AshMap
Overview
There are cigars that announce themselves, and then there are cigars that require an introduction. The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero belongs to the latter category, a smoke that doesn't just reward patience—it demands it as a prerequisite for understanding. This is not the brawny, in-your-face powerhouse of the modern cigar renaissance; it is a quiet conversation held in a language of whispers, where each inflection matters and every pause is pregnant with meaning. From the first cold draw, which offers a bouquet of dried fig, cedar shavings, and a ghost of white pepper, you sense you are in the presence of something that has been meticulously composed, not merely rolled. The pre-light aroma is a promise of the intellectual journey to come, a promise the cigar keeps with almost unnerving precision.
The opening third unfolds with a deceptive gentleness that is the hallmark of great Cuban blending. A refined espresso cream coats the palate, followed by toasted almond and a floral note that is unmistakably Havana—a delicate jasmine or dried rose petal that seems to hover just above the smoke rather than being embedded within it. Beneath this, a foundation of aged leather and cedar begins to form, but it is the balance that arrests your attention. There is no single dominant voice; instead, the flavors engage in a kind of polite, sophisticated argument, each one ceding the floor to the next with impeccable manners. The retrohale is a revelation, delivering a seamless wave of white pepper and sweet cream that feels less like a sensation and more like a memory being recalled.
As the ash column grows and the burn line advances into the second third, the fabled Medio Tiempo leaf begins to assert its presence, not as a thunderclap but as a slow, deliberate shift in the room's atmosphere. The profile deepens into a complex earthiness—damp forest floor after a rain, cocoa powder dusted over roasted coffee beans, and a dark stone fruit intensity that brings dried plum and fig into sharper focus. The cedar and leather backbone remains, but it now serves as a stage for this more profound, more contemplative character. The strength climbs measurably, a steady hand on the throttle, yet it never tips into harshness. This is the cigar's intellectual core, where the blend's architecture is laid bare, and you realize the first third was merely the thesis statement.
The final third is a masterclass in resolution. The dark chocolate notes deepen into something almost bittersweet, while cured tobacco and a pronounced, refined spice weave together in a tapestry that feels both inevitable and surprising. A faint sweetness, reminiscent of aged rum or molasses, lingers on the finish, a final, elegant bow. The strength reaches its peak here, but it is a controlled burn, a measured intensity that leaves you composed rather than overwhelmed. The cigar ends as it began: with poise, with grace, and with the quiet confidence of a blend that knows exactly what it is. The ash holds in firm, inch-plus columns of medium grey, a testament to the construction, and the burn line requires only a single touch-up in the final third—a minor concession to the lancero vitola's inherent challenges. This is not a cigar to be rushed; it is a 90-minute meditation, a rare artifact that rewards the initiated with a nuanced, evolving conversation that lingers long after the final draw.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Volado — Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río, with Medio Tiempo leaf accent — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Seco — Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río |
| Filler | Tri-blend of Cuban Volado, Seco, and rare Medio Tiempo leaves from Vuelta Abajo; Medio Tiempo sourced from the uppermost |
| Country of Origin | Cuba — El Laguito factory, Havana |
| Vitola / Shape | Lancero |
| Size | 7.5 x 38 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $80–$120 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years of aging on the Medio Tiempo filler component; finished cigars rested before release. Box-aged example |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw delivers rich dried fruit, cedar, and a whisper of white pepper. On light, the first third opens with refined espresso cream, toasted almond, and a distinctive floral note that is uniquely Havana — possibly jasmine or dried rose petal. Leather and aged cedar emerge underneath with extraordinary balance.
Second Third
The Medio Tiempo asserts itself here with a complex earthiness — think damp forest floor, cocoa powder, and a roasted coffee bean intensity that deepens without turning harsh. Dark stone fruit — dried plum, fig — begins to integrate with the cedar and leather backbone. The retrohale is exceptional: white pepper and sweet cream on the nasal passage simultaneously.
Final Third
The final third builds complexity without sacrificing elegance — a hallmark of great Cubans. Rich dark chocolate, cured tobacco, and a pronounced but refined spice weave together. A faint sweetness, almost like aged rum or molasses, lingers on the finish. The strength climbs measurably but never overwhelms; the cigar ends as composed as it began.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is immaculate — as expected from El Laguito's premier torcedores. The draw on a true Lancero ring gauge is admirably open without being loose, and the burn line holds razor-straight for two-thirds before occasionally requiring a single touch-up. Ash holds firm in inch-plus columns, medium grey with a tight structure.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Cuban or Barbadian rum — Ron Zacapa 23 or Mount Gay 1703 Master Select — mirrors the cigar's dried fruit and sweet tobacco complexity without competing. A 15-year Speyside single malt (Glenfarclas 15 or Glenfiddich 18) also works beautifully.
Wine
A structured Rioja Gran Reserva — Muga or La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 — with Tempranillo's leather and dark cherry notes dovetails perfectly with this cigar's flavor profile.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin pour-over from a Guatemalan or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe bean — bright acidity, floral notes, and stone fruit complement the Medio Tiempo character without masking it.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a dedicated humidor for vintage stock and a separate one for daily smokers, who has already smoked through a box of Trinidad Fundadores and found them lovely but slightly predictable. He is a man in his late forties, perhaps, marking the completion of a decade-long project—a book, a business sale, a child's graduation—and he has set aside a full afternoon with no interruptions. He has a glass of Ron Zacapa 23 within reach, a leather chair that has molded to his frame, and a view of something quiet, like a garden or a still lake. He does not need this cigar to be strong or flashy; he needs it to be interesting, to offer him a new thought with every draw. He already appreciates the subtle earth of a Partagas Lusitania and the floral lift of a H. Upmann Magnum 50, and he is seeking a synthesis of those experiences, elevated by a rare leaf he has read about but never truly understood. This cigar will give him that understanding, not as a fact, but as a felt experience.
Bottom Line
The Behike BHK 52 Lancero is a singular achievement in modern Cuban cigar making, a blend where the rare Medio Tiempo leaf justifies its mythology with every puff. It demands your full attention and a significant investment, but for the initiated, it delivers an intellectual and sensory experience that few cigars on earth can match. This is not a smoke; it is a statement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. This means it has a noticeable nicotine presence that builds progressively through the smoke, particularly in the final third, but it is never harsh or overpowering. The strength is a measured, intellectual component of the experience, not a dominant one, making it suitable for experienced smokers who appreciate a sustained, evolving intensity rather than an immediate punch.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero taste like?
The flavor profile is a complex progression. The first third offers refined espresso cream, toasted almond, and a distinctive floral note of jasmine or dried rose petal over a base of aged leather and cedar. The second third deepens into damp forest floor earthiness, cocoa powder, roasted coffee bean, and dark stone fruits like dried plum and fig. The final third features rich dark chocolate, cured tobacco, and a refined spice, finishing with a faint sweetness of aged rum or molasses.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero take to smoke?
Given its Lancero vitola and dimensions of 7.5 inches by a 38 ring gauge, this is a slow-burning format. Expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes to two hours, depending on your pace. The narrow ring gauge and length require a deliberate, unhurried approach to fully appreciate the evolving flavor profile, so it is best reserved for a long, dedicated session.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero?
A well-aged Cuban or Barbadian rum, such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Mount Gay 1703 Master Select, is an ideal companion. The rum's inherent notes of dried fruit and sweet tobacco mirror the cigar's core flavors without competing for attention. Alternatively, a 15-year Speyside single malt like Glenfarclas 15 offers a softer, sweeter counterpoint that complements the cigar's cedar and leather backbone.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero good for beginners?
No. This cigar is not recommended for beginners. Its Medium-Full strength can be challenging for a palate not accustomed to nicotine, and its price point of $80–$120 per cigar makes it a significant investment that a novice may not fully appreciate. The flavor profile is subtle and demands a developed palate to discern its nuances. A beginner would be better served starting with milder, more approachable Cubans before attempting this level of complexity.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero?
Due to its prestige tier and rampant counterfeiting, you should only purchase from authorized, trusted sources. This means visiting a La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise or an authorized retailer that you have an established relationship with. Avoid online marketplaces, auction sites, or any source where the price seems too good to be true, as a fake Behike will taste thin and sharp by comparison.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero?
The retail price for a single Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero typically ranges from $80 to $120 per cigar. This premium reflects the extremely limited production, the use of the rare and aged Medio Tiempo leaf, and the hand-rolling by Cuba's most senior torcedores at the El Laguito factory. Prices can vary based on market allocation and box size (10 or 25).
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. The Medio Tiempo filler component is already aged for a minimum of two years before the cigar is rolled, and the finished cigars are rested before release. This example was box-aged, which has allowed the flavors to further integrate and mellow. The wrapper, a Cuban Volado from Vuelta Abajo, is delicate and will benefit from additional aging, which can soften any remaining sharp edges and deepen the dark fruit and cocoa notes, making it an excellent candidate for long-term humidor storage.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Volado leaf sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río, featuring a Medio Tiempo leaf accent. It is a Colorado shade wrapper, rich amber-brown in color, with a silky, finely veined surface and a subtle oily sheen. This specific wrapper contributes a refined floral note and a delicate sweetness to the profile, while the Medio Tiempo accent adds an extra layer of textural richness and aromatic complexity that is unique to the Behike line.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 Lancero made?
It is made in Cuba at the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana. This is the historic home of Cohiba, and the Behike line is hand-rolled exclusively by Cuba's most senior and skilled torcedores. The production is extremely limited, and the line was launched in 2010 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Cohiba brand, adding to its provenance and desirability.