Cigars are more than tobacco; they are cultural treasures that embody history, tradition, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. At the very top of this legacy stands the Cohiba Behike, regarded as one of the most exclusive and prestigious cigars in the world. Its rarity comes from the elusive medio tiempo leaf, its excellence from the unmatched skill of the torcedores (Rollers) at El Laguito, and its prestige from the vision of Habanos’ leadership. In The Magic of Behike Episode 2, Kirby Allison takes viewers deep into this world with unprecedented access granted by Habanos S.A., offering a rare and intimate look at what makes the Behike a masterpiece unlike any other.
The Medio Tiempo Leaf: Nature’s Rarest Gift
Among the secrets of the Cohiba Behike lies the medio tiempo leaf, an element that makes this cigar unlike any other in the world. Appearing only on 10 to 15 percent of plants, and accounting for just a small portion of each harvest, it is one of the rarest leaves in tobacco cultivation. Recognizable for its density and higher oil content, the medio tiempo leaf undergoes a longer fermentation process, which brings out unparalleled strength, aroma, and complexity.
Harvested in Pinar del Río, Cuba’s most famous tobacco region, these leaves are carefully selected by expert farmers whose skills have been honed for generations. Every stage, from cultivation to fermentation, is performed with meticulous attention, ensuring that the leaf achieves its maximum expression of flavor. The inclusion of medio tiempo in the blend of the Behike is what elevates this cigar into a category of its own, making each one not just a cigar but an extraordinary experience.
El Laguito: The Sacred Home of Craftsmanship
The transformation of the carefully cultivated leaves into the Cohiba Behike takes place at El Laguito in Havana, the birthplace of the Cohiba brand and home to Cuba’s most skilled torcedores (Rollers). Established to create cigars for Fidel Castro, this factory has since become a global symbol of excellence in craftsmanship.
Here, the Behike is made entirely by hand, rolled with precision and care that no machine could replicate. The process requires not only technical mastery but also intuition, as the rollers rely on touch and experience passed down through generations. Cohiba is also unique for its additional fermentation in white oak barrels, a step that enriches the blend and sets it apart from all other brands. Once rolled, the Behikes are dressed with their distinctive bands and presented in luxurious lacquered boxes, underscoring their prestige and rarity.
Guided by Vision: The Co-Presidents of Habanos
Behind the legacy of the Cohiba Behike stands the leadership of Habanos S.A.’s Co-Presidents, Señora Maritza Carrillo González and Señor Luis Sánchez-Harguindey. Their stewardship has been instrumental in safeguarding the traditions of Cuban cigar-making while also ensuring its continued relevance in the modern world.
Their guidance reflects the combined effort of farmers, blenders, and rollers who dedicate their lives to creating cigars that embody Cuban heritage. The launch of the Behike 58 on the brand’s 15th anniversary, presented at the 25th Habanos Festival, is a testament to their commitment to both innovation and tradition.
A Masterpiece Without Equal
The Cohiba Behike is not simply a cigar; it is the crown jewel of Cuban tobacco, representing the perfect union of nature, craftsmanship, and culture. From the rare medio tiempo leaf to the unparalleled skill of El Laguito’s rollers and the vision of Habanos’ leadership, every element reflects excellence that cannot be duplicated. Thanks to the unprecedented access granted by Habanos S.A., The Magic of Behike Episode 2 on Kirby Allison’s YouTube channel reveals this story in a way the world has never seen before, inviting cigar lovers to witness the true magic of the most exclusive cigar ever created.
The Magic of the Behike | Crafting Nature's Gifts | Ep2 | A Cuban Cigar Documentary by Kirby Allison
The Cohiba Behike is not just a cigar—it is the ultimate expression of Cuban excellence. Crafted "totalmente a mano" by Cuba’s most skilled torcedores, it brings together the rarest leaves and the island’s deepest traditions, representing a true pinnacle of artistry, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. In this landmark documentary series by Kirby Allison, produced in collaboration with Habanos S.A., we continue our journey into the heart of Cuba to uncover the secrets behind one of the world’s most iconic cigars: the Cohiba Behike. In Episode 2, Crafting Nature’s Gifts, we explore the very soul of the Behike. From the fertile fields of Pinar del Río where the mythical Medio Tiempo leaf grows—so rare it appears on only 3–5% of tobacco plants—to the hallowed halls of El Laguito, where Cuba’s most talented cigar rollers transform these leaves into masterpieces, this episode celebrates the unmatched artistry that defines the Behike. Every leaf, every hand, every moment in the process reflects the legacy of Cuba’s tobacco preeminence. The result is more than a cigar—it is a gift of nature, elevated by craftsmanship, and revered by connoisseurs across the globe. Join Kirby Allison as we uncover how the Behike is crafted, and discover why it stands as the finest demonstration of Cuba’s extraordinary tobacco tradition.
