Cohiba Behike 52 Box: Exploring Its Origins, Size, Blend, and Distinctive Characteristics

The Cohiba Behike 52 is one of the three original formats that established the Behike line in 2010. Recognized by its 52 ring gauge and 119 mm length, the BHK 52 combines a relatively compact format with the substantial diameter associated with the Behike range.

The cigar is also closely associated with the distinctive Medio Tiempo tobacco used in the Behike blend. Its original presentation in a lacquered 10-count box, specialized band, and limited production history make the box itself an interesting part of the BHK 52 story.

The Origins of Cohiba Behike 52

The Cohiba Behike line was launched at the XII Habanos Festival in Havana in February 2010. It introduced three new formats: BHK 52, BHK 54, and BHK 56. Habanos described these as new heavy-ring-gauge vitolas within the Cuban cigar format range.

The BHK 52 measures 52 ring gauge by 119 mm in length. Its factory designation is Laguito No. 4. The BHK 54 and BHK 56 are progressively larger, measuring 54 × 144 mm and 56 × 166 mm respectively.

Behike was introduced as a new line within the established Cohiba brand rather than as a separate cigar brand. Habanos continues to classify the Behike line as full in strength.

Understanding the BHK 52 Size

The number 52 in BHK 52 refers to the cigar’s ring gauge.

A 52 ring gauge corresponds to approximately 20.64 mm in diameter. At 119 mm long, the cigar has a relatively short length compared with its substantial diameter.

The three original Behike formats can be compared as follows:

The differences in dimensions influence the amount and arrangement of tobacco in each format. They can also affect combustion, draw, smoke production, and how the cigar’s characteristics develop during smoking.

The BHK 52 therefore has its own physical profile despite sharing the same general Behike blend concept as the larger formats.

The Original Cohiba Behike 52 Box

The box presentation is an important part of the original Behike design.

When the line was introduced, Habanos stated that each of the three Behike formats was presented in an exclusive lacquered box containing 10 cigars.

The packaging was designed as part of the overall identity of the new line. Habanos later described the Behike packaging and band as significant elements of the product’s presentation.

A BHK 52 box should therefore be considered together with the cigars, bands, production information, and other identifying details rather than as an isolated packaging object.

Packaging can also vary between production periods, so differences between older and newer boxes do not necessarily indicate that one particular design is the only legitimate presentation.

Behike Band and Security Features

The Behike cigar band has undergone documented changes since the line was launched.

The original Behike band incorporated security holograms, with Habanos describing two holographic security elements in the initial presentation. In 2014, the company announced a new hologram design with enhanced security and traceability features.

The updated hologram was introduced progressively across the BHK 52, BHK 54, and BHK 56 formats. Habanos also stated that old and new hologram versions would temporarily coexist in the market during the transition.

This provides useful historical context when examining a BHK 52 box from a particular production period.

However, packaging or band appearance alone should not be treated as definitive proof of authenticity.

The Cuban Tobacco Behind Behike

Cohiba Behike uses Cuban tobacco associated with the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río.

Habanos specifically identifies tobacco selected from the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis areas for the Behike line. These areas are protected tobacco-growing regions within Vuelta Abajo.

Vuelta Abajo is an important region for Cuban cigar production because it provides different types of tobacco leaf used in premium cigar manufacturing.

The BHK 52’s characteristics are therefore influenced by more than geographical origin. Leaf position, cultivation, curing, fermentation, aging, blending, rolling, and storage all contribute to the finished cigar.

The Role of Medio Tiempo

Perhaps the most important distinction between Behike and other Cohiba lines is Medio Tiempo.

When Behike was launched in 2010, Habanos stated that Medio Tiempo was incorporated into all three new Behike formats for the first time.

Habanos describes Medio Tiempo as a rare leaf found among the upper leaves of sun-grown tobacco plants. Not every plant produces it, which limits its availability.

The scarcity of this leaf is directly connected to the limited production of Behike. Its availability can vary according to growing conditions and the characteristics of individual tobacco plants.

This makes Medio Tiempo an important part of understanding the BHK 52 rather than simply a marketing detail.

Construction of the BHK 52

The BHK 52 follows the traditional handmade construction associated with premium Cuban cigars.

Habanos identifies the Behike formats with production at El Laguito, the Havana factory historically associated with Cohiba. Official Habanos material also records the Behike formats among cigars produced by master rollers at the factory.

The construction uses the traditional cigar components of filler, binder, and wrapper.

The filler forms the interior tobacco core, the binder helps hold the filler together, and the wrapper provides the outer covering. The arrangement of these leaves influences the cigar’s physical structure and combustion.

Because the BHK 52 has a relatively large 52 ring gauge, maintaining appropriate tobacco density and draw requires careful construction.

Flavor and Strength Characteristics

Habanos classifies the Cohiba Behike line as full in strength.

The company also associates Medio Tiempo with the character and flavor of the Behike blend.

Flavor perception, however, remains subjective. A smoker’s experience can vary according to storage conditions, age, smoking pace, draw, and individual palate.

General descriptions of Behike may include concentrated tobacco, earthy and woody notes, spice, roasted impressions, and aromatic qualities. These should be understood as broad sensory descriptions rather than fixed tasting notes.

The BHK 52’s dimensions can also influence the way these characteristics develop compared with the larger BHK 54 and BHK 56.

BHK 52 Compared With the Other Behike Formats

The three original Behike formats share the same line but have noticeably different proportions.

The BHK 52 measures 52 × 119 mm, the BHK 54 measures 54 × 144 mm, and the BHK 56 measures 56 × 166 mm.

The BHK 52 is therefore the shortest and narrowest of the original three.

The BHK 56, by contrast, combines the largest ring gauge with the greatest length. These differences can influence combustion and the way tobacco develops throughout the smoking session.

The three formats nevertheless share the defining Behike feature of incorporating Medio Tiempo.

What Makes the BHK 52 Box Distinctive?

Several details are particularly relevant when discussing a Cohiba Behike 52 box:

10-count presentation: The original Behike line was presented in exclusive lacquered boxes containing 10 cigars.

BHK 52 format: Each cigar measures 52 ring gauge by 119 mm.

Laguito No. 4: This is the factory vitola designation for the BHK 52.

Medio Tiempo blend: The rare tobacco leaf is one of the defining characteristics of the Behike line.

Cuban tobacco: The blend uses selected tobacco associated with Vuelta Abajo, including San Juan y Martínez and San Luis.

Limited production: Habanos states that Behike is produced in extremely limited quantities because of the scarcity of Medio Tiempo.

Security features: The Behike band originally incorporated holographic security elements, with a redesigned hologram introduced from 2014.

A Historical Note on the BHK 52

The BHK 52 received considerable attention shortly after its introduction. In January 2011, Habanos reported that Cigar Aficionado had selected the BHK 52 as its top cigar in its 2010 Top 25 list. This is a historical third-party award and should be distinguished from an objective assessment of every smoker’s experience.

The recognition came less than a year after the Behike line’s launch and added another notable event to the early history of the BHK 52.

The more important production story, however, remains the combination of its distinctive dimensions, Cuban tobacco, Medio Tiempo leaf, handmade construction, and limited annual production.

Final Thoughts

The Cohiba Behike 52 box represents more than a particular cigar package. It reflects the history and design of one of Cohiba’s major line introductions.

The BHK 52 measures 52 ring gauge by 119 mm and carries the factory designation Laguito No. 4. Its original presentation consisted of 10 cigars in an exclusive lacquered box, while its band incorporated specialized holographic security features that were later updated.

The tobacco is equally important. Behike introduced Medio Tiempo into its blend, using a rare leaf from the upper portion of sun-grown tobacco plants. Its limited availability is one reason Habanos has described Behike production as extremely limited.

Taken together, the BHK 52 format, lacquered box presentation, Cuban tobacco, Medio Tiempo blend, handmade construction, and evolving security features provide the key elements for understanding this Cohiba Behike release.

As with all tobacco products, cigar smoking carries significant health risks, including exposure to harmful substances and nicotine.