Cohiba

Cohiba cigars are a prestigious brand originating from Cuba, renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Initially created in 1966 for Fidel Castro and other high-ranking officials, they became available to the public in 1982 and have since gained a reputation as one of the finest cigars in the world. Known for their rich, complex flavours and meticulous construction, Cohiba cigars are a symbol of luxury and sophistication among cigar aficionados.

History and Legacy

Cohiba, the flagship brand of Cuba’s Habanos S.A., traces its origins to 1966 when it was created as a private-label cigar exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking Cuban officials. The story began when Castro’s bodyguard, Celso Alfonso González, began rolling special cigars from the finest tobacco leaves for the revolutionary leader, who was an avid smoker. Impressed by their quality, Castro ordered the establishment of a dedicated factory in Havana’s El Laguito neighborhood to produce them.

In 1968, Cohiba was officially launched to the public as a limited-production brand, marking its transition from a secretive diplomatic gift to a symbol of Cuban excellence. It quickly became synonymous with luxury and prestige, embodying Cuba’s post-revolutionary tobacco heritage. Over decades, Cohiba evolved into the world’s most iconic cigar, representing not just craftsmanship but also the enduring legacy of Cuban diplomacy and culture—often gifted to world leaders and celebrities. Today, it stands as Habanos’ crown jewel, with annual releases celebrating milestones like its 55th anniversary in 2021.

Production and Varieties

Cohiba cigars are primarily produced in Cuba at the historic El Laguito factory in Havana, where skilled torcedores (rollers) handcraft each one using only the finest Vuelta Abajo tobacco from the Pinar del Río region. What sets Cohiba apart is its rigorous process: two of the three tobacco types (seco for aroma and ligero for strength) undergo an extra year of fermentation for enhanced smoothness and complexity, while the third (volado) aids even burning. Production is limited to maintain exclusivity, with some lines using rare medio tiempo leaves for added intensity.

The Cuban Cohiba lineup is divided into four main lines:

Línea Clásica: The originals, including robustos and coronas, offering medium-to-full-bodied smokes with earthy, creamy profiles.

Línea 1492 (Siglo Series): Inspired by Columbus’s voyages, these medium-strength cigars (e.g., Siglo I to VI) feature smoother, more balanced flavours.

Línea Maduro 5: Aged maduro wrappers for five years, delivering rich, sweet, and spicy notes in formats like Genios.

Línea Behike: The ultra-premium tier, incorporating rare medio tiempo leaves for intense, full-bodied experiences (e.g., BHK 52, 54, 56).

Note that a Dominican version, produced by General Cigar since 1992, offers non-Cuban lines like Cohiba Black (full-bodied with Connecticut Broadleaf) and Cohiba Blue (medium with Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers), but these are distinct from the Cuban originals.

Reputation and Popularity

Cohiba holds an unparalleled reputation as the most famous and desirable cigar brand globally, often called the “king of cigars” for its association with Fidel Castro and Cuban prestige. Its popularity surged in the 1990s after export to Europe and Asia, fueled by endorsements from celebrities and its status as a luxury status symbol. Cohiba accounts for a significant portion of Habanos’ sales, with limited editions like the Behike line selling out instantly and commanding collector premiums.

However, its fame has bred skepticism: many aficionados view it as overrated due to hype and pricing, with some preferring other Cuban marques like Montecristo for better value. Counterfeits plague the market, eroding trust, yet its allure persists—it’s the go-to for special occasions and gifting.

Consumer Experience

Smokers rave about Cohiba’s velvety draw, impeccable construction (when authentic), and layered flavours—think creamy sweetness, nutty earthiness, subtle grassiness, and hints of spice or cocoa that evolve smoothly over 45-90 minutes. The experience is often described as refined and meditative, with even burn and minimal harshness, making it ideal for novices and experts alike.

That said, occasional complaints include uneven construction, cracked wrappers, or inconsistent batches—issues more common in older stock. 19 27 Reviews highlight the Siglo series for approachable mildness and Behikes for bold depth, with many scoring them 90+ on platforms like Cigar Aficionado. Overall, it’s a “wow” smoke that justifies the ritual for most.

Pricing and Accessibility

Cohiba commands premium prices reflective of its exclusivity: Cuban singles range from $20-30 for classics like the Robusto, up to $100+ for Behikes, with boxes starting at $200 and limited editions exceeding $3,000. Dominican variants are more affordable ($10-20 per stick) but lack the same cachet.

Accessibility has improved via online retailers like Holt’s, Famous Smoke, and authorized Habanos dealers offering worldwide shipping, though U.S. buyers face restrictions on Cuban imports (Dominican versions fill the gap). Local tobacconists in Europe, Canada, and Asia stock them reliably, but stock rotates quickly for rarities.

Critical Considerations

The Cohiba name sparks ongoing controversy due to a decades-long trademark war between Cuba’s Habanos/Cubatabaco and U.S.-based General Cigar (now Scandinavian Tobacco Group), which launched a Dominican Cohiba in 1992. Initiated in 1997, the dispute centers on ownership in the U.S., with Cuba winning key rulings in 2006, 2022, and most recently in May 2025, affirming Cubatabaco’s rights and canceling General’s mark—though appeals continue. This confusion leads consumers to question authenticity.

Counterfeiting is rampant, especially for Cohiba, with fakes flooding markets—look for holographic seals and centered “Habana Cuba” stamps. Critics also decry overpricing and hype, arguing the brand’s fame inflates value beyond flavour merit, while non-Cuban versions tarnish the legacy. Ethical sourcing from embargoed Cuba adds geopolitical layers for some buyers.

Recommendations

For newcomers, start with the milder Cohiba Siglo I or II—short, affordable ($15-20), and creamy with grassy notes for a gentle intro. Seasoned smokers should try the Espléndido (Churchill size) for its balanced medium-full profile or the Robusto for everyday elegance.

Top picks include the Behike BHK 52 ($80+), lauded for rare leaf intensity and complexity—perfect for special occasions. If preferring Dominican, the Cohiba Blue Robusto offers smooth value ($12-15). 25 34 Always buy from trusted sources like official Habanos outlets or sites with holograms to dodge fakes, and age them 6-12 months for peak enjoyment.