Description
The evening breeze on that hotel terrace in Havana felt perfect against my skin as I pulled out what might be the most coveted cigar in Cuba. The city lights twinkled below while I examined the dark, oily wrapper that promised something extraordinary. Honestly, after years of smoking premium cigars, I wasn’t sure anything could justify the legendary reputation—or the price tag.
But sometimes reputation exists for a reason.
The Cohiba Behike 56 represents the absolute pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, incorporating the rare Medio Tiempo leaves that grow only on the top of select tobacco plants. It’s one of the finest Cuban cigars you can find, assuming you can find it at all.
Specifications
| Length | 166mm (6.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 56 (22.22mm diameter) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-120 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Factory | Laguito No. 6 |
Flavor Profile Journey
The beauty of the Cohiba Behike laguito format lies in how it transforms throughout the smoking experience. I’ve found that patience rewards you with distinct flavor transitions that many cigars simply can’t deliver.
First Third: Gentle Introduction
The opening draws are surprisingly mild and elegant. Sweet notes of fresh grass and hay dominate, backed by a creamy smoothness that coats your palate. There’s a subtle fruity undertone that reminds me of green apple or pear. It introduces you gently to what’s coming—no harsh edges or overwhelming strength.
The Medio Tiempo leaves haven’t fully awakened yet. But you can sense their presence waiting.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
Here’s where the Cohiba Behike starts showing its true character. The sweetness evolves into rich caramel and honey notes, paired with a warming sensation that spreads across your palate. The rare top leaves from those sun-grown tobacco plants called Medio Tiempo begin contributing their unique flavor compounds.
I noticed hints of butter and leather creeping in, creating layers that keep you engaged. The smoke becomes creamier, denser. Simply enjoyable doesn’t do it justice—this is where you understand why people obsess over these cigars.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The last portion intensifies beautifully without becoming harsh. Fresh coffee notes emerge, accompanied by mild black pepper that tingles without burning. The fourth filler leaf—that precious Medio Tiempo—delivers its full impact here, creating a lingering richness that stays with you long after the final puff.
Chocolate and mocha undertones round out the experience. There’s no bad aftertaste, just a satisfying warmth that makes you want to immediately light another one.
Construction and Appearance
The wrapper on an authentic Cohiba Behike 56 is flawless. Dark, oily, with a subtle sheen that catches the light perfectly. The veins are minimal, and the leaf feels silky between your fingers. Each cigar comes with a distinctive pigtail cap that’s become synonymous with the Behike line.
Construction is impeccable. The draw provides just enough resistance—never too tight, never too loose. The burn line stays remarkably even throughout the entire smoke. I’ve never had construction issues with an authentic Behike, though I’ve seen plenty of fakes with uneven burn patterns and poor draw.
The ash holds solid white-gray color and maintains its structure for impressive lengths. Quality control at the factory producing these is clearly exceptional.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Honestly, the Behike BHK 56 isn’t for beginners. The complexity and price point make it better suited for experienced smokers who can appreciate the nuances that make it special.
This is a celebration cigar. Special occasions, major milestones, or when you want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional. I’ve shared these with clients closing big deals, friends celebrating promotions, and during memorable evenings that deserved something extraordinary.
If you’re new to Cuban cigars, I’d recommend starting with more approachable options before investing in a Cohiba Behike. But if you’re an experienced smoker looking to understand what makes certain cigars legendary, this is essential education.
The only Cuban cigar that might rival this experience comes from the same Behike line—the 52 or 54 vitolas offer similar complexity in different formats.
Storage Requirements
Proper storage is absolutely critical for a cigar this premium. Maintain 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) temperature in your humidor. These specific numbers aren’t suggestions—they’re requirements for preserving the delicate Medio Tiempo leaves that make these cigars special.
I’ve found that Behike cigars benefit from aging when stored properly. The Medio Tiempo leaves mellow over time, creating even greater complexity. Some collectors age boxes for 5-10 years, though they’re excellent fresh from purchase.
Use quality humidification systems and monitor conditions regularly. A digital hygrometer is essential—analog versions aren’t accurate enough for cigars at this level. For detailed guidance on preserving cigars fresh with proven techniques, proper storage makes the difference between a great smoke and a disappointing waste of money.
Consider cedar aging trays if you’re storing boxes long-term. The wood helps regulate humidity while adding subtle cedar notes that complement the existing flavor profile.
Aging Potential
These cigars have exceptional aging potential. The rare tobacco used in the blend continues developing complexity over years. I’ve smoked five-year-aged examples that showed incredible depth—the coffee and chocolate notes become more pronounced while the overall profile smooths out beautifully.
Perfect Drink Pairings
The medium-to-full strength and complex flavor profile of the Cohiba Behike 56 pairs beautifully with premium spirits and carefully chosen beverages.
Rum
Aged Cuban rum is the classic pairing. Havana Club 15-year or Ron Zacapa 23 complement the honey and caramel notes perfectly. The sweetness in aged rum bridges beautifully with the cigar’s natural sweetness while the oak aging adds complementary woody notes.
Whiskey and Bourbon
High-end bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle or Blanton’s works wonderfully, especially during the final third when coffee and chocolate notes emerge. Scottish single malts like Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21 provide enough complexity to match the cigar without overwhelming it.
Coffee
Espresso or strong Cuban coffee creates beautiful synergy, particularly in the morning or early afternoon. The coffee notes in the final third harmonize with quality espresso in ways that enhance both experiences.
Cognac
Premium cognac like Hennessy Paradis or Rémy Martin XO offers the sophistication these cigars deserve. The grape-derived sweetness and oak aging complement the complexity beautifully.
Avoid lighter beverages that get overwhelmed by the cigar’s intensity. This isn’t a beer-and-cigar combination—it demands drinks with enough character to hold their own.
Authenticity Guide
With prices reaching $100+ per cigar, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting authentic Cohiba Behike cigars:
Packaging
Authentic cigars come in black lacquered boîte nature boxes of 10, individually numbered. Each box includes proper Habanos seals, holographic security features, and official documentation. The factory name should read “Laguito No. 6” on official documentation.
Bands and Markings
Genuine Behike cigars feature two bands—Behike band A (primary) and band B (secondary). The printing quality is exceptional with no blurred edges or misaligned text. Holographic elements should shift and change when viewed from different angles.
Construction Details
The pigtail cap should be perfectly formed and consistent. The wrapper should be flawless with minimal veins and an oily appearance. Poor construction quality, rough wrapper, or uneven color indicates counterfeit products.
Always purchase from authorized dealers. The investment is too significant to risk with questionable sources. When in doubt, have cigars authenticated by knowledgeable dealers or cigar shops with good reputations.
For more information about authentic Cuban cigar production, the Vuelta Abajo region produces the tobacco that makes these cigars possible.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
Proper preparation is essential for maximizing the Behike 56 experience. The size and construction require specific techniques.
Cutting
Use a sharp guillotine cutter or quality cigar scissors. Cut just above the cap line, removing about 2-3mm. The 56 ring gauge provides a generous smoking surface, so a clean straight cut works perfectly. Avoid punch cutters—they restrict airflow too much for this size cigar.
Some smokers prefer leaving a small portion of the pigtail, but I remove it completely for optimal draw.
Lighting
Take your time lighting—rushing ruins the experience. Use butane torch lighter or cedar spills. Toast the foot evenly while rotating the cigar, ensuring the entire surface lights uniformly.
The larger ring gauge requires patience. Light the edges first, then work toward the center. Take a few gentle puffs to establish an even burn before settling in for the full experience.
For comprehensive guidance on technique, check out this resource on mastering Cuban cigar smoking that covers everything from cutting to final ash disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cohiba Behike 56 cost?
Prices vary significantly based on location and availability, but expect to pay $80-150+ per cigar. Boxes of 10 typically cost $1,000-1,500. Prices fluctuate based on availability, age, and market conditions. The investment reflects the rare Medio Tiempo tobacco and limited production.
What makes the Medio Tiempo leaves so special?
Medio Tiempo leaves grow only on the top portion of select tobacco plants and develop unique flavor compounds due to maximum sun exposure. Only a small percentage of plants produce these leaves, making them extremely rare. They add complexity and depth that regular tobacco leaves cannot provide.
How does the Behike 56 compare to other sizes in the line?
The Behike 52, 54, and 56 all use the same blend but offer different smoking experiences due to ring gauge differences. The 56 provides the longest smoking time and allows the most gradual flavor development. The larger ring gauge also creates a cooler smoke temperature, letting subtle flavors shine through more clearly.
Can I age Cohiba Behike cigars?
Absolutely. These cigars age beautifully when stored properly at 70% humidity and 70°F temperature. Many collectors age them for 3-10+ years. The Medio Tiempo leaves continue developing complexity over time, creating even more sophisticated flavor profiles. Proper humidor setup is essential for successful aging.
Are Cohiba Behike cigars worth the price?
For experienced smokers who appreciate complexity and craftsmanship, yes. The rare tobacco, limited production, and exceptional quality justify the premium for special occasions. However, if you’re new to cigars or smoke casually, more accessible options provide better value while you develop your palate.
The experience of smoking an authentic Behike 56 is genuinely unique in the cigar world—it’s not just marketing hype. Whether that uniqueness justifies the cost depends on your appreciation for premium tobacco and special occasions that deserve exceptional treatment.
For those interested in exploring the complete journey from Cuban cigars from plantation to perfection, the Behike line represents the absolute pinnacle of that centuries-old craft.
