Origin : Cuba
Format : Petit Robusto
Size : 119 (4.7”) x 20.64 mm
Ring : 52
Hand-Made
Price : $40+ each
On my last visit to the local shop, I just couldn’t resist. I must admit that if I didn’t have a cigar blog, I would have probably passed on it. Spending over $40 on a single cigar is not among my habits. However, this is a Cohiba, this is a Behike (it used to be the most expensive cigar in the world a few years ago!) and I have a way to tell thousands of cigar aficionados how it smokes – and this makes it worth the price.
Cohiba Behike was (re)released in 2010 during the XII Festival del Habano. The term Behike was first found in a travel note written somewhere in the 16th century and it designated a tribal chief. The characteristic feature of this cigar is the use of “medio tiempo” leaves in the blend. These rare upper leaves which are supposed to receive more sun light are expected to add a distinct taste to the cigar. According to Habanos, this is the reason why Behikes will be produced in very limited quantities every year.
Presented in black lacquered boxes of 10, three vitolas are available: Cohiba Behike 52 (Petit Robusto, 4.7 x 52), Cohiba Behike 54 (Robusto Extra, 5.7 x 54) and the giant jaw-breaker Cohiba Behike 56 (Double Robusto, 6.5 x 56). Today, I will be tasting the Cohiba Behike 52.
Appearance : Rating: 
This was one of the reason I couldn’t leave the cigar shop without it. Cohiba Behike looks extremely good, sporting a silky, shiny wrapper with very thin veins. The pigtail is accurate and immediately makes me think about a Trinidad Robusto T, close in size. The band, specifically designed for this blend, has two security holograms and is also pretty impressive.
Construction : Rating:
A look at the foot immediately indicates that this cigar is crafted by someone who knows what he (or she) is doing. No soft spots whatsoever; I think that this is the kind of cigar where one can forget about construction issues.
Flavor : Rating: 
The wrapper exhales a pleasant smell of barnyard. After reluctantly cutting the pigtail, I discover a round pre-draw with notes of grass and hay. The resistance is perfect. The first pulls bring a delicate spiciness with a sweet background. I am tempted to say that at this moment the cigar is medium-bodied. It definitely has the trademark Cohiba flavors that one can found in the Cohiba Robusto, for example, but they seem to be (much) more elegant. As I approach the end of the first third, the – very ample – smoke becomes creamier and creamier. It is considerably less sweet and starts to develop leathery and woody flavors, just as much as needed. The bouquet is moderately complex at the half point. Cohiba Behike significantly gains in complexity in the last third, which offers balanced flavors of earth, bitter chocolate and just a bit of leather. Of course, I am smoking it to the nub.
Value : Rating: 
Well… Cohiba first created the Maduro 5 series which was already way too expensive. With Behike, Habanos is aiming even higher. I can’t approve spending that much money on a cigar, even though it’s a great one.
Overall Rating : Rating:
Was it a good cigar? Yes. Was it a great one? Definitely. Will I get a box of these? Probably not. Due to the price and the bling-bling appearance (box) I have a feeling that these cigars are either made for novice aficionados (I do think that their flavor profile can be enjoyed by newbies) with unlimited budgets or for being gifted and/or received as a gift. Make sure you let your friends know about this release a couple of weeks before your birthday…
