Description
The moment I lifted that gleaming ceramic vessel from its shipping box, I knew I was holding something extraordinary. The weight felt substantial in my hands – not just the 25 cigars nestled inside, but the gravity of what this represented. This wasn’t just another purchase; it was an investment in moments yet to be savored. The aroma that escaped when I first opened the lid transported me instantly to those legendary tobacco fields of Vuelta Abajo, where the world’s most coveted leaves mature under the Caribbean sun.
I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars for over two decades, but the Cohiba Behike 56 ceramic jar still manages to command my respect every single time. There’s something almost ceremonial about selecting one of these beauties from their elegant resting place. The way the ceramic feels cool against your palm, the soft click of the lid closing – it’s these details that separate a true luxury experience from merely expensive tobacco.
What struck me most during that first encounter wasn’t just the visual appeal of the jar itself, but how perfectly it preserved the condition of each cigar inside. After years of storing premium cigars in various humidors and protective cases, I can tell you that this 56 ceramic vessel does more than look impressive on your shelf.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 165-166 mm (6.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 56 (22.22-22.23 mm diameter) |
| Vitola | Laguito No. 6 |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
| Wrapper | Medio Tiempo (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Quantity | 25 handmade cigars |
| Jar Dimensions | 9.4″ H x 5.5″ W (24cm x 14cm) |
Flavor Journey Through Each Third
The beauty of the Cohiba Behike BHK 56 lies in its evolutionary character. I’ve found that rushing through this cigar is almost criminal – you’re robbing yourself of a carefully orchestrated flavor symphony that unfolds over nearly two and a half hours.
First Third: The Gentle Introduction
Those opening draws are pure silk. Honestly, I’m always surprised by how smooth the initial experience feels, especially considering the intensity that’s building beneath the surface. The Medio Tiempo wrapper reveals itself gradually, offering sweet notes of honey and caramel that dance across your palate. There’s a subtle nuttiness – think toasted almonds – that provides depth without overwhelming the delicate sweetness.
What I love about this opening act is how the toast notes emerge. Not harsh or bitter, but like perfectly golden bread with just a hint of char. The smoke production is generous from the start, thanks to that 56 ring gauge, creating beautiful white clouds that seem to hang in the air longer than with smaller vitolas.
Middle Third: The Heart of Vuelta Abajo
This is where the BHK shows its true colors. The transition isn’t abrupt – it’s more like watching a sunrise slowly paint the sky in new hues. Leather notes begin to assert themselves, rich and supple rather than harsh. The earth tones that follow speak directly to the legendary Vuelta Abajo terroir where these tobacco leaves originated.
Cedar becomes prominent here, adding a woody complexity that perfectly complements the developing spice. I’ve noticed the smoke becomes denser, more concentrated. Each draw delivers more information, more nuance. The sweetness from the first third hasn’t disappeared – it’s simply evolved into a more sophisticated backdrop for these bolder flavors.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The last hour of smoking a Behike 56 is where legends are made. The intensity builds to what I’d call a controlled crescendo. Those earth tones deepen into rich, dark soil notes. The cedar becomes more pronounced, almost like being inside a Spanish cedar humidor. Then comes the pepper – not a sharp slap, but a warm, lingering spice that coats your palate.
What separates this from lesser cigars is how clean the finish remains, even as the strength peaks. There’s no harshness, no bitter aftertaste that makes you question your investment. Just pure, complex tobacco flavor that lingers long after you’ve set the cigar down.
Construction and Appearance
The wrapper on these cigars is absolutely flawless. I’m talking museum-quality tobacco leaves here – the Medio Tiempo selections show an oily sheen that catches light like burnished leather. The color is a beautiful medium brown with subtle variations that speak to proper fermentation and aging.
Running your fingers along the wrapper reveals a texture that’s both smooth and slightly textured. No visible veins interrupt the surface, and the construction feels firm without being hard. The triple cap is perfectly applied – you can see the craftsmanship that goes into each one of these beauties.
From the El Laguito factory in Havana, these represent the pinnacle of Cuban cigar rolling. The bands are works of art themselves – holographic elements that catch the light, detailed printing that’s impossible to replicate convincingly. When you’re holding an authentic Cohiba Behike BHK 56, you can feel the difference in every detail.
The behike 56 ceramic jar itself deserves special mention. This isn’t just packaging – it’s a functional piece that serves as both storage and display. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, while the gold accents add just the right amount of luxury without being gaudy.
Who Should Consider This Investment
Let me be frank about who this cigar is meant for. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, this isn’t your starting point. The Cohiba Behike 56 demands an experienced palate – someone who can appreciate the subtle interplay of flavors that develop over two-plus hours of smoking time.
This is for collectors who understand that some purchases transcend mere consumption. It’s for the aficionado who has special occasions worthy of breaking out something truly exceptional. I’ve seen people smoke these at weddings, major business celebrations, or to commemorate life’s significant milestones.
The jar format makes this perfect for someone who entertains fellow cigar lovers. Having 25 of these beauties ready to share shows a level of hospitality and generosity that doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s also ideal for the collector who wants to age a few while enjoying others fresh.
Honestly, if you’re someone who typically smokes for 30-45 minutes, this might not be your ideal choice. The Behike 56 is a commitment – one that rewards patience and attention with an unparalleled smoking experience.
Proper Storage and Aging Potential
The ceramic jar comes with its own humidity system – a small sponge humidifier that maintains proper moisture levels for the 25 cigars inside. However, I strongly recommend storing the entire jar inside your main humidor to ensure consistent conditions.
Maintain 65-68% relative humidity and keep temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). These aren’t just numbers I’m throwing around – they’re critical for preserving the complex oils and flavors that make these cigars special. Too dry, and you’ll lose the smooth draw and flavor complexity. Too humid, and you risk burn issues and potential mold.
I’ve found that Cohiba Behike 56 ceramic jars stored properly can maintain perfect smoking condition for several years. In fact, many collectors believe these improve with age, developing even more complex flavor profiles over time. The ceramic provides excellent insulation against temperature fluctuations, which is why this storage system works so well.
For long-term aging, consider proven preservation techniques that ensure your investment continues to mature gracefully. The key is consistency – avoid frequent temperature and humidity swings that can stress the tobacco.
Perfect Pairing Recommendations
After smoking dozens of these over the years, I’ve discovered some pairings that truly elevate the entire experience. The complexity of the Behike BHK 56 demands beverages that can complement rather than compete with its flavors.
For aged rum, I reach for a 23-year-old Zacapa or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. The caramel and vanilla notes in these rums perfectly echo the sweet elements in the cigar’s first third, while their oak aging complements the cedar notes that develop later.
Single malt whisky lovers should try this with a Highland scotch – I particularly enjoy it with Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The honeyed sweetness and subtle smoke in these whiskies create beautiful harmony with the tobacco’s natural flavors.
Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate pairing this with a full-bodied espresso or a rich Cuban coffee. The bitter notes provide an interesting counterpoint to the cigar’s sweetness, while the caffeine keeps your palate alert to the subtle flavor transitions.
Wine pairings work best with full-bodied reds – a well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon or a robust Malbec. The tannins in these wines complement the leather and earth notes beautifully, especially during the middle and final thirds.
Authenticating Your Investment
With cigars this valuable, authentication becomes crucial. I’ve seen too many disappointed collectors who discovered their “bargain” Cohiba Behike 56 ceramic jar was actually an elaborate fake. Here’s what to look for when verifying authenticity.
The ceramic jar itself should have a flawless high-gloss finish with perfectly applied gold accents. The Cohiba branding should be crisp and clear, with Spanish text that matches official Cuban export formats. The jar’s weight should feel substantial – cheap imitations often use thinner ceramic that feels light and hollow.
Each cigar should feature holographic stickers with proper date codes and factory stamps. These holographic elements are nearly impossible to replicate convincingly – they should shift and shimmer when viewed from different angles. The bands should show intricate detail work with no bleeding colors or fuzzy printing.
The cigars themselves should feel uniform in construction, with no soft spots or hard lumps that indicate poor rolling. The wrapper should show natural color variation and oil content – perfect uniformity across all 25 cigars often indicates machine-made fakes.
Purchase only from authorized dealers who can provide documentation of their supply chain. Legitimate sellers will have no problem discussing their sourcing and will often provide authentication certificates.
Cutting and Lighting Techniques
The 56 ring gauge requires special attention when cutting. I prefer a straight cut made with a sharp guillotine cutter, removing just enough of the cap to create a clean opening without damaging the wrapper. With cigars this valuable, a dull cutter is your enemy – it can crack or tear the wrapper, ruining the smoking experience.
Some smokers prefer a V-cut or punch with larger ring gauges, but I’ve found the straight cut works best with the Behike 56 ceramic jar cigars. The key is making the cut in one confident motion rather than sawing back and forth.
Lighting requires patience and quality equipment. Use wooden matches or a butane torch – never lighter fluid or candles that can impart unwanted flavors. Toast the foot evenly by rotating the cigar slowly, ensuring the entire circumference catches fire uniformly.
Take your time with the initial lighting process. These cigars have dense construction that benefits from thorough, even ignition. Rush this step, and you’ll deal with burn issues for the next two hours. For detailed guidance, check out this comprehensive Cuban cigar smoking guide that covers advanced techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store cigars in the ceramic jar?
The ceramic jar with its sponge humidifier system can maintain proper humidity for several months when stored inside a main humidor. However, for long-term storage beyond six months, I recommend transferring the cigars to your primary humidor or upgrading the jar’s humidification system. The ceramic provides excellent insulation, but the small sponge system has limitations for extended storage periods.
Are these cigars ready to smoke immediately, or should they be aged?
The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 cigars come ready to smoke, having undergone proper aging at the factory. However, many collectors find that additional aging of 2-5 years can develop even more complex flavors. If you choose to age them, maintain consistent humidity and temperature conditions. I’ve smoked these fresh and aged, and both experiences offer distinct pleasures.
What makes the Medio Tiempo wrapper special?
Medio Tiempo leaves come from the very top of the tobacco plant, where they receive maximum sunlight exposure. This creates leaves with higher oil content and more complex flavors than standard wrapper leaves. Only a small percentage of plants produce suitable Medio Tiempo leaves, making them extremely rare and valuable. This is part of what justifies the premium price of the Behike line.
How does the 56 ring gauge affect the smoking experience?
The larger 56 ring gauge provides more filler tobacco, which creates a cooler, slower burn and allows for more complex flavor blending. The increased tobacco volume means more flavor compounds interacting with each layer, resulting in the rich, evolving taste profile these cigars are famous for. However, it also means a longer smoking time and requires proper cutting and lighting techniques to perform optimally.
Can the ceramic jar be refilled with other cigars?
While the ceramic jar can technically hold other cigars of similar size, I wouldn’t recommend mixing different brands or types. The jar is specifically designed for the Behike 56 dimensions and quantity. More importantly, different cigars have different humidity requirements and flavor profiles that can cross-contaminate. Once empty, the jar makes a beautiful display piece or can be repurposed for storing accessories, but I’d keep it dedicated to Behike cigars if refilling.
Understanding the journey from plantation to perfection helps explain why these cigars command such respect among aficionados worldwide. The Cohiba Behike 56 ceramic jar represents not just tobacco, but centuries of Cuban craftsmanship refined to its absolute peak.
