Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Behike BHK 52
A decade ago, when Cuba’s BHK 52 first came out and was named Cigar of the Year, we predicted that it would improve with age. We were correct. While first puffs linger in the medium-bodied realm of cedar, herbs and wheat, the cigar shifts to a surprisingly powerful core of hazelnut and walnut liqueurs, marzipan and dark, earthy espresso bean. A big brown sugar note seems to caramelize on the palate for a complex finish of crème brûlée. The powerful flavors are no doubt fueled by the medio tiempo, a full-bodied tobacco that’s retained its strength over 10 years but enhances the cigar’s complexity. Can’t wait to try it again in 2030. —Gregory Mottola
A stately Cuban cigar that came off the rolling table the same year the first issues of Cigar Aficionado rolled off the presses. It’s sublime from the start, with notes of chocolate malt and cappuccino, complete with a dusting of sweet baking spices. It’s elegant, showing exceptional balance, with a long, pleasant finish. There’s plenty of life left in this 28-year-old cigar. —David Savona
Once reserved for private cigar events where a member of the Padrón family had to be present, the first Family Reserve was commercially unavailable for many years and only came in one size—the No. 44 box-pressed torpedo. It’s a delicious smoke with a perfect, effortless draw, and tremendous flavor, showing big notes of coconut, nutmeg and just a touch of licorice. —Marvin R. Shanken
This was a special cigar made by José Seijas in the Dominican Republic for the Montecristo Cup Pro-Am 20 years ago. What a smoke today! The Habano 2000 wrapper, controversial at the time, retained its dark, colorado color. Initial flavors of cinnamon and leather develope a lovely combination of spice and earth that lingers on the palate with a long finish. Still has plenty of life left. —Gordon Mott
