Cohiba Behike 56

Description

Most cigars with a 56 ring gauge handle like a blunt instrument, feeling heavy in the hand and delivering a smoke that is often airy or overwhelming. The Behike 56 contradicts its own massive footprint; it moves across the palate with the grace of a ballroom dancer rather than the force of a linebacker. It offers a density of flavor usually reserved for thinner lanceros, yet it maintains the cool, voluminous draw that only a large format can provide.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The ritual begins the moment you inspect the foot; the packing is dense, promising a perfect resistance. Once lit, the sheer volume of smoke is the first thing to grab your attention. It pours out thick and white, coating the mouth with a texture akin to heavy cream. You get an immediate hit of that classic Cuban grassy note, but here it feels sun-dried and sweet rather than vegetal or raw. A distinct cedar woodiness sits upfront, paired with a gentle nutmeg spice that tingles the nose without any aggressive bite. It is incredibly smooth right out of the gate, lacking the harsh ammonia period that plagues lesser sticks.

Mid-Section: As the burn line progresses past the first inch, the profile shifts from a grassy field to the interior of a coffee shop. The dominant flavor transforms into a rich latte, specifically one with a shot of maple syrup. This sweetness is not sugary, but deep and woody, balancing out the earthiness that begins to creep in from the filler blend. The rare Medio Tiempo leaves start to show their character here, adding a savory, umami depth that anchors the lighter notes. The strength ticks up slightly, moving from a gentle mild-medium to a solid medium, but it remains perfectly balanced against the body of the smoke.

Final Third: Entering the final stretch, the creamy texture remains, but the flavors darken significantly. The maple sweetness recedes, replaced by damp earth, leather, and a kick of black pepper. It gets savory, almost meaty, with the cedar turning into charred oak. Heat builds up due to the large diameter, intensifying the spices on the retrohale, yet the smoke remains cool enough to sip slowly. Even as you smoke it down to the nub, the blend holds together without getting muddy, leaving a lasting impression of dark roasted coffee beans on the palate.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Cohiba

Cohiba was established in 1966, originally serving as a private brand for Fidel Castro and high-level diplomatic gifts. For years, the specific blend was a state secret, unavailable to the general public. The Behike line, introduced in 2010, redefined the brand’s luxury status by incorporating Medio Tiempo leaves into the filler. These are the rare top two leaves of sun-grown tobacco plants that only appear on a small fraction of the harvest, granting the cigar a richness