Cohiba — Heritage & History

Cohiba was born in 1966 as a private smoke for Fidel Castro, created by the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, under the direction of master blender Eduardo Rivera. The brand remained a state secret until 1982, when it was released commercially — a debut that upended the cigar world by introducing a triple-fermented blend, a process that had never been used in Cuban cigar making. The original line, including the Lanceros and Esplendido, was crafted exclusively from selected Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, with the signature addition of Medio Tiempo leaf — a rare upper-priming tobacco that Rivera discovered could amplify aroma and strength. In 1992, the Siglo (Century) series was launched to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in Cuba, offering a milder, more approachable profile. The Behike line, introduced in 2010, pushed the brand further, using a 5-year-aged Medio Tiempo wrapper and commanding unprecedented prices. Today, Cohiba remains the flagship of Habanos S.A., with production still centered at El Laguito, though some lines are also rolled in the Dominican Republic under license.

Blending Philosophy

Cohiba's blending approach is defined by a triple-fermentation process — a technique unique among Cuban marcas — where the pilón (fermentation pile) is broken down and rebuilt three times, yielding a cleaner, more refined smoke. The brand's signature is the inclusion of Medio Tiempo, a rare leaf from the top two primings of the plant, which is used in the Behike line and as a wrapper component in several vitolas. This leaf, grown only in San Luis and San Juan y Martínez, adds a distinct depth and a peppery edge that sets Cohiba apart. The brand also employs a meticulous selection of Seco and Ligero leaves from Vuelta Abajo, with a preference for Corojo-seed and Havana-seed varieties. Construction is exacting, with each cigar rolled by torcedores trained at El Laguito, and aging is extended — often two to three years in cedar-lined rooms — before release. The result is a range that balances power with finesse, from the medium-bodied Siglo I to the full-strength Behike 56.

Flavor Profile

Across the Cohiba range, smokers consistently encounter a core of cedar and leather, often layered with white pepper and a subtle dark cocoa note. The Siglo series, particularly the Siglo II and Siglo III, offers a medium-bodied profile with dried fruit sweetness and a creamy texture, while the Lanceros and Esplendido deliver a more pronounced spice and earthy depth. The Behike line, especially the BHK 54 and 56, amplifies the pepper and introduces a toasted nut character, with the Medio Tiempo wrapper contributing a distinct floral aroma and a lingering finish. The Robusto and Secretos are more approachable, showing mild coffee and a gentle sweetness. Strength varies from mild-medium in the Siglo I to full in the Behike 54, but the brand's hallmark is a balanced evolution — each cigar starts with a burst of spice that settles into a smooth, woody core, with minimal harshness even at higher strengths.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Cohiba Siglo II is the ideal entry point. At a medium strength and a more accessible price point (around $25–$35), it offers a gentle introduction to the brand's character. Expect cedar, a touch of honey, and a soft white pepper on the retrohale. It burns for about 45 minutes, making it a manageable commitment for a first Cohiba experience.

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?

Cohiba cigars are primarily made at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, which is the crown jewel of Habanos S.A. However, some lines, particularly those sold in non-Cuban markets, are produced at Tabacalera de García in La Romana, Dominican Republic, under license from General Cigar. The Cuban-made cigars are the most sought-after and are the ones referenced in this profile.

What is Cohiba known for?

Cohiba is known for being the first Cuban cigar brand created exclusively for Fidel Castro, and for its triple-fermentation process, which is unique among Cuban marcas. It is also the only brand to use Medio Tiempo leaf, a rare upper-priming tobacco, in its blends. The Behike line, introduced in 2010, set records for price and prestige, and the Siglo series marked the 500th anniversary of Cuba's discovery.

Are Cohiba cigars strong?

Cohiba's strength range varies from mild-medium to full. The Siglo I is mild-medium, while the Siglo II and III are medium. The Lanceros and Esplendido are medium-full, and the Behike line, particularly the BHK 54 and 56, reaches full strength. The strength is never harsh, thanks to the triple-fermentation process, which smooths out the nicotine kick.

What is the best Cohiba cigar for beginners?

The Cohiba Siglo II is the best choice for beginners. It is medium in strength, making it approachable without being overwhelming, and its price point (around $25–$35) is lower than the Behike or Siglo VI. The flavor profile is mild, with cedar and honey notes, and it smokes in about 45 minutes, which is a manageable duration for a new smoker.

How much do Cohiba cigars cost?

Cohiba cigars range from $18 to $120 per cigar, depending on the line and market. The Robusto and Secretos are the most affordable at $18–$24, while the Siglo I and II are $25–$35. The Behike 54 can reach $75–$120, and the BHK 52–56 typically cost $50–$80. Prices are significantly higher in grey markets, especially in the US.

What wrapper does Cohiba use?

Cohiba uses a variety of wrappers, but the most distinctive is the Cuban Medio Tiempo leaf, which is harvested from the top two leaves of select tobacco plants in Vuelta Abajo, specifically from San Luis and San Juan y Martínez. This leaf is used in the Behike line. Other wrappers include Cuban Vuelta Abajo Seco and Ligero leaves, shade-grown Tapado from Las Villas, and Corojo-seed Havana shade-grown leaves. Some non-Cuban lines use Dominican shade-grown Piloto Cubano.

Are Cohiba cigars Cuban?

Yes, the vast majority of Cohiba cigars are Cuban, made at the El Laguito factory in Havana. However, Cohiba is also a brand name used by General Cigar for cigars made in the Dominican Republic at Tabacalera de García, which are not Cuban. These are distinct products with different blends and are not part of the Cuban Cohiba lineup. The Cuban Cohiba is the one referenced in this profile.

Where can I buy Cohiba cigars?

Cohiba cigars are best purchased at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores, which are authorized retailers for Habanos S.A. and guarantee authenticity. They are also available at duty-free shops in airports, though selection may be limited. In the US, where Cuban cigars are legal for personal use, you can buy them from online retailers that specialize in Cuban cigars, but be aware of grey market premiums. Avoid buying from unauthorized sellers, as counterfeits are common.