Description
The Cohiba Behike 52 is widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” of the cigar world, a masterpiece that represents the absolute zenith of Cuban craftsmanship. As the smallest vitola in the prestigious Behike trio, the Laguito No. 4 offers an unparalleled concentration of flavor, delivering a medium-to-full-bodied experience that is both powerful and remarkably sophisticated. What sets this ultra-premium cigar apart is the inclusion of the rare medio tiempo leaves—two sun-grown leaves found only at the very top of select tobacco plants. These leaves absorb the maximum amount of sunlight, resulting in a unique richness and oiliness that cannot be replicated. From the first draw, the palate is enveloped in a luxurious tapestry of creamy coffee, aged cedar, and sweet spice, all underpinned by the signature earthiness of the Vuelta Abajo region. For the discerning aficionado, the Behike 52 is not just a smoke; it is a profound sensory ritual and a testament to the legacy of the El Laguito Factory.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 10 | Box of 25 (Special Reserve) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 10 Cigars | 25 Cigars |
| Packaging Type | Luxury Black Lacquered Boîte Nature | High-Gloss Commemorative Humidor Style |
| Ideal For | Investment and Personal Collection | Long-term Aging and Luxury Gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Habanos S.A. Sealed with Cedar Lining | Boveda-ready reinforced seal |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Laguito No. 4 (Petit Robusto) |
| Length | 119 mm (4 5/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Hand-selected Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (including rare medio tiempo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full and Creamy |
| Smoking Time | 45 to 60 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito Factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. / Cohiba |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba. Founded in 1966, the brand was initially created as a private blend for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For nearly two decades, these cigars were never sold commercially; they were reserved exclusively as diplomatic gifts for heads of state and international dignitaries. It wasn’t until 1982, during the World Cup in Spain, that Cohiba was finally released to the public, instantly setting a new global standard for luxury tobacco. The name “Cohiba” itself is derived from the Taino word for the bunches of tobacco leaves that the indigenous people of Cuba first showed to Christopher Columbus.
The Behike line, launched in 2010 at the 12th Habanos Festival, represents the most exclusive tier of the Cohiba brand. Named after the tribal chief of the Taino Indians, the Behike (BHK) series was the first to officially incorporate the medio tiempo leaf into its regular production. Produced in extremely limited quantities at the legendary El Laguito Factory, each Behike 52 is rolled by a select group of master torcedores. The BHK 52 specifically made history in 2010 when it was named the #1 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado, earning a staggering 97-point rating. Today, it remains the benchmark by which all other Cuban cigars are measured.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with an immediate rush of bold white pepper and a rich, toasted intensity. Unlike many cigars that take time to warm up, the medio tiempo leaves ensure that the Behike 52 starts with a commanding presence. As the initial spice settles, notes of dark roasted coffee and damp earth emerge, creating a dense, chewy smoke texture that coats the palate. The construction is evident in the perfect draw, offering just enough resistance to allow the complex oils to shine.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the profile undergoes a magnificent transformation toward elegance. The spice recedes, making way for a creamy vanilla sweetness and a distinct cedar woodiness. This is where the Behike 52 displays its incredible balance; the strength remains medium-full, but the flavors become exceptionally smooth. Hints of toasted almonds and fine leather weave in and out, creating a multi-layered complexity that demands the smoker’s full attention.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the intensity builds once more, but without a hint of bitterness. The earthy undertones become more pronounced, complemented by a meaty, savory character. The sweet spice from the second third lingers in the background, while the coffee notes deepen into dark chocolate and espresso. The smoke remains cool and voluminous until the very last inch, a testament to the superior fermentation and aging of the tobacco used in the BHK series.
Finish
The finish is remarkably long and refined. It leaves a lingering creaminess on the tongue, punctuated by subtle floral notes and a final touch of peppery spice. It is a clean, sophisticated aftertaste that invites reflection on the complexity of the journey just completed.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Creamy Espresso, Rich Earth, Aged Cedar |
| Secondary Notes | Vanilla Bean, Toasted Almond, White Pepper |
| Tertiary Notes | Leather, Dark Chocolate, Musk |
| Finish | Long, Creamy, Meaty, and Refined |
| Aroma | Sweet Spice, Rare Wood, Elegant Floral Undertones |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Behike 52 is one of the most sought-after cigars for serious collectors due to its incredible aging potential. While it is a phenomenal smoke straight out of the box, the high concentration of oils from the medio tiempo leaves allows it to evolve beautifully over time. Within the first 2 to 5 years of proper storage, the initial peppery bite mellows, allowing the creamy coffee and cedar notes to fuse into a singular, harmonious profile. Collectors often find that the Behike 52 gains a “vintage” Cuban character faster than other cigars, developing a profound depth of flavor.
To preserve the integrity of this ultra-premium vitola, it is essential to maintain a stable environment. We recommend storing the Behike 52 in a high-quality humidor at a consistent 70% humidity and 21°C (70°F). Because of the limited annual production and the global demand that far outstrips supply, the Behike 52 has shown remarkable appreciation in value, making it as much a financial investment as it is a luxury indulgence.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness and oak notes of a 15-year-old rum perfectly complement the cedar and vanilla in the cigar. |
| Islay Scotch Whisky | A lightly peated Scotch provides a smoky contrast that highlights the earthy and spicy medio tiempo filler. |
| Cognac (XO) | The velvet texture and dried fruit notes of a fine Cognac mirror the creamy mouthfeel of the Behike 52. |
| Double Espresso | A concentrated coffee brings out the roasted espresso and dark chocolate notes in the final third. |
| Vintage Port | The rich, dark fruit sweetness of a Port balances the medium-to-full strength and peppery opening. |
| Extra Anejo Tequila | The agave sweetness and barrel aging provide a clean, sophisticated pairing for the leather and wood profile. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of ultra-premium cigars, authenticity is paramount. We take exhaustive measures to ensure that every Cohiba Behike 52 we ship is 100% genuine, sourced directly from official Habanos S.A. channels.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official holographic seal with a unique serial number and a hidden micro-printed code visible only under UV light.
- Box Code Verification – Every box includes the factory code and the month/year of production stamped on the bottom, which can be verified against the Habanos authenticity database.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Hecho en Cuba” stamps, applied with the precision expected of El Laguito.
- Triple Cap – The Behike 52 features the iconic Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of master rollers, finished with a distinctive “pigtail” at the head.
- Security Band – The modern Behike band features two distinct holograms: the iconic Cohiba Indian head and the BHK 52 logo, both incorporating complex anti-counterfeiting patterns.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of provenance in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Cohiba Behike 52 different from the standard Cohiba line?
The primary difference lies in the medio tiempo leaves. While the standard Cohiba Linea Clásica and Linea 1492 use high-quality seco and ligero leaves, the Behike 52 incorporates these rare, sun-drenched leaves from the top of the plant. This results in a much higher oil content, a more complex “meaty” flavor, and a denser smoke profile that is unique to the BHK series.
How long does the Cohiba Behike 52 take to smoke?
Despite its shorter length of 119mm, the 52 ring gauge and the density of the Laguito No. 4 vitola provide a slow, cool burn. Most aficionados find that the Behike 52 provides a rich smoking experience lasting between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on your pace.
Does the Cohiba Behike 52 age well compared to other sizes?
Yes, exceptionally well. Because the 52 is a thicker ring gauge than traditional coronas, it contains more filler tobacco, which allows for a more complex aging process. The medio tiempo leaves act as a preservative for the flavor, ensuring that the cigar remains vibrant even after 5 to 10 years in a humidor.
What does the Cohiba Behike 52 taste like compared to the BHK 54?
The Behike 52 is often described as the most “intense” of the trio. Because of its smaller vitola, the ratio of wrapper and medio tiempo filler to the air in the draw is higher, leading to more concentrated coffee, earth, and spice. The BHK 54 and 56 tend to be slightly creamier and more voluminous, whereas the 52 is more focused and punchy.
Is the Behike 52 suitable for a beginner?
While a beginner can certainly appreciate the quality, the medium-to-full-bodied strength and the immense complexity of the Behike 52 are generally better suited for experienced smokers. The nuances of the medio tiempo tobacco are best appreciated by a palate that has been developed through exploring other Cuban marcas.
