AshMap
Overview
There are cigars that announce themselves, and then there are cigars that simply exist, like a fixed star in a dark sky, daring you to look away. The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona is the latter. It is not a cigar you smoke; it is a cigar you experience, a slow, deliberate unraveling of a narrative that has been whispered about in humidors for over a decade. From the moment the cellophane crinkles, there is a sense of occasion, a weight that has nothing to do with the 52-ring gauge and everything to do with the legend of the Medio Tiempo leaf — a rare, sun-kissed crown leaf that is less an ingredient and more a secret handshake among the initiated. This is the cigar that makes collectors pause, that makes the casual smoker lean in, and that justifies the often-absurd secondary market prices with every single draw.
The pre-light ritual is a promise. The cold draw offers a whisper of cedar, a ghost of dried fruit, and the faintest suggestion of cocoa — a quiet prelude before the orchestra tunes. The first light is a revelation in restraint. Instead of a bold, aggressive opening, the BHK 52 unfolds with a refined creaminess that coats the palate like velvet. Roasted coffee and white pepper dance on the edges, while a toasted almond note provides a grounding, savory counterpoint. The strength is a distant rumble, not a thunderclap. The Medio Tiempo is not shouting; it is speaking in a low, confident tone, hinting at the depths it will soon reveal. This is a cigar that understands the power of patience, that knows the most compelling stories are told slowly.
By the second third, the narrative deepens, and the BHK 52 earns its legendary status. The initial creaminess gives way to a symphony of dark chocolate and Cuban leather, rich and earthy, yet never heavy. A distinct floral sweetness — that unmistakable Cohiba signature — weaves through the smoke, lifting the profile and adding an ethereal elegance. The retrohale is a moment of pure clarity, delivering a honeyed sweetness that is both delicate and profound. Between draws, cedar and dried fig linger on the tongue, creating a complex, layered finish that invites the next puff. The body builds with a confident, unhurried pace, a slow crescendo that never loses its composure, never edges into harshness. It is a masterclass in balance, where power and finesse coexist in perfect harmony.
The final third is the denouement, where all the threads converge. The espresso notes intensify, dark and bitter, while a dark spice — think clove and black pepper — adds a final, warming kick. Molasses brings a deep, earthy sweetness, and then there it is: that unique mineral-earth quality, a signature of the Medio Tiempo, a taste of the Vuelta Abajo soil itself. The strength climbs to its medium-full peak, but the sweetness remains controlled, a perfect counterpoint to the growing power. The finish is long, warm, and cohesive, leaving behind notes of dark chocolate and aged leather that persist for minutes after the final draw, a lingering echo of a truly unforgettable performance. This is not just a cigar; it is a benchmark, a testament to what Cuban tobacco can achieve when handled with reverence and skill.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo leaves, Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Seco leaf, Vuelta Abajo, Cuba |
| Filler | Cuban Seco, Ligero, and the rare Medio Tiempo leaf from Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — extensively aged |
| Country of Origin | El Laguito factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Corona |
| Size | 5.9 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $80–$110 per cigar (secondary market often higher; official LCDH pricing varies by region) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobacco is aged a minimum of two years before rolling; Medio Tiempo leaves receive extended aging; finished cigars are r |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw reveals cedar, dried fruit, and a whisper of cocoa. Upon lighting, the BHK 52 opens with refined creaminess underpinned by roasted coffee, white pepper, and toasted almond. Strength is restrained early, allowing the complexity of the Medio Tiempo to announce itself gradually rather than aggressively.
Second Third
The mid-section is where this cigar earns its legendary reputation — layers of dark chocolate, Cuban leather, earthy loam, and a floral sweetness that is distinctly Cohiba emerge simultaneously. A honey-like retrohale on the nose is characteristic. Cedar and dried fig linger on the palate between draws, and the body builds confidently without becoming harsh.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with espresso, dark spice, molasses, and a mineral-earth quality unique to Medio Tiempo. The sweetness remains controlled even as strength climbs to medium-full. The finish is long, warm, and cohesive — leaving notes of dark chocolate and aged leather that persist for several minutes after the final draw.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — El Laguito's master rollers produce an even, razor-sharp burn line with little to no touch-up required. Draw is firm but never tight, delivering dense, creamy smoke. Ash holds in firm, pale grey columns of an inch or more, consistent with premium Cuban leaf and meticulous rolling technique.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Cuban or Barbadian rum — Havana Club 15 Año, Appleton Estate 21 Year, or a 15-year Glenfarclas single malt Scotch for those who prefer whisky. Avoid heavily peated expressions; they clash with the Medio Tiempo's delicacy.
Wine
A structured, aged Rioja Gran Reserva (Vega Sicilia Único or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia) or a mature Bordeaux from the Left Bank — the cigar's complexity mirrors the tertiary evolution of great Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Cuban or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee — black, no sugar — to echo and extend the chocolate and floral mid-palate notes.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a dedicated humidor, not just a box on a shelf. The one who has spent years chasing the ghost of pre-2000 Cuban quality, who has a drawer of aged Lanceros and a deep respect for the old guard. They are celebrating a specific milestone — a 20th wedding anniversary, a long-awaited promotion, or the quiet, personal victory of a year of discipline. They already appreciate the floral elegance of a classic Cohiba Esplendido but are seeking something with more depth, more weight, a cigar that demands their full, undivided attention for a full 90 minutes. This cigar will not just reward them; it will validate their palate, confirming that the pursuit of the perfect leaf is not a fool's errand. It is for the smoker who understands that some experiences are not about the smoke, but about the silence between the puffs.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 is not merely a cigar; it is the definitive proof that Cuban tobacco still holds the crown. It is a flawless, sensory masterpiece that justifies its price and its legend with every single draw. Smoke it with reverence, and you will understand.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Behike cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5). This means it has a noticeable, building nicotine presence that becomes more pronounced in the final third, but it is never harsh or overpowering. The strength is a slow, confident crescendo, not an immediate assault, allowing the complex flavors to remain the primary focus.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. The first third offers refined creaminess, roasted coffee, white pepper, and toasted almond. The second third introduces dark chocolate, Cuban leather, earthy loam, and a distinct floral sweetness with a honeyed retrohale. The final third intensifies with espresso, dark spice, molasses, and a unique mineral-earth quality from the Medio Tiempo leaf.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona take to smoke?
As a Gran Corona measuring 5.9 x 52, you should allocate a minimum of 90 minutes. The dense, slow-burning construction and the complexity of the blend demand a leisurely pace to be fully appreciated. Rushing this cigar would be a disservice to its craftsmanship.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona?
A well-aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 Año is the classic choice, as its own tertiary notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit will mirror and extend the cigar's complexity. For a non-alcoholic option, a black, single-origin Cuban or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee will echo the chocolate and floral mid-palate notes perfectly.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona good for beginners?
No. This is not a beginner's cigar. With a Medium-Full strength profile and a price point of $80–$110 per cigar, it is an advanced experience for a seasoned palate. A novice would be overwhelmed by the intensity and would not be able to discern the subtle, layered transitions that make this cigar legendary. Start with milder, more affordable Cubans to build your palate first.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona?
Due to rampant counterfeiting, you must purchase exclusively through authorized La Casa del Habano (LCDH) retailers. These are the only official outlets that can guarantee provenance and authenticity. Avoid any online marketplace or unofficial dealer offering deals that seem too good to be true, as they almost certainly are.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona?
Official LCDH pricing varies by region, but you can expect to pay between $80 and $110 per cigar. On the secondary market, where scarcity drives demand, prices are often significantly higher. This is a premium, allocated product, and its price reflects its rarity and status.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco is already aged a minimum of two years before rolling, with the Medio Tiempo leaves receiving extended aging. However, the finished cigars will continue to evolve in a humidor. Further aging will allow the powerful flavors to meld and integrate further, softening the edges and creating an even more seamless, harmonious smoke, though it is already exceptional fresh.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona use?
It uses a Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo leaf from Vuelta Abajo, Cuba. This Colorado-shaded wrapper is a warm reddish-brown, silky with a subtle natural oil. The Medio Tiempo wrapper leaf is exceptionally rare, found only at the crown of select tobacco plants, and contributes an intense concentration of oils and flavor that is the hallmark of the Behike line.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Gran Corona made?
It is hand-rolled at the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, by the island's most senior torcedores. This is the same factory that produces all Cohiba lines, and the Behike is given the highest level of attention and quality control, ensuring a flawless construction and burn.