Cohiba Robusto — Heritage & History

Cohiba began in 1966 as a private brand for Fidel Castro and Cuban diplomatic officials, created at the El Laguito factory in Havana. The brand's original production was limited to diplomatic gifts, with public release only occurring in 1982. The Robusto vitola was introduced later as part of Cohiba's core line, alongside the Esplendido, Corona Especial, and Lancero. The Robusto quickly became one of the most recognized Cuban cigar formats, celebrated for its balance of complexity and accessibility. Today, Cohiba remains the flagship of Cuban cigar production, with the Robusto representing the brand's commitment to meticulous craftsmanship using exclusively Vuelta Abajo tobacco, including the rare Medio Tiempo leaf in certain blends. Its prestige is amplified by strict quality control and the iconic Taino head band.

Blending Philosophy

Cohiba's blending philosophy centers on the exclusive use of Vuelta Abajo tobacco from the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis regions, with a distinctive three-fermentation process that imparts exceptional smoothness and depth. The brand is renowned for incorporating Medio Tiempo—a rare, sun-grown leaf from the top of the plant—in its most prestigious blends, delivering unparalleled richness. Each vitola is crafted with precise proportions of Volado, Seco, and Ligero leaves to achieve a consistent medium to medium-full profile that balances strength with finesse. The Robusto embodies this ethos: a compact format that showcases the blend's complexity without overwhelming the palate, making it a benchmark for Cuban cigar quality.

Flavor Profile

Cohiba's signature flavor profile across the Robusto range is defined by a creamy, medium to medium-full body with notes of cedar, earth, white pepper, and subtle cocoa. The Robusto vitola typically offers a refined start with hints of leather and toasted nuts, evolving into a core of sweet cedar and floral undertones. The inclusion of Medio Tiempo in certain lines (e.g., Behike) adds an extra layer of spice and dark chocolate intensity. Across the brand, smokers can expect a consistent, silky smoke with a long, elegant finish, though strength varies—from the mild-medium Short to the full-bodied Maduro 5 Genios. The Cuban terroir remains unmistakable: a distinctive ‘twang’ of citrus and hay that defines the portfolio.

Best for Beginners

For those new to premium cigars, the Cohiba Short is the ideal entry point. Its mild to medium strength, shorter smoking time (20–30 minutes), and approachable price ($12–$16 per cigar) make it a low-commitment introduction to Cohiba's characteristic creamy cedar and nutty notes. The format allows beginners to experience the brand's renowned construction and balance without the intensity of larger vitolas.

Cohiba Robusto Cigar Lineup

Explore 19 Cohiba Robusto cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Behike BHK 52 — Robusto Extra, Medium-Full · $50–$80 per cigar (authorized dealers); secondary market and duty-free pricing varies significantly
  • Behike BHK 54 — Robusto Extra, Medium-Full · $80–$110 per cigar (LCDH and authorized Cuban retailers); significantly higher on secondary market
  • Behike BHK 56 — Gran Toro, Medium-Full · $80–$120 per cigar depending on market and import duties
  • Corona Especial — Corona Especial (Laguito No. 3), Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (depending on market and provenance; Cuban MSRP varies by country of purchase)
  • Esplendido — Churchill, Medium-Full · $45–$75 per cigar depending on market (Cuba, Europe, or secondary/gray market)
  • Esplendidos — Churchill, Medium-Full · $45–$75 per cigar (depending on market and black market premiums; MSRP at LCDH boutiques approximately €35–€55)
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $30–$55 per cigar (Cuban MSRP via official channels; significantly higher on secondary/grey market in the US)
  • Maduro 5 Genios — Perfecto, Full · $35–$55 per cigar (varies significantly by market; subject to Cuban export pricing and regional retailer markup)
  • Medio Siglo — Robusto, Medium · $16–$21 per cigar
  • Piramides — Piramide (Torpedo), Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar (depending on market; LCDH and grey market pricing varies considerably)
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $30–$45 per cigar (depending on market and duty status; LCDH and authorized retailers vary widely)
  • Secretos — Robusto, Medium · $15–$20 per cigar
  • Short — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Siglo I — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers); significant regional variation
  • Siglo II — Petit Corona, Medium · $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH or authorized retailer); higher in grey market
  • Siglo III — Corona Extra, Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (depending on market, duty, and retailer)
  • Siglo IV — Corona Grande, Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (depending on market — LCDH, duty-free, or secondary)
  • Siglo V — Corona Gorda (Siglo V), Medium · $35–$55 per cigar depending on retailer and market (MSRP varies significantly by country due to import duties and gray m
  • Siglo VI — Gran Corona, Medium-Full · $35–$55 per cigar (varies heavily by market; gray market and LCDH pricing differ substantially)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Cohiba Robusto cigars made?

Cohiba Robusto cigars are hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba. This facility is the exclusive production site for all Cohiba vitolas, using only tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río.

What is Cohiba Robusto known for?

Cohiba Robusto is renowned for its balanced medium-full profile, flawless construction, and the use of exclusive Vuelta Abajo tobacco. It is considered a benchmark for Cuban robustos, offering a complex palate of cedar, earth, and white pepper with a creamy finish.

Are Cohiba Robusto cigars strong?

The Cohiba Robusto falls in the medium-full strength range. While not overpowering, it delivers a satisfying nicotine kick. The brand's line includes milder options (Short, Siglo I) and fuller-bodied vitolas (Maduro 5 Genios), so strength varies by specific blend.

What is the best Cohiba Robusto cigar for beginners?

The Cohiba Short is the best choice for beginners due to its mild-medium strength, short smoking time, and lower price ($12–$16). It provides an accessible introduction to Cohiba's trademark creamy, nutty flavors without the intensity of larger formats.

How much do Cohiba Robusto cigars cost?

The standard Cohiba Robusto ranges from $30–$45 per cigar at LCDH and authorized retailers, depending on market and duty status. The Short is more affordable at $12–$16, while limited editions like the Behike BHK 52 can cost $50–$80 or more on the secondary market.

What wrapper does Cohiba Robusto use?

Cohiba Robusto uses a Cuban Corojo wrapper grown in Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río. Some expressions incorporate shade-grown or aged maduro leaves. The blend typically combines Cuban Volado, Seco, and Ligero fillers, with premium lines featuring Medio Tiempo leaf.

Are Cohiba Robusto cigars Cuban?

Yes, all authentic Cohiba Robusto cigars are Cuban. The brand is produced exclusively by Habanos S.A. at the El Laguito factory. Non-Cuban 'Cohiba' cigars exist from General Cigar (Dominican Republic), but they are separate brands with different blends and origins.

Where can I buy Cohiba Robusto cigars?

Authorized sources include La Casa del Habano (LCDH) boutiques, Habanos Specialists, and duty-free shops outside the US. In the US, Cuban Cohibas are illegal for sale due to the embargo, so secondary markets or gray market retailers are common but carry authenticity risks.