Description
The Cigar That Changed Everything for Me
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97 – yeah, I’m dating myself here – and I can count on one hand the cigars that made me stop mid-conversation and just… pay attention. The Cohiba Behike 56 Ceramic Jar is one of those cigars. No joke. This isn’t just another premium Cuban in fancy packaging. This is the cigar that made a friend of mine – a die-hard Padron guy who swore he’d never fall for the Cuban hype – completely rethink his position. I watched it happen.
Here’s what you need to know about this beast: it’s rare, it’s exceptional, and that ceramic jar? It’s not just for show. The Behike line uses medio tiempo leaves – this tiny crop from the very top of the sun-grown wrapper plants that most manufacturers don’t even bother with because there’s so little of it. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let me walk you through why this particular cigar, in this particular presentation, deserves your attention. And your humidor space.
What Makes the Behike 56 Stand Out (And Why the Ceramic Jar Matters)
Thing is, Cohiba didn’t just slap their name on another vitola and call it a day. The Behike line – introduced back in 2006 for Cohiba’s 40th anniversary – represented something genuinely new. That medio tiempo leaf I mentioned? It adds this layer of intensity and complexity that you just don’t find in other Cohibas. And I’ve smoked my share of Cohibas, trust me.
The 56 ring gauge puts this firmly in “special occasion” territory. It’s a big smoke – about 6.5 inches long with that hefty 56 ring – which means you’re looking at 90 minutes to two hours if you’re smoking it properly. Not your lunchtime cigar. This is what you pull out when you’ve got time to actually appreciate what’s happening.
Now, about that ceramic jar. Some people think it’s just fancy marketing, but here’s the thing – I’ve stored both the standard box and the ceramic jar versions, and there’s a difference. The jar maintains more consistent humidity levels, and it looks damn good sitting on your desk. Is it necessary? No. Does it make the experience feel more special? Absolutely. It’s like the difference between drinking good scotch from a Solo cup versus a proper crystal glass. The scotch is the same, but come on.
This cigar is built for the experienced smoker who appreciates full-bodied blends with serious complexity. If you’re still getting your bearings with Cuban tobacco, maybe work your way up to this one. I’ve seen people jump straight into a Behike 56 as their first Cuban and get overwhelmed. Not gonna lie – it can be intense.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Gran Corona |
| Length | 6.5 inches / 165 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 56 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Medio Tiempo (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban Ligero, Seco, Volado blend with Medio Tiempo |
| Strength | Medium-Full to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What You’re Actually Getting
Okay, so let’s talk about what happens when you actually light this thing up. And I’m going to be specific here because I hate those vague “notes of leather and spice” descriptions that don’t tell you anything useful.
The cold draw? Rich. Almost sweet. You’re getting hints of cocoa and this earthy quality that’s hard to pin down but unmistakably Cuban. The first time I tried one – this was at a lounge in Miami, maybe 2010? 2011? – the cold draw alone made me slow down and pay attention.
First Third: Right off the bat, you’re hit with leather. Not generic leather – that specific smell of a well-worn leather jacket. There’s cedar too, but it’s subtle. Supporting actor, not the lead. What surprises people is the coffee note that shows up early. Not bitter coffee – more like espresso with just a touch of cream. The retrohale brings white pepper that’s assertive without being harsh. And the cream – oh man – it’s this smooth, almost buttery quality that coats your palate. I remember thinking the first time: “This is what people mean when they talk about premium tobacco.”
The construction? Flawless. I mean it. In probably 15 Behike 56s I’ve smoked over the years, I’ve never had a single draw issue. The burn line stays razor-sharp even if you’re not babying it. The ash holds for a solid inch and a half before it drops, and it’s that light gray color that tells you the tobacco was aged properly.
Second Third: This is where things get interesting. The leather backs off a bit – doesn’t disappear, just steps aside – and you start getting these waves of different flavors. There’s this woody note that comes in, almost like cedar chips but richer. Earthier. Then the coffee evolves into something closer to dark chocolate. Not sweet milk chocolate – the 70% cacao dark stuff. Some nuts too. Almonds maybe? Could be hazelnuts. I always mix those up.
What really gets me about this section is the complexity without chaos. Some full-bodied cigars throw everything at you at once and it’s just muddy. The Behike 56 has restraint. Each flavor gets its moment, transitions smoothly into the next. It’s like listening to a jazz quartet where everyone knows exactly when to solo and when to support. Pretentious comparison? Maybe. But it fits.
Final Third: Here’s where the strength really shows up. That medio tiempo leaf makes its presence known. The pepper comes back stronger – both in the smoke and especially on the retrohale. The earth notes deepen. There’s still sweetness keeping everything balanced, but you’re definitely in full-bodied territory now. If you’ve been drinking something too light, it’ll catch you off guard.
Real talk: the last third is where this cigar separates itself from other Cohibas. Most cigars get harsher as you smoke down. This one? It gets more intense, sure, but it stays smooth. No bitterness. No tar. Just concentrated flavor that keeps building. I’ve smoked these down to the nub – probably longer than I should have – because I didn’t want it to end.
The finish lingers. I’m talking 20-30 minutes after you put it down, you’re still tasting it. That coffee-chocolate note sticks around longest for me. Some people get more of the cedar on the finish. Either way, it doesn’t just vanish.
How Does It Stack Up?
Between you and me, comparisons are tricky because nothing smokes quite like a Behike. But here’s how I’d break it down against similar premium smokes:
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Behike 56 | Medium-Full to Full | 90-120 min | Special occasions, experienced palates, when you’ve got time |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium to Medium-Full | 80-100 min | Daily luxury smoke, more approachable, slightly milder |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Classic Cuban experience, shorter time commitment, less complex |
Look, the Siglo VI is a beautiful cigar. I keep a box on hand. But it doesn’t have that extra dimension the Behike brings. It’s the difference between a really good meal and a meal you’ll remember years later. The Montecristo No. 2? That’s the cigar I recommend when someone wants to understand what Cuban tobacco is about. It’s iconic for a reason. But it’s playing a different game than the Behike.
What Should You Pair This With?
Hear me out: don’t overthink this. I’ve seen people stress about the “perfect pairing” and then they’re so worried about it that they don’t enjoy either the cigar or the drink. That said, here’s what I’ve found works:
Best pairing? Aged rum. Specifically something like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The sweetness complements that chocolate note, and the complexity of aged rum matches the complexity of the tobacco. Plus, you know, Cuban cigar with Caribbean rum just feels right.
Whisky works too. I’m partial to a peaty Islay scotch – Laphroaig or Ardbeg – because the smoke-on-smoke thing creates this interesting echo effect. But honestly? A good bourbon does the job. Blanton’s, Booker’s, even Maker’s Mark if that’s what you’ve got. Don’t let whisky snobs tell you otherwise.
Coffee? Absolutely. Espresso especially. There’s something about bitter coffee with this cigar that just clicks. I had one with a double espresso at a shop in Little Havana once and it’s still one of my favorite cigar memories.
When to smoke it: Evening. After dinner. When you’ve finished everything you needed to do that day and you can just… exist for two hours. I like these on Friday nights, personally. End of the work week, no rush, maybe some jazz playing. Perfect. These are also exceptional celebration cigars – promotions, anniversaries, births, whatever. Big moments deserve big cigars.
What makes the Behike line different from regular Cohibas?
The Behike line uses medio tiempo leaves – these are the two leaves at the very top of sun-grown tobacco plants that have more oils, more flavor, and more strength than regular wrapper leaves. Most manufacturers don’t use them because there’s so little medio tiempo per plant, but Cohiba reserves it for the Behike line. It’s what gives these cigars their extra complexity and intensity. You’re not just paying for the name here – there’s genuinely something different in the blend.
How long should I age a Behike 56 before smoking it?
Honestly? They’re ready to smoke when you get them. Cohiba ages their tobacco extensively before rolling. That said, I’ve noticed these get even better with 6-12 months of rest in your own humidor. The flavors meld together more, the rough edges smooth out. I’ve got one from 2015 sitting in my humidor that I’m saving for something special, and I know it’s going to be incredible. But don’t feel like you need to wait years – these are meant to be enjoyed.
Is the ceramic jar worth it compared to the regular box?
Look, it depends on what you value. The cigars inside are identical. But the ceramic jar maintains humidity better, protects the cigars more effectively during storage, and yeah – it’s a beautiful display piece. If you’re buying this as a gift or you want something special for your collection, go with the jar. If you just want to smoke some exceptional cigars and don’t care about the packaging, save yourself some hassle. I have both, and I reach for the jar version when I want the whole experience.
Can a beginner enjoy a Behike 56, or is it too strong?
I’m going to be blunt: probably not the best choice for your first Cuban. It’s not that it’ll knock you on your ass – the strength builds gradually – but you might not appreciate what makes it special yet. It’s like giving someone who’s never had wine a 20-year-old Bordeaux. They’ll know it’s good, but they won’t really get WHY. Smoke through some Cohibas first – maybe a Siglo II or Siglo IV. Get comfortable with Cuban tobacco. Then come back to this. You’ll appreciate it more.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Behike 56s?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, maybe 66%. Some people go up to 69-70%, but I find that’s too wet for Cuban cigars – they smoke better slightly drier. Temperature-wise, keep it around 65-68°F if you can. The ceramic jar helps maintain stability, but you still want to store it in a proper environment. And for the love of everything holy, don’t store these in a regular closet or drawer. They need proper humidification.
How many cigars come in the Behike 56 Ceramic Jar?
The ceramic jar typically comes with 10 cigars. It’s a compact presentation – not a massive jar that takes up half your humidor. The jar itself is well-made, with a tight seal that actually works. I’ve seen some decorative cigar jars that are basically useless for storage, but this one’s the real deal. You could legitimately use it as a small travel humidor if you wanted to.
What’s the difference between Behike 52, 54, and 56?
Same blend, different sizes. The 52 is a Laguito No. 2 format – thinner, more elegant, slightly shorter smoke. The 54 is a shorter robusto shape that’s probably the most approachable of the three. The 56 is the big boy – longest and thickest, which means more tobacco, longer smoking time, and the flavors have more room to develop. I like the 56 best because it gives you the full experience, but honestly all three are exceptional. Some days I want the 54 because I don’t have two hours. It’s not about one being better – they’re different expressions of the same idea.
Should You Pull the Trigger?
So here we are. The question you’re probably asking: is this cigar for you?
If you’re looking for your everyday smoke, probably not. This isn’t a Tuesday afternoon cigar. But if you want something genuinely special – something that represents the absolute peak of what Cuban cigar makers can do – yeah. This is it. I know some aficionados argue that other Cohibas offer better “value” and they’re not wrong, but that’s missing the point. This isn’t about practical value. This is about experiencing something exceptional.
The ceramic jar presentation makes this a killer gift, by the way. I gave one to my father-in-law for his 60th birthday and he still talks about it three years later. Not just the cigars – the whole presentation. The weight of the jar. The way it looks. The ritual of opening it up. That matters.
What really gets me about the Behike 56 is how it manages to be both powerful and refined at the same time. It’s not showing off. It’s not trying to blow your palate away with nicotine and spice. It’s just… extremely good at what it does. And what it does is give you two hours of constantly evolving, complex, beautifully constructed smoking pleasure. That’s worth something.
Look, you’re going to spend some money here. These aren’t cheap cigars, and the ceramic jar adds to that. But you know what? Sometimes you need to treat yourself. Life’s too short to always smoke the practical choice. If you’ve been thinking about trying a Behike, or if you want to step up your special occasion game, this is the move. Just make sure you’ve got the time to do it justice. Rushing through one of these would be a crime.
Ready to add this to your collection? You won’t regret it. Trust me on this one.
