Posted on May 3, 2023

Cuban cigars have long been a favorite among cigar enthusiasts, with Cohiba being one of the most renowned brands. 

However, recent news of a price increase in the Cohiba Behike 52 has left many aficionados wondering what this means for their cigar collections and smoking experience. 

At Smoking Ash Sweet Sticks, we understand the concerns of our customers, and we’re here to break down what the price increase means for cigar enthusiasts.

Understanding the Cohiba Behike 52

The Cohiba Behike 52 is a prized cigar among enthusiasts, known for its exceptional quality and unique blend of tobacco. The cigar was first introduced in 2006 and quickly gained popularity for its rich flavor profile, smooth draw, and impressive construction.

As a limited edition cigar, the Cohiba Behike 52 has always been in high demand, with many enthusiasts eager to add it to their collections. However, with the recent price increase, the cigar has become even more exclusive, leaving many enthusiasts wondering if it’s still worth the investment.

What Makes Cohiba Behike 52 Special?

The Cohiba Behike 52 is a rare and exclusive cigar that has garnered a reputation as one of the finest cigars in the world. The tobacco selection process, inclusion of medio tiempo, and strict quality control guidelines are just some of the factors that make this cigar so special. Let´s review this in detail.

Premium Tobacco Selection Process

One of the reasons why Cohiba Behike 52 is so special is due to the tobacco selection process. Cohiba stands out above other Cuban brands due to its tobacco being selected from the top five farms of Pinar del Río, and the leaves undergo an additional fermentation process. This results in a refined and unique flavor that is hard to replicate.

An Exclusive Ingredient: Medio Tiempo

Another distinguishing factor is that only Cohiba Behikes contain medio tiempo, a rare sprouting of two potent leaves that sometimes grow on the very top of the tobacco plant. The inclusion of medio tiempo adds to the cigar's strength and gives it an exceptional aroma.

Hand-Rolled in Cuba

Cohiba Behike 52 is hand-rolled in Cuba, following strict quality control guidelines. The cigar is made using a blend of tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba, which is widely regarded as the best tobacco-growing region in the world. The cigar is then aged for a minimum of two years, allowing the flavors to develop and mature.

What the Price Increase Means

Cohiba Behikes have always been expensive, but the latest price hike announced by Habanos S.A. in January 2023 has left cigar enthusiasts in a state of shock. The price of the coveted Behike BHK series has gone up by an average of 50%, with the largest Behike – the BHK 56 – costing $300 per cigar, and demand continues to outstrip supply.

But why did Habanos increase the prices again? According to the company, the primary reason for the hike is the imbalance between supply and demand. The Cohiba Behike cigars contain a rare sprouting of two potent leaves that sometimes grow on the very top of the tobacco plant, called medio tiempo. These leaves are scarce, and only a limited number of Behikes can be produced each year. 

Plus, Habanos aims to reinforce Cohiba's luxury positioning with a new pricing policy that has set a minimum price for all markets worldwide. But despite the considerable price hike, people are still buying Cohibas and Behikes faster than they can stock them.

Overall, the price increase means that Cohiba Behikes are becoming even more exclusive, with prices putting them firmly in the super-luxury market. Cigar enthusiasts who want to experience a Cohiba Behike cigar may need to pay a premium price.

What You Can Do

As a cigar enthusiast, there are several things you can do to navigate the price increase in the Cohiba Behike 52 and other premium cigars. 

• Try different cigars from the Cohiba brand: The brands offers a variety of exceptional cigars at different price points.
• Invest in a humidor to store your cigars properly: Ensure your cigars maintain their quality over time and avoid having to throw away your little treasures.
• Seek out other brands: There are other brands of cigars from Central America that offer a similar quality and flavor profile to the Cohiba Behike 52. At Smoking Ash Sweet Sticks, we offer a wide variety of cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras, and other Central American countries.

Conclusion

While the price increase in the Cohiba Behike 52 may be a disappointment for some cigar enthusiasts, it’s important to remember that the cigar is still an exceptional product that reflects the quality and craftsmanship of the Cohiba brand. So, having a few on stock for special occasions is definitely worth it. 

Just ensure you store them properly, and enjoy your smoking experience when the moment comes.

At Smoking Ash Sweet Sticks, we’re committed to providing our customers with exceptional cigars and smoking accessories that enhance their experience. Contact us today at (904) 516-0086 or [email protected] to learn more about our products and services.