Description
The afternoon sun filtered through the tobacco barn’s weathered slats, casting golden stripes across rows of aging leaves. My guide paused at a particular section, his weathered hands carefully selecting a few precious specimens that seemed to shimmer with an almost otherworldly richness. These weren’t ordinary leaves – they were Medio Tiempo, the rarest tobacco found only on the uppermost branches of select Cuban plants.
That moment in Cuba’s legendary El Laguito factory introduced me to something extraordinary: the Cohiba Behike 52, a cigar that would redefine my understanding of what premium tobacco could achieve. This ultra-premium Cuban cigar represents the absolute pinnacle of the cigar maker’s art, incorporating those rare Medio Tiempo leaves I witnessed being selected with such reverence.
The Behike line stands as Cohiba’s crown jewel, and the 52 ring gauge vitola offers the perfect balance of complexity and smoking time. It’s not just another addition to the Cohiba Linea Clasica – this is something entirely different, something that earned a perfect 97-point rating from Cigar Aficionado and claimed the top spot as Cigar of the Year in 2010.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 119mm (4.7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 (20.64mm diameter) |
| Vitola | Petit Robusto (Laguito No. 4) |
| Strength | Medium to Full-Bodied |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Cuba |
Construction and Appearance
The first thing you’ll notice about the Cohiba Behike 52 is that gorgeous Colorado wrapper – it’s absolutely flawless. The leaf has this silky, oily sheen that catches light beautifully, with minimal veining and zero blemishes. I’ve handled hundreds of premium cigars, but the construction quality here is simply exceptional.
What really sets this cigar apart visually is the artful pigtail cap. It’s not just decorative – it’s a mark of the torcedor’s skill, twisted with precision that speaks to the legendary craftsmanship of the famous El Laguito factory. The wrapper feels substantial yet supple, with just enough tooth to indicate proper fermentation.
The band itself is a work of art. The traditional Cohiba design gets elevated with holographic security features and additional Behike branding. You can feel the quality in your hands – there’s a certain weight and density that tells you immediately this isn’t your average cigar.
I’ve found the construction to be absolutely perfect every time. No soft spots, no hard draws, no uneven burning. These are made by Cuba’s most skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations, and it shows in every detail.
Flavor Profile Journey
Opening Third
The initial light delivers an immediate complexity that’s honestly breathtaking. Creamy coffee notes dominate the opening, accompanied by subtle hints of cedar and leather. There’s a sweetness here that’s natural, not cloying – think honey drizzled over toasted nuts.
The draw is perfect, producing thick, creamy smoke that coats your palate beautifully. I’ve noticed the Medio Tiempo tobacco announces itself early with a unique spiciness that’s unlike anything in other Cuban cigars. It’s not harsh – it’s refined, adding layers of complexity that keep you analyzing each puff.
Middle Third
This is where the Behike 52 really shows its pedigree. The flavors develop into a symphony of wood, earth, and leather, with those creamy notes providing a luxurious backdrop. The spice from the Medio Tiempo tobacco becomes more pronounced, adding black pepper and hints of dark chocolate.
What impressed me most is how balanced everything remains. Despite the complexity, no single flavor dominates. The smoke remains cool and creamy, never hot or acrid. This middle section can last 20-25 minutes, and every puff delivers something new to discover.
Final Third
The conclusion is simply magnificent. The earthy notes intensify while maintaining that signature creaminess. Hints of espresso emerge, along with subtle mineral notes that speak to the terroir of the Vuelta Abajo region. The leather notes become more prominent, adding richness without overwhelming the palate.
Even as you approach the final inch, there’s no harshness or heat. The cigar smokes clean right to the end, a testament to the expert blending and construction. It’s the kind of finish that leaves you savoring the aftertaste long after you’ve set it down.
Perfect Pairings
For spirits, I highly recommend aged rum – specifically a 15-year Zacapa or Ron Centenario. The caramel and vanilla notes complement the cigar’s creaminess perfectly. If you prefer whiskey, go with a smooth Highland Scotch like Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The honey and fruit notes won’t compete with the tobacco’s complexity.
Coffee pairings work beautifully too. A rich Cuban espresso or a smooth Colombian supremo brings out the coffee notes in the cigar without overwhelming them. I’ve also had excellent results with aged cognac – Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin XO both provide enough complexity to match the cigar without competing.
For wine enthusiasts, consider a well-aged Rioja reserva or a robust Barolo. The earthy, leathery notes in these wines mirror what you’ll find in the cigar. Just make sure whatever you choose has enough body to stand up to the Behike’s intensity.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Honestly, this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. The complexity and price point make it better suited for experienced aficionados who can appreciate the nuances. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, I’d recommend starting with something from the Cohiba Siglo line before moving up to the Behike series.
This is celebration cigar territory. Promotions, anniversaries, special occasions – that’s when you reach for a BHK 52. It’s also perfect for the serious collector who wants to experience the absolute pinnacle of Cuban cigar making.
Experienced smokers who appreciate complexity will love this. If you’re the type who enjoys analyzing flavors and discussing tasting notes, the Behike 52 will give you plenty to work with. It’s also ideal for impressing clients or sharing with fellow aficionados who understand quality tobacco.
For those interested in the complete story of Cuban cigar production, smoking a Behike represents experiencing the very best Cuba has to offer.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
Given that artful pigtail, you’ll want to use a sharp straight cut about 2mm from the cap. Don’t use a punch – you’ll lose the proper draw characteristics. A quality guillotine cutter or sharp cigar scissors work best.
For lighting, take your time. Use a butane torch or cedar spills – never a sulfur match or candle. Toast the foot evenly, rotating slowly until you get an even cherry across the entire surface. The Behike deserves patience during this process.
I always recommend letting it rest for 30-60 seconds after the initial light before taking your first draw. This allows the tobacco to settle and prevents any harsh initial flavors. The draw should feel effortless – if it’s tight, you might need to adjust your cut slightly.
Temperature matters too. These cigars smoke best at room temperature, so don’t light up immediately after bringing it in from cold weather. Let it acclimate for 15-20 minutes first.
Storage and Aging
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the Behike’s exceptional quality. Keep them at 65-68% humidity and 65-70°F temperature. I use 65% Boveda packs for consistent results without worrying about over-humidification.
These cigars have incredible aging potential. Fresh from the factory, they’re already exceptional, but 2-3 years of proper aging adds even more complexity. I’ve smoked 5-year-old BHK 52s that were absolutely transcendent – the flavors become more integrated and refined.
Store them in Spanish cedar, away from strong-flavored cigars that might affect the delicate wrapper. Setting up your humidor properly is essential given the investment these represent.
Avoid temperature fluctuations at all costs. Consistency is key for these ultra-premium sticks. If you’re serious about collecting, consider a temperature-controlled cabinet rather than a traditional humidor.
Authentication Guide
Given the premium price and popularity, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Here’s what to look for on authentic Behike 52s:
The holographic strip on the band should be crisp and clear, with no fuzzing or poor printing. The Cohiba head logo should be perfectly centered and symmetrical. The secondary Behike band should align perfectly with the primary band.
Check the box codes and factory stamps. Authentic boxes have specific coding that corresponds to production dates and factory information. The wood should be high-quality Spanish cedar with clean construction and proper hinges.
The cigars themselves should have flawless wrapper quality – no patches, crude repairs, or obvious construction flaws. The pigtail should be expertly twisted, not roughly applied. The foot should show even, well-blended filler with no stems or foreign matter visible.
When in doubt, buy from reputable sources. Established dealers with authentication guarantees provide peace of mind given the investment involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Behike 52 different from regular Cohiba cigars?
The key difference is the inclusion of Medio Tiempo tobacco – rare leaves found only on the top of select plants. These leaves undergo special fermentation and add unique complexity you won’t find in the standard Cohiba Linea Clasica. The construction quality is also elevated, with only the most skilled torcedores creating these cigars.
How does the BHK 52 compare to the 54 and 56 vitolas?
The 52 offers the most balanced smoking experience in the Behike range. It’s less intense than the larger ring gauges but more complex than you might expect from a petit robusto. The 45-60 minute smoking time is perfect for most occasions, while the 54 and 56 require significantly more time commitment.
Is the premium price justified?
For serious aficionados, absolutely. You’re paying for the rarest tobacco, exceptional construction, and an unmatched flavor experience. However, if you’re new to premium cigars, the subtleties might be lost. I’d recommend having experience with other high-end Cubans before investing in Behikes.
How should I prepare for smoking my first Behike 52?
Set aside at least an hour of uninterrupted time. Pair it with a quality aged spirit or espresso. Make sure your palate is clean – avoid spicy foods or strong flavors beforehand. Proper smoking technique becomes even more important with cigars of this caliber.
What’s the shelf life if properly stored?
With proper storage conditions, these cigars will maintain peak quality for decades. Many collectors age them 5-10 years for even greater complexity. The key is consistent humidity and temperature – any fluctuations can damage the delicate wrapper and affect the smoking experience.
