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The Grand Finale of the 25th Festival del Habano Celebrates Cohiba Behike's 15-Year Legacy

The XXV Festival del Habano ended on a high note with a grand gala evening held at the Pabexpo Convention Center in Havana. This event not only marked the end of a week filled with unique experiences surrounding Habanos, but it also commemorated the notable 15-year milestone of the prestigious Cohiba Línea Behike. Approximately 1,400 guests gathered for this magical celebration that exuded elegance and sophistication while emphasizing the luxury synonymous with the Cohiba brand.

The occasion was notable for the world premiere of the Cohiba Behike 58 vitola, which boasts a 58 ring gauge and a length of 178 mm. This addition joins its celebrated predecessors, the BHK 52, BHK 54, and BHK 56, further enhancing the already prestigious collection. Since its introduction in 2010, Línea Behike has firmly established itself as the epitome of premium tobacco, making its anniversary a perfect occasion for a reinvention. With a modernized design and new premium packaging, the new Behike line incorporates advanced security features such as NFC technology and unique identification codes that authenticate each cigar, cementing its desirability among aficionados.

Each BHK 58 vitola is crafted by skilled artisans from exclusively selected tobacco leaves grown in the rich soils of San Juan y Martínez and San Luis in Vuelta Abajo, Cuba. These Habanos feature the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, delivering a distinctive strength and complexities that are the hallmark of Behike. In honor of this significant anniversary, an exclusive commemorative pack containing all four vitolas of Línea Behike has also been launched.

During the gala, the Co-Presidents of Habanos, S.A., Maritza Carrillo González and Luis Sánchez-Harguindey Pardo de Vera, addressed the assembled guests, reflecting on the legacy and the impact of Línea Behike on the premium tobacco market. They extended their gratitude to everyone involved in the production, from the dedicated farmers in the Vuelta Abajo region who cultivate the finest tobacco to the master torcedores who meticulously create the cigars.

The evening was further highlighted by the 2024 Habanos Awards, which honored influential figures in the industry. Award winners included Alain Proietto for Business, Aleksandar Stipcic for Communication, and Reynier Lázaro for Production. Additionally, Brisael Perdomo Lazcano of La Corona factory was crowned Gran Torcedor 2025, while the champions of the Habanos World Challenge this year were Matthew Edward Castillo and Alexei Vladimir Sleur.

A thrill for attendees was the traditional Humidor Auction, where the proceeds would contribute to the Cuban Public Health System. This year’s auction featured seven exclusive humidors linked to Habanos' global brands, including a specially commemorative one celebrating Línea Behike’s anniversary. With total bids reaching an unprecedented €16,410,000, the auction has once again proven to be a sought-after event for collectors.

Auction winners also gained access to the Habanos Private Selection, a unique program offering exceptional experiences and exclusive selections of Habanos’s most prestigious cigars. Participants are entitled to customize their exclusive pieces along with receiving a high-end humidor.

The night was resplendent with musical performances that showcased multiple talented artists. The celebration featured captivating performances from Manolito Simonet's Orchestra, Susana Pous, Las Ninfas, Coro Vocal Luna, Alisbet La Santiaguera, Waldo Mendoza, Max Max, Alain Pérez, and a standout finale from the renowned band Earth, Wind & Fire, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary evening.

As the festival concluded, the gala encapsulated everything that the Cohiba Línea Behike stands for: luxury, craftsmanship, and celebration of an enduring legacy.

For additional visual highlights, high-resolution images of the event can be found through the appropriate channels.