A look at a legendary release of 100 exquisite Elie Bleu boxes containing the first-ever Behike cigars, marking the birth of a cigar that redefined luxury and exclusivity.
Hello dear reader,
As cigar enthusiasts, we’re stepping into an exciting moment: 2025 will be the Year of the Behike. Habanos S.A. has teased the launch of new vitolas, igniting anticipation across the globe. While the Behike name now resonates with exclusivity and luxury, it’s worth revisiting where it all began, the historic release of the first-ever Cohiba Behike in 2006. Yes, you read that right…2006.
The modern Cohiba Behike line, introduced in 2010, has brought this legendary name into regular production and today, aficionados can enjoy the Behike in three distinct vitolas:
- Behike 52 – 52 x 119 Vitola de Galera Laguito no.4
- Behike 54 – 54 x 144 Vitola de Galera Laguito no.5
- Behike 56 – 56 x 166 Vitola de Galera Laguito no.6
What makes these cigars truly special is the inclusion of the rare medio tiempo leaf. Grown at the very top of the tobacco plant, medio tiempo develops under direct sunlight, giving it a richness and complexity that elevates the smoking experience. This leaf is not always present, which makes the Behike’s blend even more exclusive and hard to produce, no to mention replicate. Each draw is marked by exceptional balance, depth, and flavor, with notes of cream, spice, and subtle sweetness that leave an unforgettable impression. But you already know all this so let’s talk about something that might come as a surprise.
The 2006 Cohiba 40th Anniversary Humidor: Where It All Began
The VIII Festival del Habano in March 2006 saw the debut of something extraordinary: the Cohiba 40th Anniversary Humidor, a masterpiece that introduced the world to the first Behike cigars. Created to celebrate Cohiba’s 40th anniversary, this release was as exclusive as it gets—only 100 humidors were ever made, each numbered and produced by the legendary company Elie Bleu, synonymous with world-class luxury craftsmanship.
These humidors housed 40 cigars, all of a unique and original vitola named Behike. This cigar was no ordinary size—it was a hybrid of Cohiba’s two most iconic formats: the Lanceros (38 x 192) and the Siglo VI (52 x 150). The result was a cigar measuring 52 x 192, a vitola that stood out, a true impressive presence known as Triunfo. It was a bold statement, perfectly suited for the brand’s milestone anniversary.
What made the 2006 Behike even more exceptional was that every single cigar inside the humidor was rolled by just one roller, a true rarity in the cigar world. This detail elevates the 2006 Behike to something almost mythical. For collectors and aficionados, knowing that the cigars came from the hands of one roller only adds to their desirability and value.
A Collectible Masterpiece
The humidor itself is a work of art. Created by Elie Bleu, a name synonymous with the finest humidors in the world, these boxes were crafted to match the significance of what they held. Precision woodwork, premium materials, and unparalleled craftsmanship make the Cohiba 40th Anniversary Humidor a masterpiece in its own right. For an extra touch of exclusivity, buyers could have their names engraved on a plaque inside the lid, personalizing their ownership of cigar history but probably lowering the resale value, i guess.
Each cigar also carried a secondary Behike band, numbered from 1 to 4,000. The numbering was a reminder of just how finite and rare these cigars truly were.
The unveiling of the humidor on March 4, 2006, caused immediate waves across the cigar world. At the time, Max Gutmann, the Cuban cigar importer for Mexico, shared that he already had five confirmed orders the day the humidor was presented, despite not knowing how many he would even receive. The excitement was justified: only 100 humidors would ever see the light of day. These were not cigars to be smoked lightly, they were treasures to be owned, admired, and, for a lucky few, carefully aged and savored.
Adding to their allure was Habanos S.A.’s official confirmation that the Behike vitola would not be produced again for commercial sale. This one-time project cemented the original Behike as a singular moment in cigar history.
A Modern Collector’s Perspective
For collectors, the 2006 Cohiba Behike humidor has become a holy grail. Its rarity, coupled with the significance of being the first Behike, has pushed its value far beyond its original price. These humidors rarely surface on the market today, and when they do, the price tags reflect their status as one of the most exclusive cigar releases ever produced.
In today’s world of soaring cigar prices and rising demand, the 2006 Behike humidor stands as a reminder of how far Cuban cigars have come.
As I look forward to next year’s releases and the promise of new Behike vitolas, I can’t help but reflect on the magic of that first Behike humidor. It marked the beginning of something legendary, a cigar that would redefine what luxury and exclusivity mean in the cigar world. Owning or even seeing one of those original Behikes feels like touching a piece of history.
Will the new vitolas live up to the legacy of their predecessor? I believe they will, because Cohiba Behike has always been about pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary.
As we stand on the edge of a new era, 2025 promises to be a year for the ages. The Behike name is set to take center stage once again, with rumors and excitement building around what Habanos S.A. has in store. While we celebrate what’s to come, it’s important to remember where it all began: the 2006 Cohiba 40th Anniversary Humidor, a project that introduced the world to the cigar that would become a legend.
Here’s to the Behike legacy, past, present, and future. May the new vitolas honor their roots and, once again, set a new standard for excellence.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company, until we meet again.
*** Images were found on Elie Blue and CGars.co.uk social media and websites.
