Description
The leather of the humidor creaked as I lifted the lid, and there it was—a single stick nestled in Spanish cedar, its chocolate-brown wrapper catching the amber light of the lounge. The weight surprised me. Substantial, purposeful, like holding a promise wrapped in tobacco leaves that had traveled from Cuba’s most celebrated farms.
I remember rolling it between my fingers that first time, feeling the slight oil on the wrapper, catching that unmistakable barnyard aroma mixed with something sweeter. The anticipation was almost unbearable.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 5⅝ inches (143-144mm) |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 40-90 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Factory | El Laguito |
Construction and Appearance
The Cohiba Behike 54—or BHK 54 as aficionados call it—arrives as a beautifully designed robusto extra that commands respect from the moment you see it. The wrapper gleams with a light to medium chocolate brown hue, oily enough to catch the light but not so much that it feels slick. I’ve noticed the construction from El Laguito factory is virtually flawless every time.
What sets this cigar apart immediately is the pigtail cap—a small detail that speaks to the craftsmanship involved. The wrapper feels firm but not hard, with just enough give to suggest the perfect moisture content. Running your fingers along the length, you won’t find soft spots or imperfections. This is what happens when you’re working with rare medio tiempo tobacco from Vuelta Abajo’s most prized farms.
The band itself is a work of art. That holographic security feature isn’t just for show—it’s a three-sided marvel that fits the cigar perfectly, different for each vitola in the Behike line. When you see “Laguito No. 5” on authentic examples, you know you’re holding something special from Cuba’s most prestigious factory.
Flavor Profile Through the Journey
First Third: The Introduction
Those first few draws hit you with a solid earthy core that immediately announces this Cuban cigar’s pedigree. The initial spice is bold but not overwhelming, dancing with cedar and leather notes that remind you why Cohiba cigars have such a legendary reputation. I always catch hints of hay and barnyard—that classic Cuban terroir—along with a subtle sweetness that keeps things interesting.
The leathery smoke carries beautifully, never harsh despite the prominent spice. There’s an earthiness here that speaks to the tobacco’s origins in Pinar del Río province, where the best Cuban tobacco has grown for generations.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
This is where the BHK 54 really starts showing off. The flavor profile opens up like a symphony finding its rhythm. Creamy vanilla notes emerge alongside roasted nuts and dark chocolate, creating layers that weren’t there moments before. The dried fruit sweetness becomes more pronounced, joined by coffee bean undertones and woody notes that add depth.
The leather and spice from the opening third don’t disappear—they integrate beautifully with these new flavors. It’s infused with complexity that only comes from using the finest ligero and medio tiempo tobaccos. The strength builds gradually, never shocking your palate but making its presence known.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
Here’s where this limited release cigar earns its reputation. The spice ramps up significantly, but it’s balanced by graham cracker sweetness and a cohesive blend of everything that came before. Leather, nuts, chocolate, coffee—they’re all there, working in harmony rather than competing for attention.
The strength reaches its full potential in these final draws, bold and confident without crossing into harshness. Great flavors continue building right to the nub, with a rich, lingering finish that stays with you long after you’ve set it down. This is what separates premium cigars from everything else.
Perfect Pairings
I’ve experimented with various pairings over the years, and this cigar rewards thoughtful selection. The leather and spice profile pairs magnificently with aged rum—particularly something like a 15-year Havana Club or Ron Zacapa. The sweetness in the rum complements those vanilla and chocolate notes in the middle third perfectly.
For whiskey lovers, a peated single malt Scotch works surprisingly well. The smokiness doesn’t compete with the cigar’s complexity but adds another layer to consider. I’ve enjoyed memorable evenings pairing it with Lagavulin 16 or Ardbeg Uigeadail.
Coffee enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook espresso-based drinks. A proper Cuban cortadito or a rich espresso con leche enhances those coffee bean notes without masking the tobacco’s character. The pleasant notes in both the cigar and coffee create a beautiful harmony.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Honestly, the BHK 54 isn’t for beginners. This is a cigar that demands experience and appreciation for nuance. If you’re just starting your journey with Cuban cigars, I’d recommend working up to this one with some Siglo offerings first.
This is perfect for special occasions—celebrations, milestones, or those rare evenings when you want to slow down and really taste something exceptional. The 40-90 minute smoking time means you need to commit to the experience. I wouldn’t waste this on a quick smoke between meetings.
Collectors and serious enthusiasts will appreciate both the smoking experience and the limited nature of the release. These come in lacquered boxes of 10, and each year’s production is carefully controlled. If you’re someone who understands the difference between good and extraordinary, this belongs in your humidor.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
That pigtail cap requires a gentle touch. I prefer using sharp cutters to make a clean slice just below the cap, preserving the integrity of that beautiful wrapper. Don’t rush this step—a poor cut can ruin the draw on even the finest cigar.
For lighting, take your time. Toast the foot evenly with a butane torch, rotating slowly to ensure an even burn. The quality of tobacco here deserves proper technique. Don’t let the flame touch the wrapper directly during the initial toasting.
Once you’ve got an even cherry, the first few draws should come easily. If you’re getting resistance, don’t force it. Sometimes a gentle massage of the cigar between your fingers will open up the draw. This rare medio tiempo tobacco is packed with precision, so trust the construction.
Storage and Aging
These beauties need careful storage to maintain their character. I keep mine at exactly 70% relative humidity and 70°F in a Spanish cedar-lined humidor. The Cuban wrapper is particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations, so consistency is crucial.
A proper humidor setup will preserve these cigars for years. I’ve smoked BHK 54s with several years of aging, and they develop even more complexity over time. The spice mellows slightly while the chocolate and coffee notes become more pronounced.
Don’t store these with other strongly flavored cigars—they can pick up unwanted flavors. The investment you’ve made in these limited cigars deserves the best storage conditions you can provide.
Identifying Authentic Examples
With prices this high and limited availability, fakes are unfortunately common. The holographic band is your first check—it should be perfectly fitted, three-dimensional, and unique to this specific vitola. Fakes often have poorly reproduced or completely missing holograms.
Construction tells the real story. Authentic BHK 54s feel substantial and firm throughout, with no soft spots or loose areas. The wrapper color should be that consistent chocolate brown with natural oil, never dry or artificially glossy. The aroma should be complex—barnyard, earth, and sweetness—never harsh or chemical.
Buy from authorized dealers whenever possible. The reputation of your source matters enormously when dealing with cigars at this level. Counterfeits often have telltale signs: incorrect band designs, poor construction, uneven burns, or off flavors that immediately identify them as fake.
The factory vitola name “Laguito No. 5” should be clearly visible and properly spelled. Pay attention to details—authentic Cohiba bands have specific fonts, spacing, and security features that counterfeiters struggle to replicate perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the BHK 54 compare to other Behike sizes?
The 54 ring gauge offers more tobacco volume than the BHK 52, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile with better smoke production. It’s more approachable than the massive BHK 56 while still delivering that full Behike experience. The length and gauge combination provides optimal burning characteristics and flavor development.
Why is this cigar so expensive compared to other Cohibas?
The BHK line uses medio tiempo tobacco—the rare leaves from the very top of tobacco plants that receive the most sunlight. Only about 10% of Cohiba’s total tobacco qualifies as medio tiempo. Combined with limited production numbers and presentation in lacquered boxes, the pricing reflects both rarity and exceptional quality.
How long can I age these cigars?
With proper storage at 70% humidity and 70°F, BHK 54s can improve for 5-10 years or more. The complex blend benefits from aging as the various tobacco components marry and mellow. However, they’re also excellent fresh, so don’t feel you must age them before enjoying.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a BHK 54?
Given the medium to full strength and 40-90 minute smoking time, I prefer these as evening cigars after a substantial meal. The complexity deserves your full attention, and the strength can be overwhelming on an empty stomach. Weekend afternoons work well too when you have time to truly savor the experience.
Are these available year-round?
No, BHK 54s are released in limited quantities each year, often announced at events like the IPCPR trade show. Once a year’s allocation is sold, you’ll need to wait for the next release or find aged stock from authorized retailers. This scarcity is part of what makes them special, but it also means planning ahead when you find them available.
