Cohiba Behike 52

Cohiba Behike 52

There are cigars that earn their reputation through marketing, and then there are those that arrive fully formed, as if the tobacco itself had been waiting for the right hands to shape it. When Cohiba unveiled the Behike line at the 2010 Habanos Festival, the cigar world collectively paused. Named after the tribal chief who presided over sacred ceremonies in pre-Columbian Cuba, the Behike 52 didn't merely win Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year—it scored a staggering 97 points and announced that the storied El Laguito factory had created something that would be spoken about in reverent tones for decades.

The Behike story begins not in a boardroom, but in the fields of Pinar del Río, where a rare leaf called Medio Tiempo grows on only a fraction of tobacco plants. These sun-grown leaves, harvested from the uppermost portion of the plant, exist in such limited quantities that they were once reserved for the most exclusive diplomatic gifts. For the Behike line, Cohiba's master blenders incorporated this prized ingredient into the filler, creating a composition that had never been commercially released before. The result is a cigar that carries the weight of Cuban tobacco history while pointing toward something unprecedented. The black lacquered boxes, the distinctive bands with their holographic elements, the very name Behike—all of it speaks to a product designed for those who understand that true luxury lies not in ostentation, but in access to the unattainable.

First Light

The opening delivers an immediate statement of intent. Creamy textured smoke rolls across the palate, carrying distinct notes of cedar and raw honey. There's a sweetness here that feels almost like toasted almonds, balanced by a whisper of black pepper that prickles at the back of the throat without overwhelming. The draw offers just the right amount of resistance, a hallmark of El Laguito's rolling tradition, and the burn line establishes itself with the precision of a well-tailored seam.

The Journey

As the ash holds firm and the second third develops, the Behike 52 reveals its sophisticated architecture. The creaminess recedes slightly, making room for leather and damp earth—the classic Cuban signature, but rendered here with exceptional clarity. Coffee bean notes emerge, dark and slightly bitter, intertwining with a woodiness that calls to mind aged oak. The Medio Tiempo leaf begins to assert itself, contributing a depth and aromatic complexity that separates this blend from anything else in the Cohiba portfolio. The strength remains firmly medium, allowing the flavors to unfold without forcing the smoker to catch up.

The Finale

The final act brings everything into focus. The spice component intensifies—cinnamon and clove join the pepper, creating a warm, almost incense-like quality. The leather deepens, the earth notes grow more pronounced, and a fleeting impression of dark cocoa makes an appearance before the last draw. Throughout it all, the smoke remains impossibly smooth, a reminder that power and elegance need not be opposing forces. The finish lingers long after the cigar is gone, a final gift from those rare Medio Tiempo leaves.

Who It's For

This is a cigar for moments that demand acknowledgment—the conclusion of a significant negotiation, the quiet hour after a milestone reached, an evening among fellow travelers who understand that the best things in life cannot be rushed. The Behike 52 is compact enough for a 45-minute contemplation, yet substantial enough to leave a lasting impression. It rewards those who smoke slowly, who pay attention, who recognize that they are experiencing something that exists at the very pinnacle of Cuban cigar production.

Pairing Suggestion

A well-aged Havana Club Selección de Maestros provides a caramel and tobacco harmony that mirrors the cigar's creamy opening, while a single malt Highland Park 18 introduces a honeyed heather note that lifts the leather and earth elements beautifully.

*Note: This product is sold as a single cigar, allowing connoisseurs to experience the Behike 52 before committing to a full box—or to savor it as a singular occasion unto itself.*