Cohiba — Heritage & History

Cohiba was founded in 1966 at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, originally produced exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. The brand’s creation followed a 1963 incident where Castro’s security chief discovered a distinctive blend rolled by a trusted assistant, which led to the development of what would become Cohiba’s signature recipes. By 1982, Cohiba was released for international commercial sale, though limited production continued. It gained further prestige in 1992 with the launch of the Siglo (Linea 1492) series, celebrating Columbus’s arrival. The brand remains the flagship of Habanos S.A., synonymous with Cuban cigar excellence and status. While some cigars bearing the Cohiba name are produced in the Dominican Republic under different ownership, the authentic Cuban Cohiba—rolled entirely at El Laguito—is the focus of this guide.

Blending Philosophy

Cohiba’s blending philosophy centers on the exclusive use of Vuelta Abajo tobacco from Pinar del Río, with an emphasis on rare medio tiempo leaf—a sun-grown upper priming that adds distinct richness and complexity. Unlike other Cuban marcas, Cohiba employs a three-leaf filler structure (volado, seco, ligero) plus medio tiempo in select lines, creating a layered, evolving smoke. The brand is known for meticulous fermentation and aging processes, often resting its cigars longer than standard Cuban production. This approach yields a profile that balances creaminess, spice, and woodiness, with a refined character that rewards patience and palate development.

Flavor Profile

Across the range, Cohiba cigars present a signature profile of creamy cedar, toasted nuts, and a subtle white pepper spice, often layered with hints of cocoa, leather, and dried fruit. The medio tiempo leaf contributes a deeper, earthy richness and a lingering sweetness on the retrohale. Lanceros and Esplendidos offer floral and herbal notes, while the Behike line amplifies intensity with dark chocolate and espresso. Strength ranges from mild-medium (Siglo I) to full (Behike 54). Despite variability in wrapper sources—including Dominican-grown Piloto Cubano in some market versions—authentic Cuban Cohibas share a consistent, balanced complexity that evolves significantly over the final third.

Best for Beginners

The Cohiba Siglo I is the ideal entry point. Its mild-medium strength and petit corona format deliver the brand’s hallmark creamy cedar and subtle spice without overwhelming the novice. The relatively short smoking time (30–45 minutes) and accessible price point ($25–$35) make it a low-risk way to experience Cohiba’s refined blending philosophy.

Cohiba Cigar Lineup

Explore 17 Cohiba cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Behike 54 — Shortish Torpedo (Pirámide-style), Full · $75–$120 per cigar depending on market and duty-free vs. secondary
  • Behike BHK 52 — Salomones (tapered at both ends, semi-torpedo profile), Medium-Full · $50–$80 per cigar depending on market and region; Cuban state pricing vs. secondary market fluctuation is significant
  • Behike BHK 54 — Medio Tiempo / Short Robusto, Medium-Full · $55–$80 per cigar (varies by market; heavily affected by grey market and resale premiums)
  • Behike BHK 56 — Salomones, Full · $50–$80 per cigar (varies significantly by market and gray market sourcing)
  • Cohiba Lanceros — Lancero, Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar (LCDH and authorized import pricing; grey market varies widely)
  • Cohiba Siglo Ii — Corona, Medium · $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH/authorized pricing); significant gray market variance
  • Cohiba Siglo VI — Gran Corona, Medium-Full · $50–$75 per cigar (MSRP varies by market; significantly higher in secondary/grey markets)
  • Esplendido — Churchill, Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar (depending on market and box purchase)
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar (Cuban MSRP; grey-market import pricing significantly higher in US markets)
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Secretos — Petit Corona, Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Siglo I — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $25–$35 per cigar (MSRP varies by market; significantly higher on secondary/grey market)
  • Siglo II — Mareva (Corona), Medium · $25–$35 per cigar (subject to regional market and duty fluctuation)
  • Siglo III — Corona Extra, Medium · $35–$45 per cigar (MSRP at LCDH and authorized retailers; secondary market varies)
  • Siglo IV — Corona Grande, Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar depending on market and duty
  • Siglo V — Corona Grande, Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers); significantly higher on secondary market outside Cuba
  • Siglo VI — Gran Corona, Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar depending on market and duty status

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Cohiba cigars made?

Authentic Cuban Cohibas are handmade at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, the dedicated facility for this brand. Some non-Cuban versions are produced in the Dominican Republic, but these are separate products with different blends and no connection to Habanos S.A.

What is Cohiba known for?

Cohiba is known for being the flagship Cuban cigar brand, originally created for Fidel Castro and later released globally. It is famous for using rare medio tiempo tobacco, a triple-fermentation process, and its status as a symbol of prestige and luxury in the cigar world.

Are Cohiba cigars strong?

Cohiba cigars vary in strength from mild-medium (Siglo I) to full (Behike 54). Most of the core line—Siglo II through VI, Robusto, Esplendido—falls into the medium to medium-full range, offering balanced complexity rather than overwhelming power.

What is the best Cohiba cigar for beginners?

The Cohiba Siglo I is recommended for beginners due to its mild-medium strength, petite corona size, and shorter smoking time. It offers the classic Cohiba flavor profile without being too intense or expensive.

How much do Cohiba cigars cost?

Prices vary dramatically by market. Authorized LCDH prices range from $18–$24 for a Robusto to $75–$120 for a Behike 54. Secondary and grey markets, especially in the U.S., can double or triple these figures. Duty-free sources may offer slight discounts.

What wrapper does Cohiba use?

Authentic Cuban Cohibas use medio tiempo leaf (a rare upper priming from Vuelta Abajo) as a wrapper or binder in many lines, along with seco and ligero leaves. Non-Cuban versions use Dominican shade-grown Piloto Cubano or other wrappers, but these are not official Cohiba blends.

Are Cohiba cigars Cuban?

Yes, the original and globally recognized Cohiba cigars are Cuban, produced by Habanos S.A. at the El Laguito factory. However, there are non-Cuban cigars sold under the Cohiba name (produced by General Cigar in the Dominican Republic), which are entirely separate products with no relation to the Cuban brand.

Where can I buy Cohiba cigars?

The most reliable sources are La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores, authorized Habanos S.A. retailers in countries where Cuban cigars are legal, and duty-free shops at international airports. Due to U.S. trade embargoes, Cuban Cohibas are illegal to buy or sell in the United States; any Cohibas found there are likely counterfeit or grey-market imports.