Description
The Ceramic Jar That Changed Everything
I still remember the first time I saw a Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar sitting on the shelf at Casa del Habano. Thing is, I didn’t even know what I was looking at initially – this striking ceramic vessel that honestly looked more like an artifact than a cigar container. Then the shopkeeper opened it up, and there they were: ten of the most sought-after cigars Cuba produces, each one a perfect Behike 56. The BHK line already commands respect among serious collectors, but this ceramic jar edition? It’s something else entirely. This isn’t just about smoking cigars – though we’ll get to that incredible experience. This is about owning a piece of premium tobacco history that doubles as a functional humidor and, let’s be honest, a conversation piece that’ll dominate any collection.
What Makes the Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar Special
The Cohiba brand has been Cuba’s flagship since 1966, originally created exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. But the Behike line – launched in 2010 – that’s when Cohiba really pushed the boundaries. Named after the tribal chief of the Taino Indians (the original tobacco masters), the Behike represents the absolute pinnacle of what Habanos S.A. can produce.
Now, about this ceramic jar. Most limited edition releases come in standard boxes, maybe lacquered wood if you’re lucky. The ceramic jar takes the presentation to museum-quality status. We’re talking about a handcrafted ceramic vessel that maintains ideal humidity levels while looking absolutely stunning on display. Inside, you get ten Behike 56s – that 56 ring gauge vitola that gives you a solid two-hour smoke with enough surface area to really showcase the blend’s complexity. This is squarely aimed at serious collectors and experienced aficionados who understand what they’re holding. If you’re still figuring out the difference between Cuban and non-Cuban tobacco, maybe start elsewhere and work your way up.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Pirámide (Gran Pirámide) |
| Length | 6.5 inches / 165 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 56 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (Medio Tiempo) |
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo blend with Medio Tiempo leaves |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
Smoking the Behike 56: A Two-Hour Journey
The construction on these is flawless – and I mean flawless. I’ve smoked maybe six or seven Behike 56s over the years, and every single one has had that perfect density when you gently squeeze it. The triple cap is textbook, the wrapper has this subtle oily sheen that catches the light just right. Cold draw gives you this incredible preview: sweet tobacco with hints of cocoa and what I swear is a coffee note, though some people tell me I’m imagining that part.
First third hits differently than most Cuban cigars. You’re getting immediate complexity instead of that gradual build-up. There’s this creamy sweetness right from the jump – think caramel or honey – layered with cedar that’s more refined than aggressive. The Medio Tiempo leaves in the blend (those rare top leaves from the tobacco plant that only appear in Behike cigars) start showing up as this peppery undercurrent. Not harsh pepper, more like white pepper that adds depth without overwhelming. The burn line stays razor-sharp, and the ash? Solid white, holding on for a good inch and a half before you even think about tapping it.
Middle section is where this cigar really earns its reputation. The sweetness evolves – less honey, more like aged leather and nuts. Actually, scratch that – it’s specifically like toasted almonds. My buddy Carlos always says hazelnuts, and we’ve argued about it over whiskey more times than I can count. Either way, there’s this nutty richness that develops alongside earth tones that remind me of wet autumn leaves. The smoke output is generous without being excessive, and the retrohale – oh man – that’s where you catch these fleeting notes of dried fruit and spice that don’t come through on the regular draw.
Final third is where you separate the Behikes from everything else in the Cohiba lineup. Some cigars get harsh or bitter in the last stretch. Not this one. It actually gets sweeter again, picking up this cocoa note that borders on dark chocolate. The strength builds to a solid medium-full, but it never crosses into that territory where you’re feeling lightheaded. The construction holds perfectly to the nub – no tunneling, no wrapper issues, nothing. It’s the kind of finale that makes you sit there for a few minutes after you’re done, just processing what you experienced.
How the Behike 56 Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Behike 56 | Medium-Full | 120-150 min | Special occasions, serious contemplation |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium | 90-110 min | Introduction to premium Cohiba experience |
| Trinidad Fundadores | Medium-Full | 100-120 min | When you want elegance with punch |
What to Drink With Your Behike 56
I’ve tried pairing this cigar with everything from coffee to cognac, and honestly? Aged rum is where it’s at. Something like a 15-year Havana Club or a Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo. The rum’s caramel and vanilla notes play beautifully with the cigar’s natural sweetness without competing with the tobacco complexity. If you’re more of a whisky person – and I respect that – go for a smooth Highland Scotch, nothing too peaty. The Balvenie 12-year DoubleWood works surprisingly well.
Timing matters too. This isn’t a morning cigar unless you’ve got absolutely nothing to do for the rest of the day. Late afternoon into evening is ideal – maybe after a substantial meal, definitely when you’ve got two-plus hours to really commit to the experience. I usually save these for milestone celebrations or those rare perfect weather days when everything just aligns.
How should I store the Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar?
The ceramic jar itself functions as a small humidor and will maintain humidity for the short term, but I wouldn’t rely on it long-term. Keep the jar in your main humidor at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F. The ceramic actually helps regulate moisture, which is pretty clever design. Just don’t separate the cigars from the jar – they’re meant to be stored together.
What makes Behike cigars different from regular Cohiba lines?
Two words: Medio Tiempo. These are the two top leaves from select tobacco plants that get the most sunlight, making them richer and more flavorful. Only about one in ten plants produces suitable Medio Tiempo leaves. Regular Cohiba lines don’t include these leaves at all – they’re exclusive to the BHK series. That’s a huge part of why the flavor profile is so distinctly complex.
Is the Behike 56 suitable for someone new to Cuban cigars?
I’ll be honest – probably not. The complexity and strength level can be overwhelming if you’re still developing your palate. It’s like starting with a 20-year aged wine when you’ve only had regular table wines. Start with something like a Cohiba Siglo III or a Montecristo No. 4, then work your way up. The Behike will be so much more rewarding when you can actually identify and appreciate what’s happening.
How long can I age the Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar?
These cigars are already aged before release, but additional aging absolutely works. I know collectors who’ve held them for 3-5 years with excellent results – the flavors mellow and integrate even more beautifully. That said, they’re phenomenal right now too. If you’re going to age them, maintain strict humidity control and check on them every few months. The ceramic jar helps, but it’s not magic.
What’s the significance of the ceramic jar packaging?
Beyond looking absolutely stunning, the ceramic jar serves practical purposes. It’s a functional humidor that maintains stable humidity better than standard cardboard boxes. It’s also a limited edition presentation – not every Behike 56 comes in this format. Think of it as both protective packaging and a collector’s display piece. I’ve seen empty jars selling separately because people just want them for their cigar rooms.
Can I keep other cigars in the jar after smoking the Behikes?
You can, but I’d stick to similar strength cigars – other Cohibas or premium Cuban brands. Don’t mix mild Connecticut-wrapped cigars with what was holding Behikes. The ceramic absorbs and holds the oils and flavors from whatever’s stored in it. It’s like using a cast iron pan – it develops character from what you cook in it. Keep the tradition going with worthy cigars.
How does the 56 ring gauge compare to other Behike vitolas?
The Behike line offers three sizes: 52, 54, and 56. The 56 gives you the longest, most leisurely smoking experience with the most surface area for flavor development. The larger ring gauge also means a cooler smoke and more pronounced sweetness. If you want something a bit quicker but still substantial, the 52 or 54 might suit you better. But for the full Behike experience? The 56 is my choice every time.
Final Thoughts on the Ceramic Jar Edition
The Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar represents something beyond just premium cigars – it’s an investment in experiences. Ten perfectly constructed cigars that’ll give you twenty-plus hours of exceptional smoking, housed in a presentation piece that belongs in any serious collection. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. But if you’ve reached that point in your cigar journey where you can truly appreciate what Habanos S.A. achieves with Medio Tiempo tobacco and expert construction, this ceramic jar edition delivers on every level. Add one to your humidor. Save them for moments that deserve this level of attention. And when you finally light one up, clear your schedule and settle in for something memorable.
