Description
The Crown Jewel That Changed Everything
I still remember the first time I held a Cohiba Behike 56. It was 2010, just after Habanos S.A. dropped what would become the most talked-about release in modern Cuban cigar history. My friend Pedro – runs a casa particular in Havana – managed to snag a box and called me immediately. “You need to try this,” he said. “It’s different.” And damn, was he right.
The Cohiba Behike line isn’t just another fancy release with a premium price tag slapped on it. This is the cigar that introduced medio tiempo leaves to the world – those rare, sun-exposed leaves from the very top of the tobacco plant that maybe two leaves per plant actually qualify for. When Cohiba’s master blenders decided to create something that would redefine what a Cuban cigar could be, they weren’t playing around. The BHK 56, as aficionados call it, represents the pinnacle of that vision. It’s bold, it’s elegant, and it demands your full attention from the moment you light up.
What Makes This Smoke So Special
Cohiba itself needs little introduction – it’s been the flagship brand of Cuban cigars since 1966, originally created exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. But the Behike line? That’s relatively new territory, launched in 2006 and perfected with the Behike BHK series in 2010.
The Behike 56 sits as the largest vitola in the trio – you’ve got the BHK 52, 54, and this beast at 56 ring gauge. What sets it apart isn’t just size though. The inclusion of medio tiempo leaves in the filler blend creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously more complex and more refined than standard Cohiba releases. I’ve smoked Esplendidos, Robustos, Siglo VIs – all magnificent cigars in their own right. But the Behike 56 operates on a different level entirely.
This isn’t a cigar for beginners, and I’ll be blunt about that. If you’re just getting into Cubans, maybe work your way up through the Cohiba line first. Start with a Siglo II, move to a Robusto, then consider the Behike. Because this smoke – with its medium to full strength and intricate flavor development – will absolutely overwhelm an inexperienced palate. But for seasoned smokers who appreciate the craft? This is why we fell in love with cigars in the first place.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Behike 56 |
| Length | 6.5 inches / 165 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 56 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban blend with medio tiempo leaves |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Experience – From Light to Nub
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – leather, cocoa, maybe a whisper of white pepper. But nothing fully prepares you for that first puff. The initial third hits with creamy smoke that’s almost velvety in texture. Cedar dominates at first, but it’s not that harsh, furniture-polish cedar. This is the smell of a perfectly maintained humidor – rich, aromatic, inviting. Underneath, you’ll catch notes of roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. The draw is effortless, assuming you’ve stored it properly at around 65-68% humidity.
What strikes me most in this opening phase is the balance. With medio tiempo leaves, you’d expect aggressive strength right out of the gate. Instead, the blend showcases remarkable restraint. The pepper is there – mainly on the retrohale – but it’s supporting the main act rather than stealing the show. The burn line stays razor-sharp, producing that characteristic white ash that holds for a solid inch before dropping. And the smoke production? Generous without being overwhelming, with an aroma that’ll have everyone in your lounge asking what you’re smoking.
The second third is where the Behike 56 really starts flexing. The flavors deepen considerably – that coffee note transforms into espresso, the chocolate turns darker and richer, and suddenly you’re picking up earth and dried fruit. Prunes, maybe? Or figs. There’s also this honeyed sweetness that weaves through everything, keeping it from becoming too heavy. The strength builds gradually, moving firmly into full-bodied territory without crossing into harsh. I remember smoking one during a card game – I had to put it down between hands because it demanded too much attention to multitask properly.
Final third – and this is crucial – the Behike maintains composure when lesser cigars fall apart. No bitterness, no tar buildup, no need to frantically purge. Instead, you get concentrated versions of everything that came before, plus new layers: toasted nuts, maybe some cinnamon spice, and a mineral quality that’s distinctly Cuban. The elegant smoke character persists right to the nub. I’ve taken these down to where I’m practically burning my fingers because I don’t want them to end.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Behike 56 | Medium-Full | 90-120 min | Special occasions, experienced smokers seeking complexity |
| Cohiba Esplendido | Medium | 90-110 min | Those wanting classic Cohiba without medio tiempo intensity |
| Trinidad Fundadores | Medium-Full | 100-120 min | Aficionados who prefer more floral, grassy notes |
The comparison with other premium Cubans is inevitable. Against the Esplendido – which I genuinely love – the Behike offers more depth and evolution. The Esplendido is smoother, more approachable, but less adventurous. Trinidad Fundadores brings interesting floral notes that the Behike doesn’t really explore, though I’d argue the Behike’s overall complexity edges it out. It’s like comparing excellent jazz musicians – they’re all masters, just playing different styles.
What to Pair With This Masterpiece
My go-to pairing? A well-aged rum – specifically something like Havana Club 15 or Zacapa XO. The rum’s caramel and vanilla notes complement the cigar’s chocolate and coffee without competing. I’ve also had tremendous success with single malt scotch, particularly Highland or Speyside expressions. Glenmorangie 18 works beautifully. The wood and fruit notes create this dialogue with the smoke that’s just… chef’s kiss.
For non-alcoholic options – because yes, sometimes you want to focus purely on the cigar – try a robust espresso or aged pu-erh tea. The earthy, fermented qualities of good pu-erh mirror the tobacco in fascinating ways. Actually, scratch that – I tried it once at a tasting event. It works better in theory than practice. Stick with espresso if you’re going caffeine.
Timing matters too. This isn’t a morning cigar unless you’re on vacation and have literally nothing else to do. Late afternoon or evening, after a substantial meal – that’s when the Behike 56 shines brightest. Give yourself at least two hours with no interruptions. Turn off your phone. This deserves your undivided attention.
How does the Behike 56 differ from the BHK 52 and 54?
Mainly it’s about size and smoking time – the 56 gives you the longest, most leisurely experience at roughly two hours. The blend is essentially the same across all three, but the larger ring gauge on the 56 tends to produce a slightly cooler, smoother smoke with more pronounced flavor development. If you’ve got the time, the 56 is worth it. If you prefer a more concentrated 60-75 minute smoke, go for the 52.
What are medio tiempo leaves and why do they matter?
Medio tiempo are the two top leaves from select tobacco plants – they get the most sun exposure and develop the most concentrated oils and flavors. Not every plant produces usable medio tiempo leaves, which makes them incredibly rare. In the Behike blend, they add depth and complexity without ramping up the strength to uncomfortable levels. It’s what separates this from standard Cohiba releases – you’re getting leaves that simply don’t make it into other cigars.
How should I store my Behike 56 cigars?
Keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F. I know some people go higher on humidity for Cubans, but the Behike performs better slightly drier – improves the draw and concentrates the flavors. Let them rest at least a month after you receive them before smoking. Better yet, if you can stand to wait six months to a year, these develop even more nuance. I’ve got some from 2015 that are absolutely singing right now.
Is the Behike 56 too strong for someone transitioning from non-Cuban premiums?
Probably, yeah. If you’re coming from medium-bodied Dominicans or Nicaraguans, the flavor profile here will be quite different – more subtle in some ways, more complex in others. I’d honestly recommend working through some regular Cohiba releases first – maybe a Siglo VI or Robusto – to get accustomed to the Cuban style before dropping serious money on Behikes. That said, if you’ve been smoking full-bodied Nicaraguan puros and handling them fine, you should be okay strength-wise.
Can you smoke a Behike 56 straight from the box?
You can, but you shouldn’t. These benefit tremendously from rest time – the flavors need to marry and stabilize after shipping. I’ve made the mistake of lighting one up the day a box arrived, and while it was good, it wasn’t great. Same cigars three months later? Completely different experience. Cuban cigars in general need patience, and the Behike line especially so given the premium leaves involved.
How does age affect the Behike 56?
Beautifully, in my experience. Fresh Behikes – say under a year – show more pepper and wood. Give them three to five years and those sharp edges round out, the chocolate notes deepen, and you start getting these fascinating honeyed and fruity undertones. I haven’t pushed one past seven years personally, but friends who have report they keep improving for a decade or more. The medio tiempo leaves seem to age differently than standard filler – slower oxidation maybe? Either way, these are absolutely age-worthy if you’ve got the patience.
What’s the best way to cut a Behike 56?
I use a straight cut placed right at the cap line – no more than 2mm. Some guys swear by V-cuts for larger ring gauges, and I won’t argue against it if that’s your preference. Just avoid punch cutters with these – the 56 ring gauge and complex blend need good airflow, and a punch can restrict the draw too much. You want that smoke flowing smoothly to appreciate everything this cigar offers.
Final Thoughts on This Legend
The Cohiba Behike 56 isn’t just hype and marketing. It’s the real deal – a cigar that delivers on its legendary reputation through exceptional tobacco, masterful blending, and construction quality that’s second to none. Will it convert someone who doesn’t like Cuban cigars? Probably not. But for those of us who appreciate what the island produces, this represents the absolute peak.
If you’re looking to mark a truly special occasion – a milestone birthday, a major life achievement, or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary – this is the cigar. Stock your humidor with a few, let them rest, and break one out when the moment feels right. You won’t regret it. And if you’re building a sampler of premium Cubans to really understand what’s possible with tobacco, the Behike 56 absolutely deserves a spot alongside classics like the Montecristo No. 2 and Partagás Lusitania.
Just do yourself a favor – clear your schedule, find a comfortable seat, and give this cigar the attention it deserves. Trust me on this one.
