Cigar Reviews
Cohiba Behike 56 Review: Is the World’s Most Coveted Cigar Worth?
Review: Cohiba Behike 56 — The Pinnacle of Cuban Craftsmanship
There are cigars, and then there are experiences. The Cohiba Behike 56 does not simply rest in a humidor; it commands attention. From the moment it is lifted, its presence is unmistakable. The careful construction, the dense and slightly oily wrapper, the quiet weight of rarity. This is not merely tobacco. It is time, patience, and artistry brought together in a single vitola.
The Legacy of Behike and the Medio Tiempo Leaf
Launched in 2010, the Behike line represents the height of Cuban expertise. What sets it apart is the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, harvested from the uppermost leaves of select tobacco plants. These leaves absorb more direct sunlight than the rest of the plant, developing a richness and depth that cannot be replicated. Not every plant produces it. Not every harvest yields enough. That scarcity contributes to the Behike’s reputation among seasoned enthusiasts.
The 56 ring gauge, the largest in the line, provides a broad canvas for flavor. Compared to its siblings, the BHK 52 and BHK 54, the 56 allows for a slower, more deliberate evolution. It rewards patience and careful attention.
A Ritual in Every Draw
Lighting a Behike 56 is an act that encourages stillness. The cold draw reveals notes of cocoa, toasted almond, and a faint mineral sweetness. Once lit, the smoke rises dense yet refined, carrying layers that unfold gradually.
Behike 56 Tasting Notes: First Third
- Mild earth and cedar shape the opening
- A restrained hint of spice
- Firm salt and pepper ash reflecting precise construction
- Subtle nuttiness emerging toward the close of the third
Even in its gentler opening, the Behike 56 establishes itself with composure and balance.
Second Third
- Creaminess developing at the midpoint
- Soft leather and measured black pepper
- Cocoa sweetness balancing the earth
- Straight burn line with an effortless draw
The larger ring gauge allows each note to breathe. The progression feels natural rather than dramatic. It is a measured and contemplative experience.
Final Third
- Deepened intensity without harshness
- Cocoa and espresso alongside leather undertones
- Persistent creamy texture enveloping the palate
- Smoking time extending beyond two hours
The Behike 56 asks for attention and rewards it with consistency and refinement from beginning to end.
What Makes the Behike 56 Exceptional?
- Rarity through limited production
- The inclusion of Medio Tiempo leaf for added depth
- Triple caps and meticulous rolling
- A 56 ring gauge that encourages gradual evolution
- Medium to full body that remains layered and controlled
Its distinction is not defined by excess, but by precision and restraint.
Pairing and Enjoyment
To complement the Behike 56, the pairing should echo its refinement. A Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros offers warmth that aligns beautifully with cocoa and espresso notes. A well aged whisky can provide similar harmony. Even a deep espresso enhances the early thirds without overshadowing them. The objective is balance, allowing the cigar to remain the focal point.
How the Behike 56 Compares to Other Cohiba Vitolas
The Behike line exists in its own category, but understanding where the 56 sits relative to other Cohiba offerings helps frame expectations. The Cohiba Robustos delivers richness and power in a compact, everyday-accessible format. The BHK 52 offers similar Medio Tiempo complexity in a tighter ring gauge with sharper, more concentrated delivery. The 56, by contrast, stretches that experience across a longer timeline, giving each flavor note more room to develop. It is the most patient cigar in the Cohiba stable — and arguably the most rewarding for those willing to sit with it.
Authenticity Considerations
The world of ultra premium Cuban cigars requires discernment. The Behike 56 is no exception. Careful attention should be given to the holographic Taino Indian head, the checkerboard design, and the embossed Cohiba lettering. Beyond packaging, the true indicators remain performance and flavor. An even burn, firm ash, and a smooth, balanced profile speak louder than presentation alone.
Whether acquired in Havana or through a trusted retailer, the Behike 56 deserves proper storage and measured enjoyment.
Is the Cohiba Behike 56 Worth It?
The Cohiba Behike 56 represents more than indulgence. It reflects decades of cultivated knowledge, soil shaped by climate, and hands trained in precision. From the first draw to the final inch, the experience is smooth, contemplative, and deeply satisfying. Luxury here is not spectacle. It is mastery expressed quietly, one measured draw at a time.
Experience the pinnacle of Cuban cigar making.
Shop Cohiba Behike 56Also available: Behike 56 Ceramic Jar Edition
I’ve smoked the Behike 52 a few times and loved it. How different is the 56 really? Is it just a bigger version or is the flavor profile actually different?
Great question, Anthony. The 52 and 56 share the same legendary blend including the Medio Tiempo leaf, but the experience is noticeably different. The BHK 52 concentrates everything into a tighter format — the flavors hit more directly and transitions feel sharper. The 56, with its wider ring gauge, lets those same notes unfold at a slower pace. You’ll pick up subtleties in the 56 that the 52 moves past more quickly — a lingering almond sweetness here, a cocoa note that stays on the palate longer there. Think of the 52 as a focused conversation and the 56 as a long evening with an old friend. Both exceptional, just different tempos.
My husband collects Cubans and I want to get him a Behike 56 for his birthday. How do I make sure I’m getting an authentic one? There seem to be so many fakes out there.
That’s a thoughtful gift, Linda, and you’re right to be cautious. The Behike is one of the most counterfeited cigars in the world because of its reputation and price point. Here’s what to look for: the band should have a holographic Taino Indian head that shifts color when tilted, the checkerboard pattern should be clean and precise with no bleeding between squares, and the embossed Cohiba lettering should be raised and crisp to the touch. The box should include a Habanos seal and a factory code stamp. But the best protection is buying from a verified retailer — we source directly through authorized Habanos channels, so every Behike we sell comes with full provenance. Your husband will know the difference the moment he lights it.
How long does the Behike 56 actually last? I keep hearing ‘over two hours’ but that seems like a stretch. Also, is the ceramic jar version worth the premium over the regular box?
Two hours is realistic if you’re smoking at a relaxed pace, Robert. The 56 ring gauge holds a lot of tobacco and the draw is designed to be slow and steady. Most smokers report between 90 minutes and two hours, with some stretching to two and a half when they’re really taking their time. As for the Ceramic Jar edition — the cigars inside are identical in blend and construction. The jar itself is a collector’s piece and does offer excellent humidity retention for storage. If you’re buying for the smoking experience alone, the regular box gives you the same cigar. If presentation, display value, and the collector aspect matter to you, the ceramic jar is a stunning piece that holds its value well.
Is the Behike 56 actually worth the investment? I mean, I’ve had some really good $20 cigars. What am I getting for 5x the price that I’m not getting elsewhere?
That’s the question everyone asks before their first Behike, Marcus — and it’s a fair one. What you’re paying for isn’t just tobacco. It’s the Medio Tiempo leaf that only a fraction of plants produce. It’s the selection process where master blenders reject anything that doesn’t meet the standard. It’s a level of construction precision that produces a flawless burn line and perfect draw almost every time. And it’s the flavor complexity — the way notes evolve over two hours in ways that most cigars simply don’t have the depth to achieve. Is it five times better than a great $20 cigar? That’s subjective. But is it an experience you can’t replicate at that price point? Absolutely. Most smokers who try their first Behike 56 understand immediately why it commands the price it does.