Cohiba Behike 52 – Ultra-Premium Cuban Cigar

Description

The Behike represents Cohiba’s ultimate expression—the pinnacle of Cuban cigar production. What separates Behike from every other Cohiba is Medio Tiempo: the two small leaves that grow at the very top of select tobacco plants, receiving maximum sunlight and developing unprecedented flavor concentration. Only about 10% of Vuelta Abajo plants produce these rare leaves. The BHK 52, the smallest in the Behike trilogy, delivers this exclusive tobacco in a concentrated format that packs remarkable complexity into 45 minutes of smoking. Named after the Taíno chieftain who first introduced tobacco to Spanish explorers, the Behike honors Cuba’s pre-Columbian heritage while representing the absolute frontier of modern cigar craft.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The BHK 52 announces itself immediately. Rich, warm spice spreads across the palate—not aggressive pepper but sophisticated warmth that signals the Medio Tiempo influence. Leather emerges quickly, thick and textured. The smoke itself feels dense, almost chewy, coating the mouth with every draw. Behind the leather, sweet spice notes appear: nutmeg and cinnamon kept perfectly in check. Cedar provides structure while cream adds smoothness. The body settles at solid medium, confident and composed. This is not a cigar that builds slowly; the Behike arrives fully formed.

Mid-Section: The heart of the BHK 52 reveals why Medio Tiempo commands such reverence. Creamy coffee dominates—latte-rich and satisfying. Cedar woodiness intensifies while vanilla floats in the background, softening harder edges. The burn line remains razor-straight; El Laguito’s master rollers accept nothing less. Smoke production increases, thick clouds carrying complex aromatics. The leather transforms, becoming more refined as the cigar progresses. Earth notes emerge, grounding the sweetness with Vuelta Abajo terroir. Strength remains medium but depth increases dramatically—this is complexity without brutality.

Final Third: The conclusion pushes toward medium-full while maintaining complete composure. Earth intensifies—rich, dark, primal. Leather returns with force, now accompanied by black pepper and charred oak. The creaminess persists, preventing any harshness. Roasted coffee notes dominate the closing act. The finish extends remarkably, flavors lingering long after each draw. Even at the nub, bitterness never appears—the hallmark of properly aged Cuban tobacco handled by master craftsmen. The BHK 52 ends as it began: powerful, sophisticated, unforgettable.

Flavor Profile

The Behike Story

Cohiba introduced the Behike line in 2010 to celebrate the brand’s 45th anniversary, though limited quantities appeared at the 2006 Havana Festival. The name honors the Behike—Taíno tribal shamans who used tobacco in religious ceremonies before Columbus arrived. The distinguishing feature is Medio Tiempo tobacco, those precious top-of-plant leaves that only exceptional growing seasons produce in sufficient quantity. Cohiba’s master blenders spent years perfecting the Behike blend, incorporating Medio Tiempo in ways that enhance rather than overwhelm. The distinctive pigtail cap and elegant black-and-gold band mark Behike as Cohiba’s flagship. Production remains strictly limited; demand perpetually exceeds supply.

Perfect Pairings

• Aged Rum: Dark, 12+ years—the sweetness complements Medio Tiempo’s complexity.
• Cognac: XO—matching prestige with prestige.
• Black Coffee: Strong, no sugar—the bitterness plays against the cigar’s creaminess.
• Bourbon: Moderate proof—allowing subtleties to shine through.

Ideal For

The Cohiba Behike 52 demands occasions worthy of its rarity. This is not an everyday smoke regardless of budget—it requires attention, time, and appreciation. At 45-60 minutes, the compact format delivers Behike’s full experience without marathon commitment. Save these for milestones: achievements that merit celebration, moments of reflection that deserve proper accompaniment, or evenings when nothing less than Cuba’s finest will suffice. The price reflects genuine scarcity; Medio Tiempo tobacco cannot be manufactured on demand. For collectors, Behike represents both smoking pleasure and investment—properly stored examples will only increase in value and complexity over time.

Connoisseur’s Note: The BHK 52 delivers Behike’s intensity in concentrated form. Those seeking more smoking time should explore the BHK 54 or BHK 56, but the 52’s compact format allows the Medio Tiempo character to shine with maximum intensity.