Cohiba Behike BHK is one of the most famous cigar lines available, so, understandably, cigar aficionados are getting excited following rumours of new additions to this line. It is believed that Habanos S.A. are developing a new, thicker size of Behike cigar, with a 58 ring gauge, known as the BHK 58.

There are very few details about this cigar available, and the length and release date remain unknown. However, prototype samples were enjoyed at an importer’s meeting in Havana in June, so the rumours may not be far from the truth! If what we know is true, then the 58 ring gauge would make the BHK 58 the largest vitola for Cuban cigars.

It is possible that the Cohiba Behike BHK 58 could be released as a special edition cigar, considering the brand will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Behike line in February 2020. Alternatively, the cigar may simply be released into the regular catalogue of cigars offered by Habanos.

Cohiba Behike BHK Line

The Cohiba Behike BHK line was first released in early 2010 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Cohiba brand. Each cigar offers a unique and distinctive flavour, provided by the Medio Tiempo tobacco, which comes from the upper leaves of a sun-grown tobacco plant. The current Cohiba Behike BHK line includes three sizes:

Cohiba Behike BHK 52 – 4 ¾ x 52

Cohiba Behike BHK 54 – 5 2/3 x 54

Cohiba Behike BHK 56 – 6 ½ x 56

All Cohiba Behike BHK cigars are limited due to its inclusion of the Medio Tiempo tobacco in the filler, as a fourth tobacco leaf. It is a rare leaf – only the two uppermost leaves on a sun-grown tobacco plant – with not every plant producing them. The availability of decent quality Medio Tiempo leaves is fairly low, and massively dependent on growing conditions and the dedication and skill of the tobacco farmers. It is definitely worth it, though, as these leaves offer an intense tobacco flavour that provides Behike’s with the ultimate taste and aroma of Cuba.

History of Cohiba Behike

There is significance in both the name ‘Cohiba’ and ‘Behike’, with the words originating from the Taino Indians; Cuba’s indigeneous peoples. Cohiba was the word they used to describe the rolled-up leaves they lit and smoked during religious rituals, making ‘Cohiba’ the original name for a cigar in Cuba. Likewise, ‘Behike’ was the name given to the person conducting this ceremony; typically a medicine man, chieftain or priest. The rich history of Cuban cigars has deeply influenced the naming for this brand, and the ‘Behike’ name has only been used for these cigars from Cohiba.

Prior to the release of the BHK line in 2010, Cohiba had released their original Behike cigar as a limited edition special to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Only 1,000 humidors containing 40 cigars were made for the original Cohiba Behike cigar, and currently, fetch staggeringly-high prices at auction.

Here at Havana House, we have a wide range of Cohiba cigars on offer, if you’d like to give the brand a try! Keep your eyes peeled for updates on new Cohiba Behike BHK releases, as these cigars are likely to get snapped up fast!