's soul is laid bare. The medio tiempo's contribution becomes unmistakable, a resonant, almost herbal complexity that elevates the blend from excellent to transcendent. It’s a vibrancy that dances on the edge of perception, a ghost note of sage and sun-baked rock that no other Cohiba can replicate, a secret language spoken only by this rarest of leaves.
The final third is a masterclass in controlled power. The strength, which has been building steadily, now asserts itself as a commanding medium-full, a firm hand on your shoulder that refuses to let go. Yet, the elegance never falters. The espresso deepens into a rich, dark chocolate, bittersweet and luxurious, while the honeyed sweetness matures into the concentrated, jammy essence of dried black fig. The finish is a prolonged, lingering meditation on sweet cedar and a warm, tingling spice that settles on the back palate long after the smoke has cleared. There is no harshness, no bitterness—only a profound, resonant conclusion that feels less like an ending and more like a final, definitive statement. This is a cigar that doesn't just burn; it narrates. It tells a story of sun, soil, and the audacious decision to use a leaf that was once discarded, and it does so with a clarity and purpose that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo, Remedios region — medio tiempo leaf — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo long-leaf filler incorporating medio tiempo — the rarest priming from atop the tobacco plant, used ex |
| Country of Origin | El Laguito Factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.4 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $55–$75 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | All tobaccos aged a minimum of two years pre-rolling; medio tiempo leaves receive additional conditioning; post-producti |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw hints at dried flowers and polished cedar before the first light reveals a precise, clean combustion. Early flavors are elegant — refined white pepper on the retrohale, creamy cedar, and a subtle dark honey sweetness underpinned by the distinctive medio tiempo earthiness.
Second Third
Complexity deepens markedly. Roasted espresso and toasted almond emerge alongside leather and a mineral salinity that is a hallmark of genuine Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The medio tiempo contribution becomes unmistakable — a resonant, almost herbal richness that distinguishes this from any standard Cuban puro.
Final Third
The final third intensifies without becoming harsh. Dark chocolate and dried black fig come forward, with a prolonged finish of sweet cedar and a lingering spice that sits on the back palate. Strength builds to a commanding medium-full without sacrificing the elegance that defines this line.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable — El Laguito rollers are among Cuba's most skilled, and the BHK 52 reflects that. The draw is open and effortless, the burn line razor-straight, and the ash holds firm in dense, pale grey columns well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Añejo rum — specifically Havana Club 15 Year Gran Reserva or Dictador 20 Year Colombian Rum; alternatively a well-aged Cognac such as Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin Louis XIII for a classic El Laguito pairing
Wine
A well-aged Rioja Gran Reserva — Vega Sicilia Único or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia — whose tobacco-driven terroir mirrors the cigar's character without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Cuban or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee — medium roast to complement rather than compete with the cigar's inherent espresso and roasted nut notes
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a dedicated humidor, not a drawer. The one who has chased the ghost of pre-embargo Cubans and found them wanting, who has smoked every regional edition and felt a flicker of disappointment. You are a seasoned palate, someone who can discern the difference between strength and power, who understands that a cigar's true value lies in its narrative arc. You are marking a specific milestone—a partnership sealed, a retirement earned, a quiet victory that needs no audience. You have ninety minutes of uninterrupted solitude, a glass of Havana Club 15 Year within reach, and the wisdom to know that this cigar is not a background player. It is the main event. It will not be rushed, and it will not be forgotten. It will give you a benchmark against which all future smokes will be measured, a fleeting, perfect moment of Cuban mastery that justifies the entire pursuit.
Bottom Line
The BHK 52 is not merely a cigar; it is the definitive proof that Cuban cigar-making can still achieve the sublime. It is an essential, non-negotiable experience for any serious aficionado, a masterwork of balance and power that justifies its legendary status and price. Smoke it with reverence, for it is the rarest of things: a modern cigar that truly deserves its myth.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Behike cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means it builds from a gentle, warming presence in the first third to a commanding, full-bodied grip by the final third, but it never tips into harshness or overwhelms the palate with raw nicotine. It's a cerebral strength, one that demands your attention but rewards you with profound depth.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: it opens with refined white pepper, creamy cedar, and subtle dark honey. The middle third deepens into roasted espresso, toasted almond, supple leather, and a distinctive mineral salinity. The finale brings bittersweet dark chocolate, concentrated dried black fig, and a prolonged finish of sweet cedar and lingering warm spice.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona take to smoke?
Given its Corona vitola and dimensions of 5.4 inches by a 52 ring gauge, you should set aside a deliberate 90 to 100 minutes. The draw is open and the burn is razor-straight, allowing for a slow, contemplative pace that is essential to appreciating its full evolution.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona?
For a classic El Laguito pairing, pour a glass of Havana Club 15 Year Gran Reserva. The rum's aged, oaky sweetness and notes of dried fruit and vanilla mirror the cigar's own honeyed and cedar character, creating a harmonious dialogue. Alternatively, a well-aged Rioja Gran Reserva like López de Heredia Viña Tondonia offers a tobacco-driven terroir that complements the cigar's earthy and mineral notes without overpowering them.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona good for beginners?
No. This is not a beginner's cigar. Its Medium-Full strength and profound complexity require a well-developed palate to fully appreciate. Furthermore, at $55–$75 per cigar, it is a significant investment that would be wasted on a smoker who hasn't yet learned to discern the subtle shifts in flavor and aroma that make this blend so exceptional. Start with milder, more approachable Cubans and work your way up to this summit.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona?
Given its prestige and the prevalence of counterfeits, you must purchase exclusively from authorized Habanos retailers or official La Casa del Habano locations. Avoid any third-party sellers or online marketplaces that cannot provide a verifiable chain of custody. Always inspect the holographic seal, box code, and band printing meticulously before completing any transaction.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona?
The market price for a single Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona typically ranges from $55 to $75. This premium reflects the rarity of the medio tiempo leaf, the meticulous hand-rolling at the El Laguito factory, and the cigar's status as a limited-production prestige item.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona worth aging?
Absolutely. While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years pre-rolling, with the medio tiempo receiving additional conditioning, this cigar is built for further evolution. With 3-5 years of rest in a stable humidor, the sharp edges of the white pepper will mellow into a more integrated spice, while the honeyed sweetness will deepen into richer, more complex notes of dried fruit and leather, further harmonizing the blend's powerful core.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona use?
It uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo wrapper from the Remedios region, specifically the rare medio tiempo leaf. This is the topmost priming of the plant, which receives more sun and produces a darker, more concentrated leaf. It contributes a warm chestnut brown color, a silky texture, and is the primary source of the cigar's unique resonance, herbal richness, and vibrant complexity that sets it apart from all other Cuban blends.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Corona made?
It is hand-rolled at the El Laguito Factory in Havana, Cuba, the most prestigious factory in the country and the exclusive production site for Cohiba since 1966. The rollers here are among Cuba's most skilled, and their expertise is evident in the cigar's impeccable construction, open draw, and razor-straight burn line.