Review: Cohiba Behike 52 BHK — Precision and Prestige in Every Draw
Within the world of Cuban cigars, certain names carry quiet authority. The Cohiba Behike 52 BHK is one of them. It is not simply admired for rarity. It is respected for balance, proportion, and discipline. From the first draw, its intention is clear. This is a cigar that values clarity over excess.
The Behike line represents a refined chapter in Cuban cigar making. The 52, as the most slender of the trio, expresses that refinement with precision. In this Cohiba Behike 52 review, we walk through the full tasting experience, compare it to its larger siblings, and help you decide whether this is the BHK for you.
How long does a Behike 52 take to smoke? I’m planning one for a special dinner and want to time it right.
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes, Rachel. The BHK 52 is not a rush smoke — it really does reward a patient, measured pace with more flavor complexity. For a dinner setting, we would suggest enjoying it after the meal rather than between courses. The flavors develop beautifully with time, and you will want to give each third your full attention. If your evening allows, pair it with an after-dinner cognac or aged rum, and you have yourself a genuinely memorable experience.
I can only afford one Behike right now. Between the 52 and the 56, which one should I go with for a first experience?
That is a great dilemma to have, Marcus. If you tend to appreciate nuance and want to really taste every transition in a cigar, the 52 is going to reward you more. The narrower ring gauge means each flavor note — the cacao, the vanilla, the cedar — arrives with sharper definition. The 56, on the other hand, gives you a bigger, creamier, more enveloping experience. If this is your very first Behike and you want to be impressed by the sheer richness of the blend, the 56 might leave a stronger first impression. But if you are a detail-oriented smoker, the 52 will show you things the 56 does not. Either way, you cannot go wrong.
How can you tell if a Cohiba Behike is authentic? I’ve heard there are a lot of fakes out there and at this price point I want to be sure.
You are right to be cautious, Thomas. The Behike is one of the most counterfeited cigars in the world. Here are the key things to check: the holographic Behike band should shift between green and gold when tilted, and the head of the Taino Indian profile should be clearly defined with sharp edges. The secondary Cohiba band underneath should have a perfectly consistent gold border. The box should include a Habanos SA warranty seal with a barcode that you can verify on the Habanos website. Finally, the cigars themselves should feel uniformly firm without soft spots, and the wrapper should have a subtle oil sheen. Purchasing from authorized retailers — like us — is the most reliable way to guarantee authenticity.
Is the Cohiba Behike 52 actually worth the premium price? I smoke Cohiba Robustos regularly and love them, but the Behike is a big jump.
Honest answer, Anthony — it depends on what you value. The Robustos is an outstanding cigar and a lot of seasoned smokers are perfectly happy staying there. The Behike 52 brings the Medio Tiempo leaf into the equation, which adds a layer of depth and complexity you simply do not get in the standard Cohiba line. It is not twice as good as the Robustos, but it is a distinctly different and more refined experience. We would suggest trying a single stick before committing to a box. If that first smoke reveals flavors and transitions you have not experienced before — and for most people it does — then you will have your answer.