AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 is not merely a cigar; it is a declaration. When Habanos S.A. unveiled the Behike line in 2010, it marked a seismic shift in the landscape of premium Cuban tobacco. Named after the *behique*—the spiritual shaman of the Taíno people—this series was conceived as a tribute to the island’s ancestral tobacco wisdom, and it introduced a leaf that had, until then, been the stuff of hushed speculation among the most seasoned torcedores: *Medio Tiempo*. These are the two uppermost leaves of select tobacco plants, sun-soaked and nutrient-dense, historically deemed too potent for blending and often discarded. By incorporating them into the Behike, Cohiba transformed a discarded curiosity into the very soul of a cigar that would redefine Havana’s ceiling.
The BHK 52, the entry vitola in a trilogy of Robusto Extra proportions—5.8 inches with a 52-ring gauge—is rolled at El Laguito, the storied factory that gave birth to the Cohiba brand itself. Its wrapper, a Colorado-hued Cuban Seco leaf from Vuelta Abajo, shimmers with a silken sheen and fine tooth, promising the depth within. The binder and filler draw from the same privileged region, but it is the Medio Tiempo that commands attention. The leaf undergoes extended curing before the cigar is rested for a minimum of two years post-rolling, a patience that yields a smoke of extraordinary composure. The opening third unfurls with refined cedar, roasted espresso, and a creamy white pepper that is almost surgical in its precision. This is not a cigar that shouts; it asserts with the quiet confidence of a master craftsman.
As the BHK 52 progresses, its complexity deepens like a well-composed symphony. The second third introduces leather, dried fig, and a whisper of violet, all while the Medio Tiempo spice recedes into a structural backbone, providing length and finesse. By the final third, the cigar builds to a commanding crescendo of dark chocolate, aged leather, and a gentle earthiness evocative of Vuelta Abajo soil after rain. A touch of nutmeg and black pepper re-emerges, and the retrohale delivers a long, creamy finish with a sweetness that belies the cigar’s medium-full body. The burn is razor-sharp, the draw precise, and the ash holds firm—a testament to the meticulous construction at El Laguito.
In a world where scarcity and hype often overshadow substance, the Behike BHK 52 stands as a rebuttal. It is not for the status seeker; it is for the aficionado who understands that the true value of a cigar lies not in its price tag, but in the intricate harmony of its leaves and the mastery required to achieve it. This cigar redefined what Havana could produce, and it remains, more than a decade after its debut, the benchmark against which all other Cuban releases are measured.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Seco leaf — Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río; notably incorporates Medio Tiempo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban — Vuelta Abajo Seco |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo Seco, Ligero, and critically, Medio Tiempo — the rarest primings from the top two leaves of select to |
| Country of Origin | Cuba — El Laguito factory, Havana |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto Extra |
| Size | 5.8 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $50–$80 per cigar (authorized dealers); secondary market and duty-free pricing varies significantly |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years post-rolling aging declared by Habanos S.A.; Medio Tiempo leaves themselves undergo extended curing be |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening third announces itself with refined cedar, roasted espresso, and a distinctive creamy white pepper — the Medio Tiempo making its presence known immediately with a focused, almost surgical spice. Beneath that, a rich vein of dark cocoa and toasted almond emerges, framed by excellent balance that rarely wavers.
Second Third
Complexity deepens considerably in the middle third as leather, dried fig, and a subtle floral note — almost violets — interweave with the continuing cedar and espresso backbone. The Medio Tiempo spice softens slightly but remains a consistent undercurrent, providing structure and length on the palate that distinguishes the Behike from virtually every other Cuban smoke.
Final Third
The final third delivers a commanding crescendo of dark chocolate, aged leather, and a gentle earthiness reminiscent of fertile Vuelta Abajo soil after rain. A touch of nutmeg and black pepper re-emerges, and the retrohale produces a long, creamy finish with remarkable sweetness that belies the cigar's medium-full body. It finishes with elegance, not aggression.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction at El Laguito is meticulous — the BHK 52 typically exhibits an impeccable, razor-sharp burn line, firm pack, and a draw that requires the slightest resistance without ever becoming plugged. Ash is dense, firm, and pale grey-white, holding 1.5 to 2 inches with ease — a hallmark of properly aged Cuban leaf.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Cuban rum such as Ron Santiago de Cuba 12 Year or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva — the rum's sugarcane sweetness and vanilla harmonize with the Medio Tiempo's spice. Alternatively, a Cognac of VSOP or XO grade (Hennessy XO, Rémy Martin XO) mirrors the cigar's dried fruit and floral complexity without overwhelming it.
Wine
A structured Rioja Gran Reserva — Marqués de Murrieta or La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 — whose tempranillo tannins and leather/cherry notes echo the BHK's secondary flavors beautifully. Avoid heavily oaked New World reds which will clash with the delicate floral register.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso — ideally Cuban-style, unsweetened — drawn slowly alongside the second third. The coffee amplifies the cocoa and roasted notes while providing a cleansing contrast to the creamy retrohale.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Behike BHK 52 is the domain of the seasoned aficionado—someone who has traveled the spectrum of Cuban vitolas and understands that complexity, not strength, is the ultimate luxury. It rewards those who can dedicate a full 90 minutes of uninterrupted leisure, whether for a milestone celebration, a profound conversation, or deliberate solitary contemplation. This is not a casual smoke; it demands attention and a palate capable of appreciating the interplay of cedar, espresso, floral notes, and the signature Medio Tiempo spice. If you are a collector or a devotee of Cuban craftsmanship seeking the pinnacle of the island’s output, this cigar is your grail. Beginners should wait; this is for those who have earned the right to appreciate it.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 52 is the most consequential Cuban cigar of the 21st century—a masterclass in blending that transforms the rarest leaf into an experience of profound balance and elegance. It is the definitive entry point into the Behike lineage, and for the aficionado who seeks the apex of Havana’s art, it is simply non-negotiable.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Robusto cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 a strong cigar?
The BHK 52 is rated as medium-full (4/5) in strength. It delivers a focused, creamy spice from the Medio Tiempo leaf, but it is characterized by balance and refinement rather than raw power. The strength builds gracefully through the final third.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 taste like?
Expect a layered profile: refined cedar, roasted espresso, creamy white pepper, and dark cocoa in the first third; leather, dried fig, and subtle violet notes in the second; and a commanding finish of dark chocolate, aged leather, earthy soil, nutmeg, and black pepper with a remarkably sweet, creamy retrohale.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 take to smoke?
Plan for a dedicated 90-minute session. This is a cigar that demands unhurried attention—it is not suited for short breaks or multitasking.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 52?
A well-aged Cuban rum like Santiago de Cuba 12 Year or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva harmonizes with the spice and sweetness. Alternatively, a Cognac of VSOP or XO grade (Hennessy XO, Rémy Martin XO) mirrors the dried fruit and floral complexity. For non-alcoholic, a double unsweetened Cuban-style espresso is ideal.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 good for beginners?
No. This cigar is intended for experienced aficionados who can appreciate its complexity and subtleties. Beginners should start with milder, more accessible vitolas to build their palate before approaching the Behike.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 52?
Authorized Habanos S.A. retailers worldwide, including La Casa del Habano locations, are the primary channels. Duty-free shops in select airports and secondary markets also carry it, but pricing and authenticity vary. Always purchase from verified sources.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 52?
At authorized dealers, the price ranges from $50 to $80 per cigar. Secondary market and duty-free pricing can differ significantly due to scarcity and demand.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 worth aging?
Yes. The cigar is already aged a minimum of two years post-rolling, with the Medio Tiempo leaves undergoing extended curing. Further aging in a stable humidor can soften the spice and deepen the floral and earthy notes, though it is remarkably well-balanced from the outset.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 52 use?
It uses a Cuban Seco leaf from Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río, in a Colorado shade—a warm chestnut brown with a silky sheen, fine tooth, and minimal veining. Notably, the wrapper itself incorporates Medio Tiempo influence.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 52 made?
It is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba—the historic birthplace of the Cohiba brand and the exclusive production site for the Behike series.