Description
Cohiba Behike 56: The Pinnacle of Cuban Cigar Craftsmanship
When Habanos S.A. introduced the Cohiba Behike line in 2010, they didn’t just release another premium cigar—they redefined what’s possible in Cuban tobacco artistry. The Behike 56, with its commanding ring gauge and impeccable construction, represents the apex of everything Cohiba stands for. This isn’t simply a cigar you smoke; it’s an experience that demands attention, respect, and the proper time to fully appreciate its complexity. What makes this vitola so extraordinary that aficionados worldwide consider it among the most sought-after Cuban cigars ever produced?
A Masterpiece from Cuba’s Most Prestigious Brand
Cohiba’s legacy began in 1966 as Fidel Castro’s private reserve, a secret enjoyed only by Cuban dignitaries and visiting heads of state. When the brand finally reached the public in 1982, it instantly became the crown jewel of Habanos production. The Behike line takes this prestige even further, introducing the rare “medio tiempo” leaf—a tobacco found only on certain sun-grown plants, positioned above the ligero leaves where sunlight exposure creates unprecedented richness and complexity.
The Behike 56 specifically targets the experienced cigar enthusiast who appreciates full-bodied smoke with remarkable depth. This is a cigar for special occasions, for moments when you want to mark significance with something truly exceptional. The generous ring gauge delivers cool, voluminous smoke while the carefully selected Vuelta Abajo wrapper from Cuba’s finest tobacco region provides visual beauty and textural perfection. Every aspect of this cigar has been engineered for the discerning palate.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Behike 56 |
| Length | 6.5 inches / 165 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 56 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend with medio tiempo leaf |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: A Journey Through Cuban Terroir
Before you even light the Behike 56, the cold draw reveals the cigar’s character. There’s an immediate richness—notes of cocoa, dried fruit, and a subtle sweetness that hints at the complexity waiting inside. The wrapper leaf feels like silk between your fingers, with a gentle oiliness that speaks to proper aging and expert fermentation. The construction is flawless; these cigars are rolled by the most skilled torcedores in Cuba, artisans who’ve earned the right to work with such precious tobacco.
The first third opens with remarkable smoothness despite the cigar’s full strength profile. You’ll detect earth and leather immediately, those classic Cuban signatures that ground the experience. But there’s more happening here—waves of spicy pepper dance on your palate, accompanied by toasted nuts and a creamy texture that coats your mouth. The medio tiempo leaf announces its presence through an underlying power that never overwhelms but constantly reminds you of this cigar’s pedigree. The burn line stays razor-sharp, and the ash builds with a light gray color, holding firm for well over an inch.
As you progress into the second third, the Behike 56 reveals why it commands such reverence. The flavors deepen and evolve: rich coffee notes emerge alongside dark chocolate, while the leather takes on an aged, luxurious quality. There’s a natural sweetness that balances the spicy elements beautifully. The smoke production becomes even more generous, and through the retrohale, you’ll discover layers of cedar, white pepper, and an almost floral complexity that sophisticated Cuban tobacco can deliver when everything aligns perfectly. The ring gauge truly shines here, keeping the smoke cool and allowing these nuanced flavors to express themselves fully.
The final third maintains the cigar’s elegance while intensifying its character. Some full-strength cigars become harsh or bitter as they finish, but not the Behike 56. The strength builds, certainly, but it’s accompanied by caramelized sugar notes, espresso, and that persistent leather that’s been present throughout. The medio tiempo leaf’s influence becomes most apparent now—there’s a depth and richness that standard ligero simply can’t provide. Even in the final inches, the cigar remains smooth and balanced, never requiring you to purge or rest it. This is masterful blending at its finest.
How the Behike 56 Compares
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Behike 56 | Medium-Full | 90-120 minutes | Special celebrations, experienced smokers seeking complexity |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium | 75-90 minutes | Cohiba experience with less intensity, evening relaxation |
| Trinidad Fundadores | Medium-Full | 100-120 minutes | Long smoking sessions, nuanced flavor enthusiasts |
Perfect Pairings for the Behike 56
A cigar of this caliber deserves equally thoughtful accompaniment. The Behike 56’s full-bodied complexity pairs beautifully with aged spirits. Consider a Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 rum—its sweet vanilla and caramel notes complement the cigar’s natural sweetness while its complexity matches the tobacco’s depth. Single malt Scotch enthusiasts should reach for something robust: a Macallan 18 or Highland Park 18 provides the weight and character to stand alongside this powerful smoke.
For non-spirit options, espresso works remarkably well, particularly a dark roast with chocolate undertones. The coffee amplifies the Behike’s natural cocoa and earth notes. If you’re smoking during a meal, pair it afterward with dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) or aged Manchego cheese. The occasion matters too—this is your wedding cigar, your promotion celebration, your milestone marker. The Behike 56 deserves evening hours when you can dedicate the full two hours to appreciation without rushing. Late afternoon on a covered terrace with storm clouds rolling in? Perfect. After a significant dinner with trusted friends? Even better.
Storage and Aging Considerations
The Behike 56 benefits tremendously from proper humidor storage. Maintain these cigars at 65-68% relative humidity and 65-70°F for optimal performance. While they’re exceptional fresh from the factory, additional aging can yield remarkable results. Many collectors report that 2-3 years of rest allows the medio tiempo’s power to integrate even more seamlessly with the blend’s other components. The spicy notes mellow slightly while the earth and leather characteristics deepen. That said, don’t feel compelled to wait years—these cigars are expertly aged before release and smoke beautifully upon purchase. Whatever you choose, ensure your humidor maintains stable conditions. Limited edition releases like the Behike line deserve careful preservation.
What makes the Cohiba Behike 56 different from other Cohiba cigars?
The Behike line is the only Cohiba blend that incorporates the rare medio tiempo leaf, found only on select tobacco plants above the ligero leaves. This special leaf receives maximum sunlight exposure and adds extraordinary richness and complexity that you won’t find in other Cohiba vitolas. Additionally, only Habanos’ most skilled rollers work on Behike production, ensuring flawless construction.
How long should I age Cohiba Behike 56 cigars before smoking?
Behike cigars are ready to smoke upon purchase, as they’ve already undergone extensive aging at the factory. However, many aficionados find that 2-5 years of additional humidor aging allows the flavors to marry even more beautifully, with the strength mellowing slightly while complexity increases. If you’re patient, try one fresh and save others for extended aging to compare the evolution.
Is the Behike 56 too strong for someone relatively new to Cuban cigars?
The Behike 56 sits at medium to full strength, which can be challenging for beginners. If you’re new to Cuban tobacco, consider building up through medium-strength Cohibas like the Siglo series first. That said, if you smoke after a full meal, stay hydrated, and pace yourself, even newer smokers can appreciate this cigar’s remarkable smoothness and flavor complexity. Just respect its strength and don’t rush through it.
What’s the ideal ring gauge for the Behike line, and why choose the 56?
The Behike line offers three ring gauges: 52, 54, and 56. The 56 provides the longest smoking time (90-120 minutes) and delivers the coolest, most voluminous smoke. The larger ring gauge also allows the medio tiempo leaf to express itself with maximum effect while maintaining perfect balance. Choose the 56 if you want the fullest expression of what the Behike blend can deliver and have time for an extended smoking session.
How can I verify my Cohiba Behike 56 is authentic?
Authentic Behike cigars come in distinctive black lacquered boxes with Habanos holograms and verification codes. Each cigar features two bands: the standard Cohiba band and a secondary “Behike” band. The construction should be flawless, with a silky Cuban wrapper showing fine veins and natural oils. The bands should be perfectly applied with sharp printing. Always purchase from authorized Habanos retailers to ensure authenticity, as the Behike’s prestige makes it a target for counterfeiters.
What humidity level is best for storing Behike 56 cigars?
Store your Behike 56 cigars at 65-68% relative humidity with temperatures between 65-70°F. This range preserves the wrapper’s oils while preventing the cigar from becoming too moist or dry. Cuban cigars generally prefer slightly lower humidity than New World cigars. If your Behike feels spongy or the draw seems too loose, your humidity may be too high. Conversely, if the wrapper cracks or the draw is tight, you may need to increase humidity slightly.
Can the Cohiba Behike 56 be smoked during the day, or is it only for evening?
While personal preference rules, the Behike 56’s medium-full strength and rich flavor profile make it best suited for late afternoon or evening enjoyment, ideally after a substantial meal. The cigar’s 90-120 minute smoking time also requires a significant time commitment. That said, if you’re an experienced smoker who enjoys full-bodied cigars earlier in the day and have the leisure time, there’s no strict rule against morning or midday enjoyment.
The Verdict on Cohiba’s Crown Jewel
The Cohiba Behike 56 isn’t just another premium Cuban cigar—it’s a benchmark against which other cigars are measured. From the first draw to the final puff, this vitola delivers everything serious aficionados seek: complexity, balance, impeccable construction, and flavors that evolve beautifully throughout the experience. The medio tiempo leaf truly makes a difference, providing depth that elevates the blend beyond standard premium territory.
Is it a cigar for everyday enjoyment? Probably not for most smokers. But when the moment calls for something extraordinary, when you want to commemorate an achievement or simply treat yourself to the finest Cuban tobacco craftsmanship available, the Behike 56 delivers without compromise. Add a box to your humidor, exercise patience if you can, and save these for moments worthy of such remarkable cigars. Your future self will thank you for the foresight.
