AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 stands as perhaps the most intellectually composed cigar in modern Cuban production—a deliberate statement from the world's most storied brand about what premium tobacco craftsmanship can achieve when constraints are removed. Launched in 2010 as the cornerstone of Cohiba's ultra-premium Behike trilogy, the BHK 52 was initially released in quantities so limited (1,000 boxes worldwide) that it immediately transcended commerce and entered the realm of serious collecting. What distinguishes this cigar is not mystique or heritage alone—though Cohiba's lineage as Cuba's state gift cigar carries undeniable weight—but rather the deliberate inclusion of Medio Tiempo leaf, an extraordinarily rare double-growth tobacco sourced from the uppermost primings of select Cuban plants. This is not marketing theater; it is a genuine departure from conventional blending practice, and it is immediately detectable on the palate.
The BHK 52 presents itself as the most disciplined expression within the Behike line—tighter and more architecturally refined than its larger siblings. The vitola, a tapered Salomones at 5.4 x 52, is hand-rolled by Cohiba's most senior torcedores at El Laguito, the crown jewel of Habanos S.A. Construction verges on the immaculate: the draw is effortless, the burn line razor-even, and the ash dense enough to hold 1.5 to 2 inches without hesitation. The Colorado Maduro wrapper—silky and deep auburn-brown—signals restraint rather than aggression, a visual promise the cigar honors from first light.
Flavor unfolds with remarkable precision across the 90-minute experience. The opening third establishes a foundation of roasted coffee, cream, and toasted cedar, punctuated by the cigar's calling card: a distinctive floral jasmine note emerging on the retrohale, courtesy of the Medio Tiempo. The second third is where complexity crystallizes—dark cocoa, cured leather, aged stone fruit, and a mineral terroir note interweave with a thick, creamy smoke that coats the palate with authority. The final third intensifies without crossing into harshness: espresso, dark baking spice, and molasses sweetness build to a long, clean finish that resonates with echoes of cedar and dark chocolate. Strength climbs to medium-full but remains controlled—a testament to the Medio Tiempo's unique combustion properties and the blender's restraint.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Medio Tiempo — a rare, upper-primings leaf harvested from the top two leaves of select Cuban tobacco plants — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Volado and Seco leaves, aged extensively at El Laguito |
| Filler | Blend of Cuban Volado, Seco, and critically, Medio Tiempo — the extraordinarily rare double-growth leaf found on perhaps |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — El Laguito factory, the crown jewel of Habanos S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Salomones (tapered at both ends, semi-torpedo profile) |
| Size | 5.4 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $50–$80 per cigar depending on market and region; Cuban state pricing vs. secondary market fluctuation is significant |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | All tobaccos aged a minimum of two years; the Medio Tiempo leaf undergoes additional curing prior to blending. Post-prod |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw reveals milk chocolate, dried fig, and a whisper of Cuban barnyard earthiness. Once lit, the opening third delivers a remarkably refined wave of roasted coffee, cream, and toasted cedar — precise and controlled with a natural sweetness that distinguishes the Medio Tiempo leaf immediately. Retrohale opens up white pepper and floral jasmine notes rarely encountered in other Cuban cigars.
Second Third
Complexity escalates dramatically as the Medio Tiempo influence fully asserts itself — rich dark cocoa, cured leather, and aged stone fruit (dried plum, tamarind) weave together with exceptional integration. A mineral, almost chalky terroir note — distinctly Cuban — grounds the smoke. The draw produces a thick, creamy texture that coats the palate.
Final Third
The final third intensifies without harshness — espresso, dark baking spice (clove, cinnamon bark), and a deep molasses sweetness emerge. The finish is extraordinarily long, clean, and resonant with echoes of cedar and dark chocolate. Strength builds to a confident medium-full but never crosses into aggression — a testament to the Medio Tiempo's unique combustion properties.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable by El Laguito's exacting standards — the draw is effortless with ideal resistance, producing voluminous, dense smoke. The burn line is razor-even with a dense, firm ash that holds 1.5 to 2 inches without drama; a showcase of what the world's finest hand-rolling torcedores can achieve.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
18-year Zacapa Rum (Guatemala) — the molasses and vanilla tones mirror the cigar's sweetness; alternatively, a 15-year Glenfarclas Scotch for its sherry-cask fruit. Avoid heavily peated whisky, which competes destructively with the Medio Tiempo's delicacy.
Wine
A well-aged Rioja Gran Reserva (Tempranillo-dominant, 10+ years) — the dried fruit, leather, and tobacco notes in the wine create a harmonic conversation with the BHK 52's core flavor architecture. Avoid tannic New World reds.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee — light-to-medium roast preserves the jasmine and stone fruit notes that complement the BHK 52's floral Medio Tiempo character without overwhelming it.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Behike BHK 52 is reserved for the experienced aficionado with patience, discretion, and a genuine curiosity about what premium Cuban tobacco can express. This is not an entry-level cigar—nor should it be approached casually. You should smoke this if you have logged sufficient time with Cuban classics, possess a discerning palate capable of detecting subtle flavor layering, and can dedicate 90 uninterrupted minutes to a single experience. This cigar demands a milestone moment: a significant personal achievement, a rare solitary evening, or a conversation of genuine consequence. The BHK 52 rewards those who slow down and listen. Beginners will find it inaccessible both in price and in the nuance required to appreciate its departures from conventional profiles. For the seasoned collector, it represents a benchmark expression of post-2010 Cuban cigar philosophy.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 is the most intellectually compelling cigar Cohiba has produced in decades—the Medio Tiempo leaf is genuinely transformative, and the execution is flawless. If you encounter authentic examples at legitimate price points, buy without hesitation and clear your calendar for a proper experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 a strong cigar?
The BHK 52 registers at medium-full strength (4/5), with power that builds progressively across the smoke without ever becoming aggressive. The Medio Tiempo leaf's combustion properties ensure the intensity remains refined and integrated rather than blunt—strength here serves complexity, not domination.
What does the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 taste like?
The flavor arc moves from roasted coffee, cream, and toasted cedar (opening) through dark cocoa, cured leather, and aged stone fruit (middle) to espresso, baking spice, and molasses (finish). The defining signature is a delicate floral jasmine note, unique among Cuban cigars, that appears on the retrohale throughout the smoke. A mineral, distinctly Cuban terroir grounds the entire experience.
How long does the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 take to smoke?
Plan for approximately 90 minutes of unhurried enjoyment. The BHK 52 is not a quick smoke and should never be rushed—it demands your full attention and rewards patience with layered complexity that only reveals itself across time.
What is the best pairing for the Cohiba Behike BHK 52?
An 18-year Zacapa Rum (Guatemala) or 15-year Glenfarclas Scotch complement the cigar beautifully; avoid heavily peated whisky. For wine, a well-aged Rioja Gran Reserva with 10+ years of age creates a harmonic conversation through shared dried fruit and leather notes. A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee (light-to-medium roast) is the exceptional non-alcoholic choice.
Is the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 good for beginners?
No. This cigar is positioned for experienced aficionados with developed palates and significant smoking history. Both the price point ($50–$80 per cigar) and the subtle flavor profile—particularly the nuanced Medio Tiempo character—require a foundation of cigar knowledge to fully appreciate.
Where can I buy the Cohiba Behike BHK 52?
Authentic examples are available through authorized Habanos retailers and established specialty cigar merchants. Pricing fluctuates significantly between Cuban state pricing and secondary market values. Purchase only from verifiable, reputable sources to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeit product.
What is the price of the Cohiba Behike BHK 52?
The BHK 52 retails between $50 and $80 per cigar depending on market, region, and source. Cuban state pricing differs substantially from secondary market pricing; significant regional fluctuation is normal and expected.
Is the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 worth aging?
All tobaccos in the BHK 52 are aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling, with the Medio Tiempo undergoing additional specialized curing. The cigar is release-ready and excellent immediately, though further aging in proper conditions will allow the flavor profile to mellow and integrate over 5–10 years. Aging is optional rather than essential.
What wrapper does the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 use?
The BHK 52 is wrapped in Cuban Medio Tiempo—an extraordinarily rare upper-priming leaf harvested from the top two leaves of select Cuban tobacco plants. The wrapper displays a Colorado Maduro shade with deep auburn-brown color, a silky texture, and light oily sheen. Construction is virtually seamless, a showcase of El Laguito craftsmanship.
Where is the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 made?
The Behike BHK 52 is hand-rolled exclusively at El Laguito, the state-owned factory in Havana that serves as Habanos S.A.'s crown jewel and home to Cohiba's production. Only Cohiba's most senior torcedores are permitted to work on the Behike line, ensuring uncompromising quality control.