Cohiba Behike 56

Description

The Cohiba Behike 56 stands as the undisputed pinnacle of the Habanos S.A. portfolio, a cigar that transcends the boundaries of traditional smoking to become a definitive cultural icon of luxury. As the largest vitola in the prestigious Behike line, the BHK 56 is a masterclass in balance, power, and aromatic complexity. Crafted at the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana, this full-bodied masterpiece is renowned for its inclusion of the rare Medio Tiempo leaves—sun-grown tobacco leaves that sprout only at the very top of a small percentage of tobacco plants. This scarcity results in a smoke of unparalleled intensity and depth, characterized by a sophisticated palette of leather, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and creamy vanilla. Measuring an impressive 166 mm with a 56 ring gauge, the Laguito No. 6 vitola offers a generous, cool draw that allows the intricate layers of Vuelta Abajo tobacco to unfold over a leisurely two-hour journey. For the connoisseur who demands the absolute finest in Cuban craftsmanship, the Behike 56 is not merely a cigar; it is an heirloom-quality experience.

Box Features and Packaging Options

Cigar Specifications

Brand Heritage

The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba itself. Founded in 1966, the brand was initially established as a private label for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. The tobacco was so exclusive that it was not available to the public until 1982. Cohiba represents the “selection of selections,” utilizing only the finest leaves from the five finest Vegas de Primera in the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo region. What truly sets Cohiba apart is the additional third fermentation in barrels, a process that removes impurities and provides the signature smoothness and “grassy” notes associated with the brand.

In 2010, the Behike line was launched to celebrate this heritage, named after the tribal chief of the indigenous Taíno Indians. The line introduced the world to the Medio Tiempo leaf, a component that had been largely forgotten in modern cigar production. The Cohiba Behike 56, being the largest of the trio (which includes the 52 and 54), was designed to showcase how a large ring gauge could temper the immense strength of the Medio Tiempo leaves into a smooth, symphonic progression. Today, the Behike 56 is widely considered the most sought-after regular production cigar in the world, often surpassing even limited editions in terms of prestige and secondary market value.

The El Laguito factory, where every Behike 56 is rolled, is a former colonial mansion that serves as the cathedral of Cuban cigar making. The torcedores assigned to the Behike line are the Category 9 masters—the elite of the elite. Their steady hands ensure that despite the massive 56 ring gauge, the construction is flawless, the draw is perfect, and the triple cap is applied with surgical precision. This commitment to excellence ensures that every box of Behike 56 maintains the legacy of the Cohiba name.

Tasting Profile

First Third – The Opening

The experience begins with a cold draw that offers hints of sweet hay, cedar, and a touch of barnyard musk. Upon lighting, the Cohiba Behike 56 immediately asserts its dominance with a voluminous cloud of smoke. The initial puffs are greeted with bold leather and toasted oak, underpinned by a refined white pepper spice that tingles the retrohale without overpowering the palate. There is an unmistakable presence of rich earth and cedar, providing a foundation for the complexity to come. The burn is slow and deliberate, showcasing the density of the premium filler leaves.

Second Third – The Heart

As the cigar transitions into the middle third, the strength remains full, but the texture of the smoke becomes remarkably creamy and velvet-like. This is where the Medio Tiempo leaves truly shine, introducing layers of dark chocolate, roasted espresso beans, and salted nuts. A subtle sweetness begins to emerge, reminiscent of wild honey and dried fruits, which perfectly balances the savory notes of aged tobacco and musk. The complexity at this stage is unparalleled, with the flavor profile evolving with every puff, revealing nuances of vanilla bean and nutmeg.

Final Third – The Crescendo

In the final third, the BHK 56 reaches its peak intensity. The flavors deepen into a dark, brooding richness. The creamy sweetness recedes slightly to make way for intense spices, charred wood, and heavy leather. Despite the increase in strength, the cigar never becomes bitter or harsh—a testament to the extensive fermentation and aging of the tobacco. Notes of black liquorice and molasses linger on the tongue, while the aroma remains sophisticated and inviting, filling the room with a scent of fine tobacco and exotic spices.

Finish

The finish is exceptionally long and palate-coating. It leaves a lingering sensation of creamy sweetness contrasted against a subtle peppery spice. Even after the cigar is laid to rest, the flavors of dark chocolate and cedar persist, inviting the smoker to reflect on the complexity of the journey. It is a satisfying, heavy finish that confirms the Behike 56’s status as a world-class cigar.

Flavor Wheel

Aging and Collector Value

The Cohiba Behike 56 is perhaps the most “age-worthy” cigar in the Habanos catalog. While it is undeniably impressive when smoked fresh—offering a bold, spicy, and high-octane experience—it is between 2 to 5 years of aging that the cigar reaches its “sweet spot.” During this period, the oils within the Medio Tiempo leaves begin to meld with the Seco and Ligero, rounding off the sharper spice notes and enhancing the creamy, chocolatey sweetness. Connoisseurs often find that after 5 years, the Behike 56 develops a “vintage” character, where the leather notes become more prominent and the smoke takes on a silkier texture.

For collectors, the BHK 56 is a blue-chip investment. Due to the limited availability of the Medio Tiempo leaves, production numbers are strictly controlled, often leading to global shortages. To preserve the integrity of these cigars, they must be stored in a Spanish cedar humidor at a consistent 65-70% relative humidity (RH) and a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Fluctuations in environment can damage the delicate wrapper or cause the oils to dissipate. Properly stored, a box of Behike 56 will not only improve in flavor but will significantly appreciate in value over time.

Perfect Pairings

Authenticity Verification

Given the prestige of the Cohiba Behike 56, it is one of the most frequently counterfeited cigars in the world. We ensure that every box we sell is 100% authentic, sourced directly through official Habanos channels. Your peace of mind is our priority.

• Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features a holographic seal with a unique barcode and a hidden “micro-code” visible only under UV light.
• Box Code Verification – The bottom of each black lacquered box is stamped with the factory code (e.g., MAR, TLE) and the date of production.
• Security Band Technology – Behike bands feature two holograms: the iconic Cohiba Indian head and a smaller repeating “Behike” logo, both containing micro-printing.
• Triple Cap – A hallmark of El Laguito, the head of the cigar features a perfectly applied three-seam cap, a detail counterfeiters rarely master.

Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our rigorous quality standards, we provide a full refund or replacement. Trusted by collectors and aficionados since 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Cohiba Behike 56 different from the Behike 52 and 54?

While all three cigars in the Behike line use the same blend featuring Medio Tiempo tobacco, the BHK 56 is the largest. Its 56 ring gauge allows for a cooler smoke and a more gradual evolution of flavors. Many aficionados find the 56 to be the smoothest of the three, as the larger volume of tobacco provides a more balanced “buffer” for the intense strength of the rare top-priming leaves.

How long should I set aside to smoke a Behike 56?

The Cohiba Behike 56 is a substantial cigar. Due to its length (166mm) and thick ring gauge, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 2 hours. This is not a cigar to be rushed; it requires a relaxed environment to fully appreciate the complex transitions from the first third to the final crescendo.

Is the Behike 56 suitable for a beginner?

Because the Behike 56 is a full-bodied and high-strength cigar, it may be overwhelming for a novice smoker. The nicotine content, driven by the Ligero and Medio Tiempo leaves, is significant. We recommend this cigar for experienced smokers who have developed a palate for complex, heavy Cuban profiles. If you are a beginner looking for the Cohiba experience, you might start with the Cohiba Siglo II or Siglo VI before graduating to the Behike line.

Why is the Cohiba Behike 56 so difficult to find in stock?

The scarcity of the BHK 56 is due to the Medio Tiempo leaf. These leaves only grow on a small percentage of tobacco plants, and their availability is dictated by the harvest quality in the Vuelta Abajo region. Additionally, only the most skilled torcedores at El Laguito are permitted to roll them. This “bottleneck” in production, combined with massive global demand, makes the Behike 56 a rare find in the international market.