About the Cohiba Cedar Petacas Behike 54
Cohiba sits at the summit of the Cuban cigar world, and the Behike line is the brand’s crowning achievement. Launched in 2010 at the XII Habanos Festival, the Behike 54 introduced something the marca had never offered before, a blend built around the rare Medio Tiempo leaf. These small leaves grow at the very crown of the tobacco plant, soaking up the most sunlight, and they appear in only a fraction of harvests. That scarcity is exactly why the Behike remains so sought after. Presented here in its cedar petaca sleeve, the cigar arrives dressed for the occasion, with the thin cedar wrap helping to keep the wrapper supple and to lend a faint woodiness from the very first puff.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans on cedar and cream, with toasted nuts and a clean coffee bean note setting the tone. As the cigar settles into its middle, the Medio Tiempo character begins to assert itself, bringing cocoa, supple leather, and a quiet sweetness that rounds out the smoke. The final third is where the blend shows its depth, layering earth, dark chocolate, and a measured pepper spice over a finish that lingers without ever turning harsh. The progression is gradual and rewarding rather than abrupt, which is part of what makes this cigar so easy to admire.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s cedar and cocoa.
- A double espresso or rich black coffee, picking up the coffee bean and toasted nut notes.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch, balancing the leather and pepper of the final third.
Aging and storage
The Behike 54 smokes beautifully young, yet it has the structure to reward patience. Keep it in a well seasoned humidor held at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Under those conditions the Medio Tiempo richness deepens over the years, the cedar mellows, and the spice softens into something more polished. If you own more than one, smoking the occasional stick while letting the rest rest is the most enjoyable way to follow how the blend matures.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the collector and the seasoned smoker who already knows the Cohiba house style and wants its most refined expression. The medium body keeps it approachable for an experienced palate, while the depth and rarity of the blend give it the gravity that special occasions call for. If you are marking a milestone, closing an important deal, or simply treating yourself to one of the finest things Cuba produces, the Behike 54 belongs in that moment.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Cohiba Behike 54 so special?
Its blend includes the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, harvested from the very top of the tobacco plant. These leaves are scarce and appear in only a small portion of crops, which is why the Behike is produced in limited quantities and prized by collectors.
How long does it take to smoke a Behike 54?
With its 5.7 inch length and wide 54 ring gauge, most smokers enjoy a relaxed session of roughly 90 minutes to two hours, so it is best saved for when you have time to give it your full attention.
Is the Behike 54 a strong cigar?
It carries a medium body with plenty of flavor depth. It is bold and complex without being overpowering, which makes it a fine choice for experienced smokers who appreciate nuance over sheer strength.
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.
