The Herf

Smoking Experience

After a clean cut, the cold draw opens up with just the right amount of resistance. Initial impressions bring roasted cashew, cocoa powder, cedar, and a light chili-pepper zing that tingles on the lips. There’s an underlying creaminess here that rounds out the sharper edge.

From the first draw, this cigar charges forward with a bold, flavorful opening. Dense clouds of smoke coat the palate with charred oak, espresso bean, and black pepper spice. Behind that initial blast, there’s a developing sweetness of roasted cashew and salted caramel that softens the edges and brings a welcomed balance. The retrohale pushes roasted coffee, white pepper, and a faint molasses note—not sweet but more sharp and slightly bitter. The draw is just how I like it, with a slight resistance but free flowing. Flavor sits firmly in the medium/full range, while strength is medium and body hovers at medium-full.

Now well past first-light impressions, a dark chocolate-covered almond note joins the profile, along with baking spices that help balance out the charred woodiness and black pepper. Each puff shows something different at this point. One moment, dry oak and espresso lead the dance; the next, a buttery/nutty sweetness of roasted almonds and cocoa. There’s also a subtle minerality creeping in, giving the profile a bit more texture. Retrohales are smooth yet sharp, showing black tea, baking spice, and charred cedar with a healthy pepper backbone. The ash falls in a solid chunk at this point, and the burn is slightly wavy but requires no touchup. Flavor is medium/full, strength is medium, and body is medium/full.

The Cohiba Behike 52 is a highly-regarded, full-bodied cigar known for its luxurious and complex flavor profile, driven by the rare Medio Tiempo leaf. Reviewers consistently praise its beautiful construction, smooth draw, and rich flavors that evolve throughout the smoke, with notes of spice, coffee, chocolate, and caramel, often balancing power with sweetness. Despite its high price and limited availability, it is considered a premium cigar that is worth the cost for a special treat.

Appearance and construction

Beautifully crafted: The cigar features a flawless, oily, and smooth Cuban wrapper. Expertly applied cap: It has a well-applied triple cap, adding to its elegant feel.

Balanced feel: Despite being the smallest of the Behike line, it feels perfectly balanced in the hand. Flavor profile Complex and evolving: The flavor profile is rich and complex, with notes that change as you smoke.

Initial notes: Starts with earthy, woody, and spicy notes.

Middle notes: Develops into creamy notes of cocoa and leather. End notes: Flavors intensify with hints of fruitiness, nuts, and sweetness, while retaining a smooth finish.

Key ingredient: The rare Medio Tiempo leaf, which grows at the very top of the plant, provides concentrated tobacco oils and sugars, resulting in a uniquely sweet and powerful yet smooth flavor. Smoke and burn Smooth smoke: Produces a creamy, smooth, and balanced smoke.

Steady burn: The burn is typically even and steady, requiring minimal touch-ups.

Firm ash: The ash holds firm, a sign of high-quality construction.

Overall experience Premium treat: It is often cited as a "treat yo-self" cigar due to its high quality and price point.

Accessible to all: The perfect balance of its flavors makes it a great choice for both experienced cigar aficionados and newcomers.

Worth the price: While expensive and sometimes difficult to find, many reviewers feel it justifies the cost for a special occasion.