About the Cedar Petacas Behike 52
The Cedar Petacas Behike 52 takes Cohiba’s flagship Behike line and dresses it in thin cedar sleeves, the petaca presentation that frames the cigar’s silhouette and lends a whisper of cedar to every draw. Behike sits at the summit of the Cohiba portfolio, rolled at the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana and built around the scarce Medio Tiempo leaf, gathered from only the uppermost crown of sun-grown plants. The BHK 52 is the most accessible size in the trio, a Laguito No. 4 measuring 4.7 inches by a 52 ring gauge, and it carries serious pedigree: Cigar Aficionado named the Behike BHK 52 its Cigar of the Year in 2010. The cedar petacas format simply adds a tactile, aromatic flourish to a cigar already regarded as a benchmark of Cuban blending.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third opens creamy and elegant, with cedar leading the way and threads of sweet cream, honey, and vanilla rounding out the palate. As the cigar settles into its middle, aged leather and a measured, spicy edge step forward, balanced by that signature Cohiba smoothness rather than any harshness. The final third deepens into earthier territory, layering espresso, cocoa, and black walnut against a gentle pepper that never overwhelms. Through all three stages the smoke stays medium to full in body, complex yet composed, finishing long and refined.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum or a sipping anejo, whose caramel and dried-fruit sweetness echoes the cigar’s honeyed core.
- A rich espresso or a dark, single-origin coffee that mirrors the BHK 52’s roasted, cocoa-laced second half.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch, adding warmth and a smoky counterpoint to the cedar and leather.
Aging and storage
Keep these cigars in a well-seasoned humidor held around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and roughly 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. The cedar sleeves can stay on while resting, since they help marry the wrapper to the cedar environment over time. Behike rewards patience: a few months of settling lets the Medio Tiempo richness integrate, and many enthusiasts find the creamy and spice elements grow more seamless with a year or more of careful aging.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the collector and the connoisseur who wants the full Cohiba Behike experience in its most approachable size, with the added elegance of cedar petacas. The medium to full profile suits a smoker with some experience who appreciates nuance over brute strength. It is equally at home as a milestone celebration smoke or a quiet, contemplative evening cigar for anyone who already knows their way around premium Cuban tobacco.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Behike 52?
It is a Laguito No. 4 vitola, measuring 4.7 inches in length with a 52 ring gauge, the smallest and most accessible of the three Behike sizes.
What makes the Behike blend special?
Every Behike includes the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, harvested only from the very top of sun-grown plants. Its scarcity and concentrated flavor are central to the line’s depth and were key to the BHK 52 earning Cigar of the Year honors in 2010.
What does “Cedar Petacas” mean?
Petacas refers to the slim cedar sleeves that wrap each cigar. They protect the cigar, add a subtle cedar aroma, and give the presentation a refined, distinctive look.
Explore more
Browse all Cohiba Cigars cigars, see our Cohiba Cigars price guide, or try the Cohiba Robustos and Cohiba Siglo VI. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.