AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is more than a cigar; it is a declaration of intent from Cuba’s most hallowed factory, El Laguito. Introduced in 2010 to commemorate Cohiba’s 45th anniversary, the Behike line was initially conceived as a limited annual release, but its staggering demand and critical acclaim elevated it to a permanent prestige tier within Habanos S.A.’s portfolio. The BHK 56, the largest of the three vitolas (succeeding the BHK 52 and BHK 54), is the fullest physical expression of the blend, and its 56-ring gauge Gran Toro format is no accident — it was engineered to maximize the aromatic contribution of the blend’s defining ingredient: the Medio Tiempo leaf.
Medio Tiempo is not a marketing term; it is the two uppermost leaves of the tobacco plant, exposed to the most sunlight and possessing the densest concentration of oils and nicotine. These leaves are harvested only from select farms in the Vuelta Abajo regions of San Luis and San Juan y Martínez, and they undergo a separate, extended curing process before being integrated into the blend. The result is a smoke that immediately distinguishes itself from any other Cuban on the market. The BHK 56’s wrapper, a Colorado Maduro leaf of deep reddish-brown hue — silky, slightly oily, and nearly veinless — sets an aesthetic standard that few cigars can match. Rarely does a cigar’s visual appeal so perfectly foreshadow its performance; here, the wrapper’s luster is a promise of the slick, creamy texture to come.
From the first light, the BHK 56 announces its pedigree with a striking paradox: it is simultaneously bold and delicate. The cold draw yields dark cocoa and dried fig, and the opening puffs deliver a creamy cedar and roasted espresso foundation with only a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The Medio Tiempo makes its presence felt not through brute strength — though the cigar builds to a medium-full intensity by the final third — but through an almost ethereal texture and a complex aromatic signature. The second third introduces a floral note of dried rose petals or violet, a hallmark of San Luis Medio Tiempo, woven through dark chocolate, seasoned leather, and toasted almonds. This is not a cigar that shouts; it compels attention through nuance. The final third is where the blend’s architecture becomes fully apparent, with deep molasses, espresso grounds, roasted meat, and mineral earthiness culminating in a finish that lingers for minutes.
Construction is flawless, as expected from El Laguito’s most senior torcedores: the draw is nearly perfect, the burn line ruler-straight, and the ash holds in firm, layered columns. For the aficionado who has experienced the entire modern Cuban portfolio, the BHK 56 is the definitive statement: it is the cigar that proves Cuba can still produce a world-class smoke that rivals — and in many respects surpasses — the best from any other origin. The market, unfortunately, is rife with counterfeits, and verification of the Habanos hologram and box code is non-negotiable. For those who secure an authentic example, the BHK 56 offers a smoking experience that is transformative, unhurried, and absolutely worth every dollar of its formidable price tag.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Seco — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba |
| Filler | Cuban Seco, Ligero, and the rare Medio Tiempo leaf from Vuelta Abajo, San Luis and San Juan y Martínez regions; aged a m |
| Country of Origin | Cuba — El Laguito factory, Havana |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Toro |
| Size | 6.0 x 56 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $80–$120 per cigar depending on market and import duties |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years post-rolling aging declared by Habanos S.A.; the Medio Tiempo leaf itself undergoes extensive curing; |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers dark cocoa, dried fig, and a whisper of barnyard earthiness characteristic of aged Cuban leaf. On the light, the first puffs deliver a creamy cedar and roasted espresso foundation with subtle white pepper on the retrohale — the Medio Tiempo announcing itself without aggression. A rich, almost buttery texture coats the palate immediately.
Second Third
Complexity escalates with layers of dark chocolate, seasoned leather, toasted almonds, and a distinct floral note — often described as dried rose petals or violet — that is a hallmark of San Luis Medio Tiempo. The smoke becomes denser and more aromatic, with a honeyed sweetness threading through the earthiness. Retrohale shifts to warm spice: cinnamon bark and a faint anise.
Final Third
The final third is where the Medio Tiempo flexes its authority — strength builds to medium-full without sacrificing balance or harshness. Notes of dark molasses, espresso grounds, roasted meats, and a deep mineral earthiness dominate. A long, complex finish of dark fruit, leather, and lingering spice remains for several minutes after each draw. The cigar never turns sharp or bitter if properly humidified.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable — El Laguito's master torcedores produce a firm, even roll with a near-perfect draw that requires no correction. The burn line is ruler-straight, producing a dense, blue-grey smoke; the ash holds in firm, layered columns of one to two inches before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Cuban rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 Solera or Havana Club Unión is the canonical match; alternatively, a 12–18 year Scotch single malt from Speyside (Glenfarclas 15 or Aberlour 18) mirrors the cigar's dried fruit and sherry-wood qualities without overpowering the delicate Medio Tiempo florals.
Wine
A mature Priorat or Ribera del Duero Reserva — Álvaro Palacios 'Camins del Priorat' or Vega Sicilia 'Valbuena 5°' — whose Tempranillo-driven dark fruit, leather, and earthy minerality aligns precisely with the BHK 56's profile.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over or a cortado made with high-grade Cuban Turquino beans; the floral and dark-fruit coffee notes echo the cigar's second-third profile with striking synergy.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is not a cigar for the casual smoker nor for the novice. It is designed for the experienced aficionado who understands that a cigar's value lies not in its strength but in its balance, complexity, and the emotional landscape it traverses over two hours. This cigar rewards patience and attention: it demands a quiet, unhurried occasion — a milestone celebration, a rare afternoon of solitude, or the conclusion of an exceptional meal. The smoker who will love the BHK 56 is one who appreciates the interplay of rare tobacco leaves, who can detect the floral notes of Medio Tiempo, and who values construction as much as flavor. If you seek a cigar that evolves dramatically from first light to final draw without ever turning harsh, the BHK 56 is your benchmark.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 is the gold standard of modern Cuban prestige cigars. Its integration of the rare Medio Tiempo leaf is genuinely transformative, yielding a smoke of unparalleled texture and aromatic depth. In a world of hype, this cigar delivers — but only if you secure an authenticated example and give it the full attention it commands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 a strong cigar?
The BHK 56 is rated medium-full (4/5) on the strength scale. It builds progressively throughout the smoke, with the Medio Tiempo leaf asserting itself in the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering if properly humidified. It is potent yet balanced — a hallmark of expert blending.
What does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 taste like?
The flavor profile evolves dramatically: first third offers creamy cedar, roasted espresso, dark cocoa, dried fig, and subtle white pepper. The second third introduces dark chocolate, seasoned leather, toasted almonds, and a distinctive floral note of dried rose petals or violet. The final third delivers deep molasses, espresso grounds, roasted meats, mineral earthiness, and a long finish of dark fruit and leather.
How long does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 90 minutes to two hours. This is not a cigar to rush; its complexity unfolds slowly, and rushing will compromise the experience. Reserve it for an unhurried evening or a dedicated block of time.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
A well-aged Cuban rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 Solera or Havana Club Unión is the canonical match. A 12–18 year Speyside single malt (Glenfarclas 15 or Aberlour 18) mirrors the dried fruit and sherry notes. For wine, a mature Priorat or Ribera del Duero Reserva (e.g., Álvaro Palacios 'Camins del Priorat' or Vega Sicilia 'Valbuena 5°') aligns perfectly. Non-alcoholically, a single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over echoes the cigar's floral and dark fruit character.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 good for beginners?
Absolutely not. The BHK 56 is intended for seasoned aficionados who can appreciate its complexity, evolution, and the rarity of its Medio Tiempo leaf. Its strength, price point, and two-hour smoking time make it unsuitable for beginners. A novice would be better served starting with a milder, more accessible Cuban like a H. Upmann Magnum 46.
Where can I buy Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
The BHK 56 is available exclusively through authorized Habanos retailers worldwide — La Casa del Habano franchises, select duty-free shops, and certified online vendors. Given the prevalence of counterfeits, you must verify the Habanos hologram and box code. Purchasing from unauthorized sources carries significant risk.
What is the price of Cohiba Behike BHK 56?
The price ranges from $80 to $120 per cigar, depending on market, import duties, and local taxes. In some regions, a box of 10 can exceed $1,200. This is a prestige-tier cigar, and pricing reflects the rarity of the Medio Tiempo leaf and the exclusivity of production.
Is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 worth aging?
Habanos S.A. declares a minimum of two years post-rolling aging before release, and many aficionados report that additional aging of 3–5 years in a stable humidor further harmonizes the blend, softening any youthful edge and deepening the floral and dark fruit notes. However, the cigar is already highly refined upon release. Aging is optional but rewarding for those with patience.
What wrapper does Cohiba Behike BHK 56 use?
The wrapper is a Colorado Maduro leaf, grown from Cuban Seco and Medio Tiempo cultivars in the Vuelta Abajo region. It is deep reddish-brown, silky, and slightly oily, with minimal veining. This wrapper is selected for its visual perfection and its contribution to the cigar's creamy texture and aromatic complexity.
Where is Cohiba Behike BHK 56 made?
The BHK 56 is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba — the birthplace of the Cohiba brand. Only the most senior torcedores are permitted to roll the Behike line, ensuring impeccable construction. The tobacco is sourced exclusively from the Vuelta Abajo region, with the Medio Tiempo leaf coming from farms in San Luis and San Juan y Martínez.