Description
Cohiba Behike 54: The Pinnacle of Cuban Cigar Craftsmanship
When Habanos S.A. introduced the Behike line in 2010, they didn’t just release another premium cigar—they unveiled what many consider the most exclusive and luxurious Cuban cigar ever produced. The Cohiba Behike 54 represents the zenith of tobacco artistry, incorporating the rare medio tiempo leaf that grows only on the top two leaves of select sun-grown wrapper plants. This limited edition masterpiece isn’t simply a cigar; it’s a statement of uncompromising excellence that demands attention from serious aficionados worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone ready to experience the absolute finest that Cuban tobacco can offer, understanding what makes the Behike 54 exceptional will forever change how you appreciate premium cigars.
The Crown Jewel of Cohiba’s Legacy
Cohiba has held its position as Cuba’s flagship brand since 1966, but the Behike line elevated this legendary name to unprecedented heights. Named after the tribal chief of Cuba’s indigenous Taíno people, the Behike series honors both tradition and innovation. What sets the Behike 54 apart from every other Cohiba—and indeed, nearly every Cuban cigar—is the inclusion of medio tiempo tobacco in its blend.
This exceptionally rare leaf appears on fewer than 10% of plants and requires extraordinary expertise to ferment and incorporate properly. The result? A smoking experience that delivers extraordinary depth while maintaining the refined elegance Cohiba is known for. The Behike 54 specifically targets experienced smokers who appreciate complexity and nuance, those who’ve explored countless cigars and seek something that genuinely stands apart. With its medium to full strength profile and impeccable construction, this vitola offers approximately 90 minutes of pure sophistication.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Behike 54 (Laguito Especial) |
| Length | 5.3 inches / 135 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (with medio tiempo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend with medio tiempo leaves |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
A Journey Through Exceptional Flavor
The moment you remove a Behike 54 from your humidor, you’re struck by its flawless presentation. The wrapper gleams with an oily sheen, displaying the rich colorado hue that only Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region can produce. The band itself—with its distinctive black and gold holographic design—signals that what you’re holding transcends ordinary luxury.
The cold draw reveals itself with restrained power. You’ll detect hints of cedar and leather immediately, underscored by subtle earth tones and a whisper of natural sweetness. There’s nothing harsh or aggressive here; instead, the pre-light experience offers a preview of the sophistication to come.
First Third: The Introduction
Light the foot properly, and the Behike 54 rewards you with smooth, voluminous smoke from the first puff. The initial flavor profile centers on cream and cedar, with leather notes providing structure. There’s an elegant sweetness reminiscent of honey and roasted nuts that prevents the cigar from becoming too woody or one-dimensional. The spicy character emerges gradually—white pepper tingles on the palate without overwhelming the more subtle flavors. The burn line establishes itself with remarkable evenness, and the ash forms a tight, light-gray column that holds for nearly two inches.
Second Third: The Evolution
As you progress into the cigar’s midsection, the Behike 54 reveals why it commands such reverence. The strength builds perceptibly but never crosses into harshness. Earth tones become more pronounced, mixing with roasted coffee bean notes and dark chocolate undertones. The spicy elements intensify slightly, adding complexity without dominating the profile. You’ll notice the medio tiempo’s influence here—a certain richness and oily texture to the smoke that standard Cohibas can’t quite achieve. The leather notes persist throughout, providing a masculine backbone to the more nuanced flavors. Construction remains flawless; the wrapper shows no signs of cracking or unraveling despite the thicker ring gauge.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The Behike 54 finishes strong without turning bitter or harsh—a testament to exceptional blending and construction. Full-bodied flavors emerge: stronger earth, robust espresso, and a pleasant spicy kick that energizes the palate. Cedar remains present, now joined by subtle notes of aged wood and tobacco sweetness. The retrohale becomes particularly rewarding in this final stretch, delivering smooth waves of pepper and cream. Even as you approach the nub, the cigar produces cool, flavorful smoke with no harshness. The ash, which has maintained its silvery-gray color throughout, finally releases its grip around the two-inch mark once again.
How the Behike 54 Compares
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Behike 54 | Medium to Full | 75-90 minutes | Special occasions, experienced smokers seeking complexity |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Those wanting classic Cohiba flavor in a more approachable format |
| Trinidad Fundadores | Medium to Full | 75-90 minutes | Aficionados who appreciate subtle spice and refined tobacco character |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium to Full | 60-75 minutes | Traditional Cuban cigar experience with balanced strength |
Perfect Pairings for the Perfect Smoke
A cigar of this caliber deserves equally considered accompaniments. The Behike 54’s complex flavor profile makes it remarkably versatile for pairing, though certain combinations truly elevate the experience.
Single malt Scotch whisky proves an exceptional match—look for offerings from Speyside or Highland regions with honeyed, slightly smoky characteristics. An 18-year Glenfiddich or Macallan complements the cigar’s cedar and sweet notes beautifully. Aged rum offers another outstanding option; a well-crafted añejo with 15+ years of barrel aging brings out the Behike’s chocolate and coffee elements. For wine enthusiasts, a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or aged Rioja provides enough body to stand alongside the cigar without overwhelming its nuances.
Coffee pairs surprisingly well, particularly a Cuban espresso or a full-bodied French roast served black. The complementary earth and roasted notes create a harmonious experience. As for timing, the Behike 54 shines as an after-dinner cigar, when you have 90 uninterrupted minutes to fully appreciate its complexity. Evening smoking sessions, whether celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying quiet contemplation, provide the ideal setting for this remarkable vitola.
Storage and Handling Considerations
Given the Behike 54’s premium construction and medio tiempo content, proper humidor storage becomes especially important. Maintain consistent humidity between 65-70% and temperature around 65-70°F. These cigars benefit from aging; many aficionados report that additional time in the humidor—anywhere from six months to several years—allows the medio tiempo’s power to integrate more fully with the other tobaccos. Store them away from heavily flavored cigars to preserve their distinct character. Before smoking, allow the cigar to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, which enhances flavor delivery and prevents wrapper damage during lighting.
The Collector’s Perspective
Beyond its smoking qualities, the Behike 54 occupies a special place in cigar collecting. Limited production runs and the rarity of medio tiempo tobacco mean these cigars don’t flood the market. Serious collectors view them as both an indulgence and an investment in exceptional experiences. The distinctive black-banded presentation and status within the Cuban cigar hierarchy make them conversation pieces in any well-appointed humidor. Whether you’re building a rotation of daily smokes or curating special occasion cigars, the Behike 54 represents a pinnacle achievement worth experiencing.
What makes the Cohiba Behike 54 different from other Cohibas?
The Behike line uniquely incorporates medio tiempo leaves—the rare, top two leaves from select tobacco plants that provide exceptional strength and flavor complexity. This tobacco appears in no other Cohiba line and requires special fermentation. The Behike 54 also features premium Vuelta Abajo wrapper tobacco and represents the most exclusive offering from Cuba’s flagship brand. The ring gauge of 54 provides a cooler, more complex smoke than slimmer vitolas in the Behike range.
What strength level should I expect from a Behike 54?
The Behike 54 delivers medium to full strength, building gradually throughout the smoke. It starts approachably in the first third with cream and cedar notes, then develops fuller earth, leather, and spicy characteristics. The medio tiempo content provides depth without overwhelming harshness. Experienced smokers will find it satisfying but not aggressive, while newcomers to full-bodied cigars might find it slightly challenging. Having a meal beforehand helps ensure you fully enjoy the strength profile.
How long does a Cohiba Behike 54 typically take to smoke?
With a 5.3-inch length and 54 ring gauge, the Behike 54 provides approximately 75-90 minutes of smoking time. The actual duration varies based on your smoking pace—slower, more contemplative puffs extend the experience and prevent overheating. The thicker ring gauge contributes to a cooler, longer smoke compared to thinner vitolas. This makes it an excellent choice for leisurely evenings when you have time to fully appreciate its complexity.
Should I age Cohiba Behike 54 cigars before smoking?
While Behike 54 cigars are ready to smoke upon purchase, many collectors report that additional aging enhances their character. The medio tiempo tobacco’s power integrates more smoothly with 6-12 months of proper humidor storage at 65-70% humidity. Some aficionados age them for several years, finding the earth and leather notes become more refined while the spicy elements mellow. If you have the patience and a well-maintained humidor, aging can elevate an already exceptional cigar.
What’s the best way to cut and light a Behike 54?
Use a sharp guillotine cutter or precision cigar scissors to make a clean cut just above the cap line—the thicker ring gauge allows for a generous opening without risk of unraveling. For lighting, a butane torch lighter works best, allowing you to toast the foot evenly before drawing. Rotate the cigar while applying flame to ensure an even burn across the entire 54 ring gauge surface. Avoid direct flame contact with the wrapper; instead, hold the flame slightly away and draw gently. The superior construction means you’ll achieve an even burn with proper technique.
How does the Behike 54 compare to the Behike 52 and 56?
The three Behike vitolas share the same blend with medio tiempo but offer different experiences. The Behike 52 (4.9 inches, 52 ring gauge) provides a slightly more concentrated, quicker smoke at 60-75 minutes. The Behike 56 (6.5 inches, 56 ring gauge) offers the longest, coolest experience at 90-120 minutes with the fullest flavor development. The Behike 54 sits perfectly in the middle—substantial enough for complexity and cool burning, yet manageable in length for most occasions. Many consider it the sweet spot of the three sizes.
Are Cohiba Behike 54 cigars suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely—the Behike 54 represents one of the most prestigious choices for milestone celebrations, significant achievements, or memorable gatherings. Its limited edition status, exceptional construction, and unparalleled flavor profile make it ideal for weddings, anniversaries, business successes, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The distinctive holographic band and Cohiba’s flagship reputation ensure it makes a statement. Whether you’re commemorating a personal achievement or sharing with fellow aficionados, the Behike 54 delivers an unforgettable experience worthy of life’s most important moments.
Experience Cuban Cigar Excellence
The Cohiba Behike 54 doesn’t just represent the pinnacle of Cuban cigar making—it embodies decades of tradition, rare tobacco cultivation, and masterful blending expertise. From the moment you admire its flawless wrapper to the final draw of smooth, complex smoke, this cigar delivers an experience that justifies its legendary status. The medium to full strength profile, combined with sophisticated flavor layers of cedar, leather, earth, and subtle spice, creates something that transcends ordinary luxury.
Whether you’re an experienced aficionado ready to explore the finest Cuban tobacco or someone seeking an extraordinary cigar for a momentous occasion, the Behike 54 won’t disappoint. Add this exceptional limited edition vitola to your humidor and discover why collectors and connoisseurs worldwide consider it among the greatest cigars ever produced.
