AshMap
Overview
In the pantheon of Cuban cigars, few names command the reverence—or the controversy—of Cohiba Behike. Launched in 2010 to mark the brand’s 45th anniversary, the Behike line was not merely a new vitola; it was a declaration. At its heart lies the Medio Tiempo leaf, a rare, sun-drenched upper priming from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco fields that is so potent and concentrated that for decades it was reserved exclusively for the most intimate blending trials at El Laguito. The BHK 56, the largest of the original three-size portfolio, is where that leaf finds its fullest expression. Stretching to six inches with a 56-ring gauge, this Gran Toro (a descriptor that fits its dimensions even if the factory does not use the term officially) is a parejo of unimpeachable construction, rolled by Cuba’s most senior torcedores with a precision that borders on the sacred. The wrapper—a Colorado-shade Medio Tiempo leaf—gleams with a silky, lightly oily sheen, promising depth before the first match is struck.
What unfolds across ninety to one hundred twenty minutes is a study in controlled power. The cold draw hints at dried fruit and honey, but the first third reveals a far more layered reality: creamy cedar, toasted almond, and refined cocoa powder, all threaded through with a floral sweetness that is unmistakably the signature of Medio Tiempo. This is not a cigar that assaults the palate; it invites, then beguiles. The second third deepens into dark roasted espresso, aged leather, and dried black cherry, while the retrohale introduces a mineral earthiness and subtle white pepper that reminds you of the leaf’s extraordinary provenance. By the final third, the BHK 56 consolidates into a rich, resonant crescendo of dark chocolate, strong espresso, and well-seasoned cedar, finishing with a long, warming note of toasted tobacco and molasses that lingers long after the ash is tapped. The strength—medium-full, a 4 out of 5—builds methodically, never overwhelming, always in service of balance.
But the BHK 56 is more than its flavor profile. It is a cultural artifact, a limited-production cigar whose scarcity has elevated it to near-mythic status among collectors and connoisseurs. Production is tightly controlled; each box carries a serial number and a story. The secondary market pricing—often double or triple the $45–$65 authorized retail—speaks to a demand that far exceeds supply. Yet the Behike’s true worth lies not in its rarity but in its execution: the integration of Medio Tiempo, aged Seco, and Ligero creates a smoke that is simultaneously powerful and elegant, complex and coherent. It is the kind of cigar that rewards not just patience, but presence. For the aficionado who has long since stopped chasing strength and now seeks nuance, the BHK 56 is a definitive statement—a cigar that reminds us why Cuba remains the spiritual home of the handmade cigar.
This is not a cigar for the casual smoker or the hurried evening. It demands a quiet room, a clean palate, and at least two hours of unhurried attention. Pair it with an aged Cuban rum—Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva is ideal—or a mature Rioja Gran Reserva whose earthy, dried-fruit character mirrors the cigar’s own depth. The Behike BHK 56 is, in the most literal sense, a rare tobacco experience. It is also, in the opinion of this editorial voice, the most significant Cuban cigar release of the 21st century—not because of its marketing, but because the Medio Tiempo leaf delivers a flavor dimension unavailable anywhere else on earth. It is the pursuit of perfection, rolled and boxed.
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?
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is for the advanced aficionado who has graduated from chasing nicotine and now pursues complexity. It will reward the smoker who can dedicate an uninterrupted 90 to 120 minutes to a contemplative session—this is not a cigar for conversation or multitasking. Experienced palates will appreciate the layered interplay of cedar, espresso, dried fruit, and mineral earth, while those new to premium Cuban cigars may find its medium-full strength and deliberate pace overwhelming. Reserve this cigar for milestones, personal reflection, or any moment that demands your full attention. It is, above all, a cigar for those who understand that patience is not a virtue—it is the entire point.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is the rarest and most accomplished expression of Cuba’s Medio Tiempo leaf—a cigar of profound complexity, impeccable construction, and near-mythic scarcity. It is not merely a smoke; it is a benchmark against which all other premium Cuban cigars are measured. For the serious collector and the dedicated connoisseur, it is essential.
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 out of 5) in strength. It builds methodically through the smoking session, never becoming aggressive or harsh. The strength is integrated and balanced, a hallmark of the high-quality Medio Tiempo leaf. It is not a cigar for those seeking a nicotine rush, but rather for those who appreciate sustained, evolving complexity.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct thirds. The first third offers creamy cedar, toasted almond, refined cocoa powder, and a delicate floral sweetness from the Medio Tiempo wrapper. The second third deepens into dark roasted espresso, aged leather, dried black cherry, and earthy mineral notes with subtle white pepper on the retrohale. The final third crescendos into dark chocolate, strong espresso, well-seasoned cedar, and a long, warming finish of toasted tobacco and molasses.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 take to smoke?
Plan for 90 to 120 minutes of uninterrupted smoking time. The BHK 56’s 6.0 x 56 ring gauge and dense, Ligero-rich blend require a slow, deliberate pace. Rushing this cigar will compromise the experience; it rewards patience and focused attention.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
For spirits, an aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or a Speyside single malt like Glenfarclas 21 mirrors the cigar’s complexity without overpowering the Medio Tiempo nuance. Wine lovers should seek a mature Rioja Gran Reserva—Vega Sicilia Único or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva—whose earthy, dried-fruit character complements the tobacco’s depth. For a non-alcoholic pairing, a single-origin Cuban or Jamaican Blue Mountain pour-over coffee (black, no additives) echoes the espresso and cocoa notes in the second third.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 good for beginners?
No. This cigar is unequivocally for the experienced aficionado. Its medium-full strength, layered complexity, and 90–120 minute smoking time are not suited for novice palates. Beginners would be better served starting with milder Cuban options, such as a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 or a Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill, before attempting the Behike.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
Authorized purchase channels include official La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores and select Habanos Specialists retailers in duty-free markets. Due to extremely limited production and high demand, the BHK 56 is frequently out of stock at MSRP. Most purchases outside these channels occur on the secondary market, where prices are significantly elevated. Be wary of counterfeit cigars; always verify the serial number on the box and source from a trusted, certified retailer.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
When available through authorized channels such as LCDH, the retail price typically ranges from $45 to $65 per cigar. However, due to intentional scarcity and collector demand, secondary market prices can reach $150 to $300 or more per cigar. Always confirm authenticity before purchasing at inflated prices.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco in the BHK 56 is aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, but the cigar benefits greatly from an additional 2 to 5 years of proper humidor rest. Aging allows the Medio Tiempo’s more assertive notes to harmonize with the Seco and Ligero, softening the pepper and integrating the flavors into an even more seamless, nuanced profile. This is a cigar that rewards the patient collector.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Vuelta Abajo Medio Tiempo leaf in a Colorado shade. This rare priming—the uppermost leaves on the tobacco plant, exposed to maximum sunlight—provides a deep chestnut-brown color with a silky, lightly oily sheen. Medio Tiempo is harvested from a specific, low-yielding part of the plant and is the signature component that distinguishes the Behike line from all other Cohibas.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 made?
The BHK 56 is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba—the same legendary facility where all Cohiba cigars are produced. Only Cuba’s most senior, master-grade torcedores are entrusted with the Behike line. Every cigar undergoes rigorous quality control, including drawing tests and visual inspection, before being boxed with its unique serial number.