Cohiba Behike 56

The Cohiba Behike 56 is the largest and most commanding vitola in the Behike range — a Prominente measuring 152mm with a 56 ring gauge, incorporating the rare Medio Tiempo leaf found only on the top two positions of select Cuban tobacco plants. Rated 96 points by Cigar Aficionado, the Behike 56 is full-bodied, rich and commanding across a 75-minute smoke — dark chocolate, espresso, leather and a long, complex finish. Among the finest and most exclusive Cuban cigars produced today, it represents the absolute pinnacle of Cohiba's artistry.

About Cohiba

Cohiba is Cuba's most prestigious cigar brand — created in 1966 as a private blend for Fidel Castro and senior Cuban officials before becoming available to the public in 1982. Produced exclusively at El Laguito factory in Havana, Cohiba is the only Cuban brand to use a unique triple fermentation process for its ligero leaves, delivering exceptional complexity and refinement. The Behike range represents Cohiba's ultimate expression — incorporating Medio Tiempo, the rarest tobacco leaf in Cuban production, found on fewer than 10% of all tobacco plants in the Vuelta Abajo region.

Tasting Notes of the Cohiba Behike 56

The Behike 56 is the most expansive smoking experience Cohiba produces — 75 minutes of full-bodied complexity driven by the extraordinary Medio Tiempo leaf.

- Pre-light: Rich cedar, dark chocolate and a deep, complex sweetness — the Behike announces its exceptional character before the first draw.

- First Third: Espresso, dark chocolate and leather open with remarkable authority. The 56 ring gauge allows the full complexity of the Medio Tiempo blend to express itself immediately.

- Second Third: Dried fruit, roasted coffee and dark wood develop in extraordinary layers. This is the most complex third of any Cuban cigar in regular production.

- Final Third: Black pepper, dark chocolate and a very long, sweet finish — the Medio Tiempo's character persists to the very end. Full-bodied and commanding throughout.

- Overall: Full-bodied, extraordinarily complex and deeply satisfying — the most demanding and rewarding Cuban cigar in regular production.

English Market Selection.

Free UK delivery for purchases over £50.

Explore more Cohiba cigars: Cohiba Behike 52 | Cohiba Collection

Fun Facts About the Cohiba Behike 56

The Behike 56's Prominente vitola was the widest ring gauge ever used for a Cohiba at its launch in 2010 — at 56 ring gauge, it represents a significant departure from the traditionally slimmer Cohiba formats and reflects the global shift toward wider ring gauges in ultra-premium cigars.

Production of the Behike range is severely limited by the scarcity of Medio Tiempo leaf. Habanos S.A. has stated that the supply of Medio Tiempo constrains how many Behikes can be produced each year — making the range among the most genuinely limited in the Cuban portfolio.

The Behike was named after the spiritual and medicinal leader of the Taíno people — the indigenous inhabitants of Cuba. Tobacco was sacred to the Taíno, used in spiritual ceremonies led by the Behike. The name is a tribute to tobacco's cultural roots on the island.

FAQ About the Cohiba Behike 56

What makes the Behike 56 different from the Behike 52?
The Behike 56 is wider (56 vs 52 ring gauge) and slightly longer, delivering a fuller, more expansive 75-minute smoke. Both incorporate Medio Tiempo; the 56 is considered the more demanding and complete expression of the Behike range.

Is the Behike 56 suitable for beginners?
No — it is one of the most demanding and complex Cuban cigars in regular production, best suited to very experienced smokers who regularly enjoy full-bodied Cuban cigars.

How rare is the Behike?
Very — production is constrained by the limited supply of Medio Tiempo leaf, which grows on fewer than 10% of Cuban tobacco plants. Allocations to markets outside Cuba are small and sell quickly.

What does EMS mean?
English Market Selection — confirming the cigars arrived via the official Habanos UK importer Hunters & Frankau and passed additional authenticity and condition checks.