Cohiba Behike 54 (JUN 2023)

HISTORY

Cohiba is the flagship brand of Habanos S.A. and was originally created in 1966 for the late President of Cuba, Fidel Castro. They were made at the then top secret, but now world famous, El Laguito factory. At first it was only seen outside Cuba as gifts for heads of state and visiting diplomats and it was not until 1982 that Cohiba was made available in limited quantities to the open market.

The name “Cohiba” is a Taino Indian word for the bunches of tobacco leaves that Columbus first saw being smoked by the original inhabitants of Cuba – the earliest known form of the cigar.

The leaves used for rolling Cohiba vitolas are the “selection of the selection” from the five finest plantations in the San Juan y Martinez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo zone which is widely regarded as the finest tobacco growing land/soil in the world.

Uniquely amongst Havanas up to three of Cohiba’s filler leaves, the seco, ligero and the rare medio tiempo (the latter of which is used only in the Behike range), undergo an extra fermentation in barrels, which adds smoothness to the blend.

All sizes of Cohiba are ‘tripa larga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade. Cohiba encompasses four different Líneas, or Lines.

The number of a BHK stands for its ring gauge. Therefore, this stout model boasts a diameter of 54/64ths of an inch, which leaves plenty of room for the fourth component in the filler – the Medio Tiempo leaves. These bring a startling intensity to the flavour that meld with the other filler leaves for a rich, creamy, memorable finish.

Purchasable only as a box of 10 cigars.

TASTING NOTES

A special cigar that starts with an exceptionally creamy and smooth texture, immediately presenting complex notes of rich espresso, toasted nuts, and a distinctive earthiness from the rare medio tiempo leaf. The smoke evolves beautifully, maintaining a great balance between sweet toffee and bolder flavours of leather and spice, culminating in an elegant and long-lasting finish.

The cigar's rich complexity pairs beautifully with a glass of XO Cognac or an aged single-malt Scotch that can stand up to its full-bodied profile, or a decadent treat like high-quality dark chocolate.

CIGAR INFORMATION

Country of Origin: Cuba

Flavour profile: Full-bodied

Vitola: Laguito No. 5

Size:  54 ring gauge,  5 5/8 inches

Smoking time: 50-60 minutes