Is the Cohiba Behike 58 the top cigar of the current year?
The Cohiba Behike 58, a recent addition to the luxury line of Cuba's famed cigar brand, continues to symbolize the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. This prestigious offering, first introduced to honor the 15th anniversary of Cohiba's premium series, has become highly sought after by collectors and aficionados.
During the recent Festival del Habano in Havana, a humidor of 400 Behikes fetched an extraordinary €4.6 million at auction, setting a record for humidor sales at €11,500 per cigar. The storehouse-sized Behike 58, a 7-inch cigar with a generous 58-ring gauge, charmed its audience with its harmonious blend of complex, creamy flavors, a symphony of chocolate, nuts, and coffee notes.
The enigmatic strength of this behemoth stems from its genesis. Crafted from the most potent leaves—Medio Tiempo—at the top of the tobacco plant, these seemingly minuscule leaves yield an extraordinary boom in flavor. As a result, blue-chip cigarette factories must set aside 60 days for the transformation of Medio Tiempo leaves, compared to the typical 45 or so for "normal" tobacco leaves.
The rigorous journey of Cohiba Behike 58 tobacco involves a two-year aging process after fermentation, withstanding temperatures of up to 55°C and a prolonged third fermentation to achieve the perfection of balance and smoothness. This epic adventure testifies to the persistence of artisan techniques and the invaluable wisdom passed down through the generations of skilled craftspeople.
Amidst a world characterized by mass production and the democratization of luxury goods, the legendary status of the Behike offers an invigorating reminder of the beauty of limited resources, dedicated craftsmanship, and the age-old wisdom that imbues these items with transcendent quality and prestige.
In this world of mass production, the Cohiba Behike 58 stands out as a symbol of the lasting beauty of limited resources, with its harmonious food-and-drink flavor notes reminiscent of chocolate, nuts, and coffee. At home, its collectible status makes it a prize in home-and-garden displays, showcasing the dedication and artisan techniques passed down through generations that ensure its transcendent lifestyle quality.
