AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is not a cigar you smoke; it is a cigar you surrender to. From the first cold draw, there is a quiet insistence—dried fruit and honey that hint at depth without revealing it, like a locked door you know you have the key for. The moment the flame kisses the foot, the room fills with a scent that is unmistakably Cuban, but elevated: creamy cedar and toasted almond, with a cocoa powder so refined it feels dusted rather than poured. This is the opening movement of a symphony that never once loses its tempo. The smoke itself is a revelation—cushiony, dense, almost tactile, coating the palate with a texture that lesser tobacco can only imitate. The floral sweetness, that signature of the Medio Tiempo leaf, threads through like a golden filament, binding each note into a coherent whole. By the second third, the BHK 56 reveals its true ambition. The flavors darken, deepen, and gain weight—dark roasted espresso, aged leather, and a dried black cherry that tastes like memory. The Medio Tiempo asserts itself with an earthy, mineral complexity that feels ancient, as if the soil of Vuelta Abajo is speaking directly to you. Subtle vanilla and white pepper dance on the retrohale, never aggressive, always precise. The strength builds methodically, a slow tide that lifts rather than crashes. This is where the cigar earns its legend—not through force, but through control. The final third is a consolidation, a summing-up of everything that came before. Dark chocolate, strong espresso, well-seasoned cedar—all present, all in harmony. The finish is long, warming, with notes of toasted tobacco and molasses that linger for minutes after each draw. There is no harshness, no unraveling, only a controlled crescendo that leaves you spent and satisfied. This is the hallmark of Medio Tiempo integration, a leaf so rare and so potent that it transforms the blend into something transcendent. The BHK 56 is not a cigar for the impatient. It demands ninety minutes, perhaps two hours, of unhurried attention. It rewards those who listen. It is a meditation, a conversation with oneself, a reminder that the finest things in life cannot be rushed. In a world of instant gratification, the Behike BHK 56 stands as a monument to patience—and to the artistry of El Laguito's finest torcedores, who have crafted not just a cigar, but an experience that borders on the spiritual.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Medio Tiempo leaf — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Seco and Ligero leaves |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — proprietary blend incorporating Medio Tiempo, aged Seco and Ligero; Medio Tiempo is harvested from |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — El Laguito factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Toro |
| Size | 6.0 x 56 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $45–$65 per cigar (when available through authorized channels or LCDH; significantly higher on secondary market) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum 3 years of aging on tobacco prior to rolling; finished cigars benefit from an additional 2–5 years of humidor re |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw yields dried fruit, honey, and a faint earthiness that primes you for complexity. Upon lighting, the first third opens with creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a refined cocoa powder note. A delicate floral sweetness — characteristic of high-grade Medio Tiempo — threads through, supported by a rich, cushiony smoke texture that is immediately distinguishable from lesser Cuban tobacco.
Second Third
The middle third is where the BHK 56 earns its legend. Flavors deepen into dark roasted espresso, aged leather, and a distinct dried black cherry note. The Medio Tiempo asserts itself with an earthy, almost mineral complexity layered beneath subtle vanilla and white pepper spice on the retrohale. Strength builds methodically without ever becoming aggressive.
Final Third
The final third consolidates everything into a rich, resonant crescendo — dark chocolate, strong espresso, well-seasoned cedar, and a long, warming finish with notes of toasted tobacco and subtle molasses. The complexity remains controlled and never turns harsh; this is the hallmark of Medio Tiempo integration. The finish lingers for minutes after each draw.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable — El Laguito's finest torcedores ensure an effortless draw with optimal resistance, an even, slow burn line, and a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds well past an inch. Occasional touch-ups may be needed, as is typical of high-density Cuban cigars with significant Ligero content.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum — Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 12 Year; alternatively a single malt Scotch from Speyside (Glenfarclas 21) to mirror the complexity without overpowering the Medio Tiempo nuance
Wine
A mature Rioja Gran Reserva — Vega Sicilia Único or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva — whose earthy, dried-fruit character complements the cigar's tobacco-forward depth
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Cuban or Jamaican Blue Mountain pour-over — black, no additives — to echo the espresso and cocoa notes in the second third
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has smoked a hundred Cubans and can still recall the first time a Montecristo No. 2 revealed its creaminess. You are someone who has moved past the need for strength, who now seeks complexity in every draw. You have a quiet evening ahead—no phone, no distractions, just a leather chair and a glass of Havana Club 15. You have been saving this Behike for a milestone, or perhaps for no reason at all, because you understand that the best moments are the ones you create. You already appreciate the subtleties of a well-aged Trinidad or a Partagas Lusitania, but you are ready for something that will challenge your palate and your patience. This cigar will give you that—a journey through flavors you have never tasted, a texture you have never felt, and a finish that will linger long after the ash falls. It will not reward you if you rush it, but if you give it the time it deserves, it will give you a memory you will carry for years.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, a rare and transcendent experience that justifies its price and its legend. If you can find it, buy it. If you can afford it, smoke it. You will never forget it.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Behike cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 a strong cigar?
The BHK 56 is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. It builds methodically from a creamy, approachable first third to a more assertive but never aggressive middle and final third. The strength is present but balanced, allowing the complexity of the Medio Tiempo leaf to shine without overwhelming the palate.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 taste like?
The flavor progression moves from creamy cedar, toasted almond, and refined cocoa powder in the first third, to dark roasted espresso, aged leather, and dried black cherry in the second, finishing with dark chocolate, strong espresso, well-seasoned cedar, and subtle molasses. Throughout, there are notes of floral sweetness, white pepper, and an earthy, mineral complexity unique to the Medio Tiempo leaf.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 take to smoke?
Given its Gran Toro vitola and 6.0 x 56 dimensions, the BHK 56 typically requires 90 to 120 minutes of unhurried smoking. The dense construction and high-quality tobacco burn slowly and evenly, rewarding those who take their time.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
An aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva is an ideal companion, as its rich, oaky sweetness mirrors the cigar's espresso and cocoa notes without overpowering the Medio Tiempo nuance. Alternatively, a Speyside single malt like Glenfarclas 21 offers a complementary complexity that enhances the cigar's depth.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 good for beginners?
No, this cigar is not recommended for beginners. Its Medium-Full strength and dense flavor profile require a palate accustomed to nuanced Cuban tobacco. Additionally, the price point of $45–$65 per cigar (when available) makes it a significant investment that is best appreciated by experienced smokers who can fully savor its complexity.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
The BHK 56 is available through authorized channels such as La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores, which are the official retail outlets for Cuban cigars. Due to its limited production and high demand, it may also appear on the secondary market, but prices there are significantly higher. Always verify authenticity when purchasing from non-official sources.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
The official price ranges from $45 to $65 per cigar when purchased through authorized channels or LCDH. On the secondary market, prices can be significantly higher due to scarcity and collector demand.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. The tobacco is already aged a minimum of three years before rolling, but the BHK 56 benefits greatly from an additional 2–5 years of humidor rest. This allows the Medio Tiempo wrapper and filler to further integrate, softening any sharp edges and deepening the earthy, mineral notes into a more seamless and refined experience.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 use?
The BHK 56 uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo Medio Tiempo leaf wrapper, which is a rare, sun-grown leaf harvested from the top of the tobacco plant. It has a deep chestnut-brown color with a silky, lightly oily sheen, and it contributes the cigar's signature floral sweetness and mineral complexity that cannot be found in any other wrapper.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 made?
The BHK 56 is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, by the island's most senior torcedores. This factory is the birthplace of the Cohiba brand and is known for producing some of the most meticulously crafted cigars in the world, with production tightly controlled and intentionally scarce.