Description
Cohiba Behike 52: The Crown Jewel of Cuban Cigar Craftsmanship
When Habanos S.A. introduced the Cohiba Behike line in 2006, they weren’t just releasing another premium cigar—they were redefining what Cuban excellence could be. The Cohiba Behike 52, named after the ancient Taíno word for medicine man or shaman, represents the absolute pinnacle of Cuban tobacco artistry. This isn’t simply marketing hyperbole; the Behike line incorporates medio tiempo leaves, a rare tobacco harvested from only the top two leaves of specially selected sun-grown plants. If you’re searching for the most exclusive smoking experience Cuba has to offer, you’ve found it.
What makes the Behike 52 truly exceptional? Beyond its rare tobacco blend and impeccable construction, this vitola delivers a complexity that evolves continuously throughout the smoke. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a collector seeking the ultimate addition to your humidor, understanding what sets this cigar apart will deepen your appreciation for what many consider the finest Cuban cigar ever produced.
The Ultimate Expression of Cohiba’s Legacy
Cohiba’s story began in 1966 as Fidel Castro’s personal cigar, crafted in secrecy before becoming available to diplomats and eventually the world. The Behike line, however, stands apart even within Cohiba’s distinguished portfolio. Released to commemorate Cohiba’s 40th anniversary, the Behike series initially included just the BHK 52, 54, and 56—each a limited production masterpiece.
The Behike 52 specifically targets the aficionado who appreciates a shorter smoking time without sacrificing complexity. Its 52 ring gauge provides the perfect canvas for the rare medio tiempo tobacco to shine. These exclusive leaves, which appear on only a small percentage of tobacco plants, contribute an unmistakable strength and character that you won’t find in any other Cuban cigar. The wrapper, sourced from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, displays a silky, oily sheen that practically glows with promise.
This cigar appeals to the discerning smoker who understands that rarity and quality aren’t just about prestige—they’re about experiencing tobacco in its most refined form. If you’ve worked your way through Cohiba’s core lines and crave something that transcends the ordinary, the Behike 52 won’t disappoint.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Behike 52 |
| Length | 4.3 inches / 110 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend with medio tiempo leaves |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
The Smoking Journey: A Three-Act Performance
Before lighting, take a moment with the cold draw. You’ll immediately notice the exceptional construction—firm but yielding, with just the right amount of resistance. The pre-light aroma delivers notes of cedar, leather, and a subtle sweetness that hints at the complexity ahead. The wrapper’s smooth texture and minimal veins showcase the careful selection that goes into every Behike.
First Third: The Elegant Introduction
The initial draws reveal why aficionados wait years for these cigars. Immediately, you’re greeted with a creamy smoothness that coats the palate. There’s a beautiful interplay of leather and cedar, with an underlying sweetness that keeps things balanced. The pepper is present but restrained—definitely noticeable on the retrohale but never aggressive. What strikes you most in this opening act is the refinement; every element feels perfectly calibrated.
The burn line establishes itself with laser precision, and the ash forms a sturdy, light gray column that holds for well over an inch. Smoke production is generous without being overwhelming, creating a cool, smooth draw that requires minimal effort. The aroma filling the room carries notes of toasted bread and light spice—the kind that makes people ask what you’re smoking.
Second Third: Building Complexity
As you transition into the middle section, the Behike 52 reveals its depth. The medio tiempo leaves make their presence known, adding a fuller body without losing that signature Cohiba smoothness. Coffee notes emerge—think espresso rather than milk coffee—accompanied by cocoa and earth. The leather becomes more pronounced, almost like a fine saddle shop, while the cedar provides a constant woody backbone.
Here’s where the medium to full strength rating really manifests. You’ll feel the nicotine strength building, but it’s never harsh or unbalanced. The pepper on the retrohale intensifies slightly, adding excitement without dominating. What’s remarkable is how each puff reveals something new: a hint of dried fruit, a whisper of honey, perhaps even floral notes dancing at the edges. The construction remains flawless, with the burn self-correcting any minor irregularities.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The closing act of the Behike 52 is where patient smoking pays dividends. The flavors concentrate and intensify, but bitterness never enters the equation—a testament to premium tobacco and expert blending. The earthy notes deepen, accompanied by rich cocoa and a lingering spice that extends well after each draw. There’s a slight sweetness that resurfaces, balancing the increased strength beautifully.
Even as you approach the nub, the cigar remains cool and composed. The ash continues to hold firm, though it darkens slightly, and the smoke becomes richer, more textured. You can take this one down to your fingertips if you’re so inclined; there’s no harshness or heat to chase you away. The final puffs leave a lasting impression of complexity, balance, and craftsmanship that lingers on your palate for hours.
How the Behike 52 Compares
| Cigar | Ring Gauge | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Behike 52 | 52 | Medium-Full | 45-60 minutes | Aficionados seeking ultimate complexity in a shorter format |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | 52 | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Extended sessions with classic Cohiba character |
| Trinidad Fundadores | 40 | Medium-Full | 60-90 minutes | Those preferring thinner ring gauges with intensity |
| Montecristo No. 2 | 52 | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Traditional Cuban torpedo experience |
Perfect Pairings for an Exceptional Smoke
A cigar of this caliber deserves equally thoughtful accompaniment. For spirits, consider a well-aged rum like Havana Club 15 Year or Ron Santiago de Cuba 20 Year—their complex sweetness and spice notes complement the Behike’s profile beautifully. If you prefer whisky, reach for a smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Blanton’s or a Highland single malt such as Dalmore 15. The vanilla and oak characteristics bridge wonderfully with the cigar’s cedar and creamy elements.
Coffee enthusiasts should pair this with a perfectly pulled espresso or a café cortado. The coffee notes in the cigar’s second third create a harmonious dialogue with quality beans. For non-alcoholic options, consider aged mineral water or premium root beer—something substantial enough to complement without overwhelming.
Timing matters too. The Behike 52’s 45-60 minute smoking time makes it ideal for a contemplative afternoon break or after a refined dinner. Save this one for moments when you can give it your full attention. A quiet evening on the patio, a celebration of significant achievement, or sharing with a fellow aficionado who’ll truly appreciate what’s in their hand—these are the occasions that do justice to this extraordinary cigar.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Given the Behike 52’s premium status, proper storage isn’t optional. Maintain your humidor at 65-68% humidity and 65-70°F. These cigars benefit tremendously from aging; while they’re exceptional fresh, allowing them to rest for 1-2 years after purchase lets the medio tiempo leaves integrate even more seamlessly with the blend.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a box, resist the temptation to smoke them all immediately. Try one soon after purchase to establish a baseline, then revisit at six months, one year, and beyond. You’ll discover how the flavors evolve—the pepper mellows, the creamy notes expand, and the overall complexity deepens. Many collectors consider 3-5 years of aging optimal for Behike cigars.
What makes the Cohiba Behike 52 different from other Cohiba lines?
The Behike line exclusively uses medio tiempo leaves, rare tobacco from the top two leaves of sun-grown plants that appears on less than 10% of tobacco crops. This gives the Behike exceptional strength and complexity that other Cohiba lines don’t possess. Additionally, the Behike receives even more rigorous selection processes for wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos, all sourced from Cuba’s finest Vuelta Abajo region.
How does the ring gauge affect the smoking experience of the Behike 52?
The 52 ring gauge provides an ideal balance for this blend. It’s substantial enough to showcase the complex filler tobaccos and medio tiempo leaves while allowing the premium wrapper to significantly influence the flavor profile. This ring gauge also ensures a cooler smoke and excellent draw throughout the 45-60 minute smoking time, preventing any harshness even in the final third.
Is the Cohiba Behike 52 suitable for someone new to Cuban cigars?
While the Behike 52 is exceptionally smooth for its strength level, its medium-full body makes it better suited for smokers with some Cuban cigar experience. The nicotine content from the medio tiempo leaves can be intense for beginners. If you’re newer to Habanos, consider starting with a Cohiba Siglo or Montecristo to build your palate before investing in the Behike line.
What flavors should I expect from the Behike 52’s wrapper and blend?
The Vuelta Abajo wrapper contributes smooth leather, cedar, and subtle sweetness, while the blend delivers creamy textures with notes of cocoa, coffee, earth, and pepper. The medio tiempo leaves add depth and occasional hints of dried fruit and honey. Throughout the smoke, you’ll experience excellent balance—the pepper and earth are balanced by creamy, sweet elements, with the aroma carrying toasted bread and light spice notes.
How long should I age Cohiba Behike 52 cigars before smoking?
Behike 52 cigars are exceptional upon release, but aging 1-2 years allows the medio tiempo leaves to integrate more fully with the blend. Many aficionados find the sweet spot at 3-5 years of proper aging, where the pepper mellows, the creamy characteristics expand, and the overall complexity deepens. Store them at 65-68% humidity and 65-70°F for optimal aging results.
What’s the ideal smoking time and occasion for the Behike 52?
The Behike 52’s length of 4.3 inches provides a 45-60 minute smoking experience, making it perfect for afternoon breaks or after-dinner smokes when you want exceptional quality without committing to 90+ minutes. Its complexity demands attention, so reserve it for occasions when you can focus on the experience—celebrations, quiet contemplative evenings, or sharing with fellow aficionados who’ll appreciate its rarity.
How can I verify I’m getting an authentic Cohiba Behike 52?
Authentic Behike 52 cigars come in distinctive lacquered boxes with holographic seals and detailed Habanos authentication features. Each cigar features a secondary band below the standard Cohiba band specifically identifying it as Behike. The wrapper should be flawless with minimal veins, oily sheen, and perfect construction. Purchase only from authorized Habanos retailers to ensure authenticity, as counterfeits of this premium line are unfortunately common.
Experience Cuban Cigar Royalty
The Cohiba Behike 52 isn’t just a cigar—it’s a statement about your commitment to experiencing the absolute finest tobacco the world produces. From its rare medio tiempo leaves to its impeccable construction and evolving complexity, every aspect justifies its status as Cuba’s most prestigious smoke. The balance of creamy smoothness with full-bodied strength, the interplay of leather, cedar, cocoa, and coffee, and the exceptional burn quality create an experience that stays with you long after the final draw.
Whether you’re adding to a serious collection or seeking that once-in-a-lifetime smoke for a momentous occasion, the Behike 52 delivers on every promise. This is the cigar that reminds you why Cuban tobacco maintains its legendary status, why patience in aging matters, and why some experiences are worth seeking out regardless of their rarity.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of Habanos craftsmanship? Add the Cohiba Behike 52 to your humidor and discover what sets the ultimate Cuban cigar apart from everything else.
