AshMap
Overview
In the pantheon of Cuban cigars, few names carry the gravitas of Cohiba. And within that hallowed lineage, the Behike BHK 56 stands as a singular achievement — a cigar that does not merely trade on legacy but earns its reverence through an uncompromising commitment to tobacco mastery. Launched in 2010 to commemorate Cohiba’s 45th anniversary, the Behike line was initially conceived as a limited release, yet its reception was so profound that Habanos S.A. elevated it to a standing, albeit severely allocated, production. The BHK 56, the largest of the three vitolas bearing the Behike name, is a Salomones measuring 7.0 x 56, a format that demands both time and respect. What distinguishes the Behike from every other Cohiba — indeed, from virtually every other cigar on the market — is the inclusion of Medio Tiempo leaf. Harvested from the top two leaves of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco plant, this rare primatura is present in only a minuscule fraction of each year’s crop. It is aged a minimum of two years at the El Laguito factory in Havana, and its integration into the blend yields a flavor dimension that is at once earthy, mineral, and profoundly complex. The wrapper, a Colorado Maduro Seco leaf with a deep auburn-mahogany sheen, is itself a work of agricultural art — silken to the touch, flawless in its construction. Underneath lies a binder of Vuelta Abajo Seco and a filler blend that marries Seco, Ligero, and the aforementioned Medio Tiempo. The result is a cigar that opens with creamy cedar, dark cocoa, and dried fig, transitions into a dense middle third of bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee, leather, and dried plum, and concludes with a syrupy intensity of molasses, espresso, and worn saddle leather. The strength builds to a solid full — a 4 out of 5 — but is so elegantly controlled by the cigar’s impeccable construction that it never overwhelms. The draw is effortless, the burn razor-even, and the ash holds in pale grey cylinders for inches. This is a cigar that speaks not in volumes but in nuance; it rewards the patient, the focused, and the experienced. To smoke a Behike BHK 56 is to understand why Habanos S.A., when resourced without compromise, remains the world’s foremost producer of handmade cigars. Its scarcity is not marketing theater — it is a reflection of the impossibility of mass-producing this level of quality. For the aficionado who has spent years chasing authenticity, depth, and the rare moment of tobacco transcendence, the BHK 56 is the destination.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Seco de Vuelta Abajo with Medio Tiempo leaf inclusion — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo Seco |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo Seco, Ligero, and the rare Medio Tiempo — aged a minimum of two years at El Laguito |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — El Laguito factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Salomones |
| Size | 7.0 x 56 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $50–$80 per cigar (varies significantly by market and gray market sourcing) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | All tobaccos aged a minimum of two years; Medio Tiempo leaf — harvested from the top two leaves of the plant, found only |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers dark cocoa, dried fig, and a whisper of toasted hay — classic Cuban Seco aromatics. On light, the first third opens with a rich, creamy cedar note layered over dark espresso and sweet Corojo-like spice. The Medio Tiempo announces itself immediately with a distinctive earthy complexity — raw tobacco leaf, damp forest floor — that differentiates this from any standard Cohiba.
Second Third
The middle third is where the BHK 56 earns its legendary status. Flavors consolidate and intensify: bittersweet dark chocolate, roasted coffee, leather, and a lingering dried fruit sweetness reminiscent of raisins and plum. The Medio Tiempo-driven earthiness becomes more refined, integrating seamlessly into a complex, multi-layered profile with excellent retrohale spice — white pepper and dried herbs.
Final Third
The final third deepens into a concentrated, almost syrupy richness — dark molasses, espresso, worn saddle leather, and aged cedar dominate. Strength builds to solidly full but never overwhelms, controlled by exceptional construction. The Medio Tiempo delivers a long, complex finish with a distinctive mineral note that lingers well after the final draw.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exceptional — among the finest in the world at this price point. The draw is effortless yet offers just enough resistance for proper smoke production, throwing a dense, creamy plume. The burn is razor-even, requiring no corrections, and the ash holds in firm, tight cylinders of pale grey-white for two inches or more — a hallmark of Vuelta Abajo primero filler.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Cuban-style or Barbadian rum — Zacapa 23 Solera or Barbancourt 15-Year Reserve — mirrors the brown sugar and dried fruit complexity without overpowering. Alternatively, a lightly peated Scotch single malt such as Highland Park 18 complements the earthiness and cedar.
Wine
A Gran Reserva Rioja — López de Heredia Viña Tondonia or Vega Sicilia Único — with its earthy leather, dried cherry, and tobacco tertiary notes creates a near-perfect harmonic pairing with the BHK 56's profile.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe prepared as a long black or Americano — its blueberry, dark chocolate, and floral brightness cuts cleanly against the cigar's deep earthiness and espresso tones.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Behike BHK 56 is not a cigar for the casual smoker. It is for the experienced aficionado who has developed a palate capable of discerning the layered interplay of earth, sweetness, and spice that only the Medio Tiempo leaf can deliver. This is a cigar for the collector who understands allocation, for the purist who seeks the definitive expression of Cuban craftsmanship, and for the celebrant marking a milestone that demands more than a standard vitola. Reserve it for a 90-minute to two-hour uninterrupted sitting — an evening of serious contemplation, a significant personal achievement, or a rare gathering of equals who appreciate that some cigars are meant to be the center of attention, not a background note.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is arguably the most important Cuban cigar of the 21st century — a masterclass in blending that leverages the irreplaceable Medio Tiempo leaf to deliver a flavor profile no other commercial cigar can replicate. If you can find an authentic, properly stored example, pay the premium; this is tobacco as alchemy, and it is worth every dollar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 a strong cigar?
Yes, the Behike BHK 56 is a full-strength cigar, rated 4 out of 5. The strength builds progressively from a medium-full start to a solid, robust finish, but it is remarkably well-balanced and never harsh, thanks to the two-year aged tobaccos and exceptional construction.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 taste like?
The flavor profile is complex and multi-layered. The first third offers creamy cedar, dark cocoa, dried fig, and a distinctive earthy note from the Medio Tiempo leaf. The second third intensifies to bittersweet dark chocolate, roasted coffee, leather, and dried fruit sweetness. The final third deepens into syrupy dark molasses, espresso, worn saddle leather, and a lingering mineral finish.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 take to smoke?
Given its 7.0 x 56 Salomones vitola, this cigar requires a significant time commitment — typically 90 minutes to two hours of uninterrupted smoking to fully appreciate its evolution.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
For spirits, a well-aged Cuban-style rum such as Zacapa 23 Solera or Barbancourt 15-Year Reserve complements the brown sugar and dried fruit notes. A lightly peated Scotch like Highland Park 18 enhances the earthiness. For wine, a Gran Reserva Rioja — López de Heredia Viña Tondonia or Vega Sicilia Único — creates a near-perfect harmonic pairing. For non-alcoholic options, a single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe prepared as a long black or Americano cuts cleanly against the cigar's depth.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 good for beginners?
No. The Behike BHK 56 is an advanced cigar intended for seasoned aficionados. Its full strength, complexity, and price point make it unsuitable for beginners. Novices should start with milder, more accessible blends and build their palate before approaching this vitola.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
Due to extreme scarcity and rampant counterfeiting, the only reliable sources are authorized Habanos dealers and official La Casa del Habano locations. Purchasing from gray market or unverified online vendors carries a very high risk of receiving counterfeit or poorly stored cigars. Authentication is non-negotiable.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
Prices vary significantly by market and sourcing channel, typically ranging from $50 to $80 per cigar. Gray market prices can be higher, and availability is extremely limited. Expect to pay a premium commensurate with its Prestige tier status.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years before rolling, including the rare Medio Tiempo leaf. While the cigar is ready to smoke upon release, careful additional aging in a proper humidor (62–65% RH, 65–68°F) for 3–5 years can further integrate and soften the flavors, potentially enhancing the complexity. It is already an exceptional smoke fresh.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Seco de Vuelta Abajo leaf with Medio Tiempo leaf inclusion. It is classified as a Colorado Maduro shade, presenting a deep auburn-mahogany color with a silky texture and a subtle natural sheen.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 made?
The Behike BHK 56 is hand-rolled by the most senior torcedoras at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba — the same storied facility responsible for all Cohiba production.