Description
The Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar represents the absolute zenith of the Habanos portfolio, a masterpiece of tobacco engineering and artistic presentation that stands as the ultimate trophy for the discerning collector. As the largest vitola in the prestigious Behike line—the most exclusive regular production line from Cohiba—this Laguito No. 6 is a tour de force of flavor and construction. Boasting a medium-to-full strength profile, the Behike 56 is celebrated for its dense, creamy smoke and a complex tapestry of earth, cedar, leather, and honey. Housed in a magnificent, high-gloss porcelain jar that serves as both a functional humidor and a piece of contemporary art, these 25 cigars are crafted using the rarest leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region. For the aficionado who demands nothing less than the “Tribal Chief” of Cuban cigars, the Behike 56 Ceramic Jar offers an immersive luxury experience that transcends the act of smoking, evolving into a ritual of pure opulence.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Ceramic Jar (25 Count) | Standard Lacquer Box (10 Count) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Handmade Cigars | 10 Handmade Cigars |
| Packaging Type | High-gloss porcelain jar with gold accents and magnetic seal. | Luxury black-lacquered Boîte Nature box. |
| Ideal For | Long-term cellaring, investment, and high-end display. | Regular rotation and personal enjoyment. |
| Humidity Protection | Integrated magnetic sponge humidifier and airtight gasket. | Standard cedar lining (requires external humidification). |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Laguito No. 6 (Grand Robusto) |
| Length | 165 mm (6 1/2 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 56 (22.22 mm) |
| Wrapper | Rare, selected leaves from Vuelta Abajo (D.O.P.) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo – including Medio Tiempo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full and Creamy |
| Smoking Time | 54 – 61 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba. Founded in 1966, the brand was initially established as a private label for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For decades, these cigars were never sold commercially; they were gifted as diplomatic offerings to world leaders and monarchs, earning an aura of untouchable mystique. It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba was released to the global market, instantly becoming the flagship of the Habanos portfolio. The brand is synonymous with the El Laguito factory, a converted mansion in Havana where the most skilled torcedores (rollers) meticulously craft each cigar by hand.
The Behike line, named after the tribal chief of the indigenous Taíno people, was launched in 2010 at the XII Habanos Festival. It redefined the concept of “Ultra-Premium” in the cigar world. What sets the Behike apart is the inclusion of the Medio Tiempo leaf—a rare sun-grown leaf that only grows at the very top of a small percentage of tobacco plants. This leaf provides an unparalleled depth of flavor and strength. The Behike 56, the largest of the original trio (which includes the 52 and 54), is widely considered the grandest expression of this blend, combining the brand’s revolutionary spirit with centuries of Cuban tradition.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a voluminous draw of cool, creamy smoke. The initial notes are remarkably smooth, dominated by sweet honey, toasted brioche, and subtle roasted nuts. There is an immediate sense of refinement; the 56 ring gauge allows for a massive surface area of tobacco, resulting in a rich but approachable opening. As the foot establishes a perfect burn, undertones of white pepper and light leather begin to emerge, providing a sophisticated counterpoint to the early sweetness. The aroma is intoxicating, filling the room with scents of aged cedar and floral earth.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the middle third, the complexity intensifies significantly. The Medio Tiempo leaves begin to exert their influence, shifting the profile toward a more robust medium-to-full body. The primary flavors evolve into a deep earthiness and rich cedar, while the earlier honey notes transform into a decadent salted caramel sweetness. The spice becomes more defined, manifesting as a warm, lingering tingle on the palate. The construction of the Laguito No. 6 vitola ensures that the smoke remains cool and velvety, even as the intensity of the leather and spice grows.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the Cohiba Behike 56 truly earns its legendary status. The strength peaks, delivering a powerful yet balanced surge of dark chocolate, robust earth, and intense cedar. The spice moves to the forefront, but it never becomes harsh; instead, it provides a dense, savory depth that lingers on the tongue. The caramel and nut notes remain in the background, ensuring a harmonious finish. Each puff is thick and satisfying, leaving a coating of luxurious oils that signify the high quality of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco. It is a grand, full-bodied finale that demands the smoker’s full attention.
Finish
The aftertaste is exceptionally long and clean, a hallmark of perfectly aged Cuban tobacco. Persistent notes of cedar, toasted oak, and a lingering floral sweetness stay with the aficionado long after the cigar has been extinguished. It is a refined, memorable impression that reinforces the Behike’s position as the world’s most sought-after cigar.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Rich Earth, Aged Cedar, Creamy Leather |
| Secondary Notes | Wild Honey, Toasted Almonds, Salted Caramel |
| Tertiary Notes | White Pepper, Cocoa Bean, Subtle Floral |
| Finish | Long, Clean, and Sweet with Persistent Oak |
| Aroma | Sweet Tobacco, Earthy Musk, and Warm Spice |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar is perhaps the most “cellar-worthy” item in the modern Habanos catalog. While the cigars are magnificent when enjoyed fresh, they are specifically blended for long-term evolution. The rare Medio Tiempo leaves contain high concentrations of oils and sugars that require time to stabilize and meld. Over a period of 2 to 5 years, the initial spice will soften, giving way to an incredible creaminess and a more pronounced honey and leather profile. For the patient collector, 10 years of aging can transform these cigars into something ethereal, where the flavors become a singular, seamless experience of pure luxury.
The Ceramic Jar itself is a vital component of the aging process. Unlike standard cedar boxes, the porcelain jar provides a near-hermetic seal, allowing the cigars to age in their own oils (a process known as “marrying”). To maintain your investment, we recommend keeping the jar in a temperature-controlled environment between 18-21°C (65-70°F) with a consistent humidity level of 65-72% RH. The included magnetic sponge humidifier is excellent for short-term use, but for long-term cellaring, many collectors prefer using high-quality humidification beads or electronic systems to ensure absolute precision.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| 12+ Year Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness and oak aging of a premium Cuban rum amplify the honey and caramel notes of the Behike. |
| Sherry Cask Single Malt | The dried fruit and nut profile of a sherry-matured whiskey creates a beautiful leather-spice synergy. |
| XO Cognac | The velvety texture and floral rancio of an XO Cognac mirror the creamy, earthy depths of the Laguito No. 6. |
| Double Espresso | A concentrated, dark-roast coffee provides a bitter contrast that highlights the toasted nut and cocoa undertones. |
| Peaty Islay Whisky | For those who enjoy intensity, the smoke and brine of an Islay malt complement the robust earth and cedar of the final third. |
| Vintage Port | The rich, dark fruit sweetness of a vintage Port balances the medium-to-full strength of the tobacco perfectly. |
Authenticity Verification
As the most counterfeited cigar line in the world, ensuring the authenticity of your Cohiba Behike 56 is paramount. We take pride in our rigorous sourcing and verification processes to ensure that every jar we deliver is 100% genuine from Habanos S.A.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – The jar and outer packaging feature a state-of-the-art holographic seal with micro-topography that is virtually impossible to replicate.
- Box Code Verification – Every jar includes a unique barcode and serial number that can be verified directly on the official Habanos website to confirm its origin and production date.
- Factory Stamp – The bottom of the outer packaging and the jar itself bear the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Habanos S.A.” stamps, along with the specific factory code for El Laguito.
- Triple Cap – Each Behike 56 is finished with a flawless triple cap and a distinctive “pig-tail” finish, a signature of the master torcedores at El Laguito.
- Holographic Band – The cigar bands themselves feature two holograms: the iconic Cohiba Indian head and the word “Cuba,” both of which contain security elements visible only under magnification.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our stringent quality standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by luxury collectors since 2015, we are committed to the purity of the Cuban cigar heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cohiba Behike 56 taste like?
The Cohiba Behike 56 is characterized by its immense creaminess and complexity. You can expect a sophisticated journey starting with honey, toast, and nuts, which evolves into a heart of cedar, earth, and caramel, and finishes with a robust crescendo of leather, dark chocolate, and spice. It is a medium-to-full-bodied smoke that is both powerful and incredibly refined.
How long does it take to smoke a Cohike Behike 56?
Given its substantial 165 mm length and 56 ring gauge, the estimated smoking time is between 54 and 61 minutes. However, for an immersive luxury experience where you truly savor the transitions of the Laguito No. 6 vitola, many aficionados find it can last well over an hour.
What makes the Ceramic Jar edition special?
The Ceramic Jar is a highly limited production item designed for the serious collector. Unlike the standard 10-count boxes, the jar contains 25 cigars and offers superior humidity protection thanks to its airtight seal and magnetic humidification system. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful and functional display pieces ever released by Cohiba.
Is the Behike 56 worth the investment?
The Cohiba Behike 56 is consistently ranked as one of the finest cigars in the world. Due to its extremely limited annual production and the rarity of the Medio Tiempo tobacco used in its blend, its value typically appreciates significantly over time. For collectors, the combination of the 56 ring gauge and the exclusive jar packaging makes it a cornerstone of any high-end humidor.
How should I store the Behike 56 Ceramic Jar?
While the jar is a functional humidor, it should be kept in a stable environment. We recommend a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F) and a relative humidity of 65-72%. The jar’s seal is excellent, so ensure you check the humidification element every few weeks to maintain a perfect environment for the rare Vuelta Abajo leaves.
