AshMap
Overview
There are cigars that announce themselves, and then there are those that simply exist with the quiet authority of a rare manuscript. The Cohiba BHK 56 is the latter. From the first cold draw, you sense you are not smoking a cigar; you are reading a terroir's most guarded secret. The pre-light offers a faint, sweet hay and a whisper of dried plum, a promise of the honeyed depth that defines the Medio Tiempo leaf. This is not a blend; it is a singular agricultural event, a leaf from the top two primings of fewer than 10% of Vuelta Abajo plants, and its inclusion here is not a marketing gimmick but a declaration of intent. The BHK 56 is the thesis statement of El Laguito's mastery, a cigar that demands you recalibrate your understanding of what Cuban tobacco can achieve.
The first third unfolds with a commanding, almost brooding presence. A dense wave of dark chocolate and espresso crashes against the palate, but it is the undercurrent of damp barnyard earth that grounds the experience, a primal reminder of the leaf's origin. The texture is opulent, a creamy mouthfeel that carries subtle notes of roasted cashew and a fleeting, ethereal dried flower aroma. The strength is measured, a coiled spring that builds with deliberate intent rather than a sudden, aggressive lunge. It is a masterclass in pacing, the cigar introducing its vocabulary before it begins to speak in full sentences.
As the ash holds firm, the second third is where the BHK 56 reveals its true narrative depth. The initial cocoa recedes, making way for a profound leather and aged cedar character. A pronounced black pepper spice now rides the retrohale with an authoritative snap, a sharp counterpoint to the growing sweetness of dried fig and a faint, alluring molasses undertone. This is the heart of the cigar, where the mineral, earthy signature of the Medio Tiempo leaf dances in perfect tension with the sweet tobacco. The complexity is not layered but woven, each element inseparable from the next, creating a tapestry of flavor that is both dense and remarkably clear.
The final third is a reward for patience, a dense and fully integrated conclusion. The flavors of dark cherry and bittersweet dark chocolate emerge, not as new characters but as the inevitable, harmonious resolution of the earlier themes. The leather finish is long and profound, lingering on the palate long after the smoke has dissipated. The strength rises to a confident medium-full, yet it never turns acrid or harsh—a testament to the two years of post-rolling aging and the impeccable leaf selection. The Medio Tiempo's signature honeyed spice persists, a ghost of sweetness that haunts the finish for an impressive duration. This is not a cigar to be dissected; it is a cigar to be experienced, a singular, unhurried journey that concludes with the quiet satisfaction of having witnessed something truly exceptional.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban, Seco and Medio Tiempo leaves — sun-grown Cuban wrapper with rare Medio Tiempo — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Volado leaf |
| Filler | Tri-filler of Cuban Seco, Ligero, and the rare Medio Tiempo — the uppermost primings of select Cuban tobacco plants, age |
| Country of Origin | El Laguito Factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Toro |
| Size | 5.9 x 56 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $80–$120 per cigar (secondary market often significantly higher) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years post-rolling aging at El Laguito before release; Medio Tiempo leaf itself undergoes extended curing an |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is commanding — rich dark chocolate, espresso, and a whisper of barnyard earthiness that immediately signals Cuban terroir at its peak. A creamy texture coats the palate, with subtle notes of roasted cashew and dried flowers emerging beneath the dominant cocoa. Strength is measured at onset, building deliberately rather than announcing itself aggressively.
Second Third
The smoke deepens into leather, aged cedar, and a pronounced black pepper spice that rides the retrohale with authority. Sweet tobacco sweetness emerges — dried fig and a faint molasses undertone — balancing beautifully against the mineral and earthy Medio Tiempo character. This is where the BHK 56 reveals its complexity most generously.
Final Third
The final third rewards patience — rich, dense, and fully integrated with dark cherry, bittersweet dark chocolate, and a long leather finish that lingers well after the smoke is gone. Strength rises to medium-full without ever becoming acrid or harsh, a testament to the aging and leaf selection. The Medio Tiempo signature — that singular honeyed spice — persists on the palate for an impressive duration.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — El Laguito's finest torcedores ensure a draw that is perfectly calibrated, never too open or too tight. The burn is razor-even, producing a dense, firm ash that holds well past an inch; smoke output is generous and cool throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban or Barbadian rum — Zacapa 23, Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a well-aged Rémy Martin XO Cognac for those seeking a classical pairing
Wine
An aged Bordeaux (Pauillac or Saint-Julien, 10+ years), or a Vintage Port such as Graham's 2000 Vintage — the tannin structure and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar's complexity
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Colombian or Ethiopian pour-over coffee, served black — medium-dark roast to complement without overpowering the Medio Tiempo character
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has smoked every regional edition and limited release, who can identify a specific vintage's character in a blind tasting, and who has grown weary of cigars that promise more than they deliver. They are a person who has just closed a significant chapter in their life—a partnership finalized, a book published, a retirement celebrated—and they are seeking a moment of profound reflection, not just another smoke. They already appreciate the classic profiles of a Partagás Lusitania or a Ramon Allones Specially Selected but are looking for a more cerebral, complex experience. This cigar will give them a benchmark against which to measure all future Cubans, a sensory memory of what the island's finest tobacco is truly capable of when handled with reverence. It is for the smoker who understands that the $100 price tag is not for the smoke itself, but for the hour and a half of undivided attention it commands and the singular, unrepeatable story it tells.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba BHK 56 is not merely a great cigar; it is a landmark. It is the definitive expression of the Medio Tiempo leaf and a non-negotiable benchmark for any serious collector. This is the cigar you will remember, the one that resets your palate and your expectations.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Siglo VI cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5). This means it has a commanding presence and a noticeable nicotine kick that builds progressively, especially in the final third, but it is never harsh or overpowering. The strength is well-integrated, providing a warming, cerebral effect rather than a dizzying rush, thanks to the aged tobaccos.
What does Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) taste like?
The flavor arc is a journey. It opens with rich dark chocolate, espresso, and a whisper of barnyard earth. The second third deepens into leather, aged cedar, and a pronounced black pepper spice, balanced by dried fig and molasses. The finale integrates dark cherry, bittersweet dark chocolate, and a long, lingering leather finish with a persistent honeyed spice from the Medio Tiempo leaf.
How long does Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) take to smoke?
Given its Gran Toro vitola and substantial 5.9 x 56 ring gauge, you should set aside a minimum of 90 minutes, though 100-120 minutes is more realistic for a leisurely pace. This is a cigar that demands unhurried contemplation, not a quick smoke between obligations.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56)?
For a spirit pairing, an aged Cuban or Barbadian rum like Zacapa 23 or Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is ideal, as its inherent sweetness and oakiness mirror the cigar's dried fig and leather notes. For wine, a Vintage Port such as Graham's 2000 offers a complementary structure of tannins and dried fruit that stands up to the cigar's density.
Is Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) good for beginners?
No. With a Medium-Full strength profile and a price point of $80–$120 per cigar (often higher on the secondary market), this is not a beginner's smoke. Its complexity and power require a developed palate to appreciate its nuances, and the cost is too high for a palate that may not yet discern its subtleties. Start with milder, more accessible Cubans before approaching this.
Where can I buy Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56)?
Due to its prestige tier and limited production, it is rarely found on open shelves. Authorized Habanos Specialists in duty-free shops and high-end tobacconists in countries like Switzerland, Spain, or Canada are your best bet for legitimate stock. The secondary market is active, but be extremely wary of counterfeits and purchase only from reputable, well-established dealers with provenance.
What is the price of Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56)?
The official retail price is between $80 and $120 per cigar, though it is often sold out at that price. On the secondary market, where availability is the primary driver, prices can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching $200 or more per stick depending on the box date and condition.
Is Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) worth aging?
Absolutely. While it is released with a minimum of two years of post-rolling aging at El Laguito, and the Medio Tiempo leaf itself undergoes extended curing, this cigar is built for further evolution. Additional aging of 5-10 years will allow the powerful pepper and earth notes to mellow further, integrating with the sweeter elements to create an even more seamless and profound smoking experience.
What wrapper does Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) use?
It uses a Cuban, Seco and Medio Tiempo leaves — a sun-grown Cuban wrapper with the rare Medio Tiempo leaf. This wrapper is a deep Colorado Maduro color, silky with a subtle oily sheen. It is this wrapper, sourced from the top primings of select plants, that contributes the initial dark chocolate and espresso notes and the signature honeyed spice on the finish.
Where is Cohiba BHK 56 (Behike 56) made?
It is hand-rolled at the legendary El Laguito Factory in Havana, Cuba, exclusively by Cohiba's most senior torcedores. This production detail is critical, as it ensures the impeccable construction, razor-even burn, and perfectly calibrated draw that are hallmarks of this vitola, and it is a key factor in its status as a modern classic.