Cohiba Robusto — Heritage & History

Cohiba Robusto was born from a 1989 decision to grant the public access to a blend reserved for Fidel Castro and Cuban diplomats since 1966. The original Cohiba line, created at the El Laguito factory in Havana, used a third fermentation in cedar-lined barrels—a technique unique to the brand. The Robusto vitola, introduced in 1989, was the first new size in the classic line, and its immediate success prompted the expansion of the Cohiba portfolio. In 1992, the Siglo series (Siglo I through VI) was launched to commemorate Columbus's arrival in the Americas, offering a lighter, more approachable expression. The Behike line, introduced in 2010 for the brand's 40th anniversary, incorporated the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, sourced from the top two leaves of the tobacco plant, and became the most coveted Cuban cigar ever made. The Robusto remains a benchmark, with its blend of Vuelta Abajo seco and ligero leaves, setting the standard for medium-full Cuban smoking.

Blending Philosophy

Cohiba's blending approach is defined by a triple fermentation process, unique among Cuban marcas, which imparts a distinctive smoothness and depth. The classic line, including the Robusto and Esplendido, uses a blend of Vuelta Abajo seco and ligero leaves, with the seco providing aroma and the ligero adding body. The Behike line elevates this by incorporating Medio Tiempo, a rare leaf from the top of the plant, which adds intensity and complexity without harshness. The Maduro 5 series uses a five-year-aged maduro wrapper, a departure from the typical Corojo or Habano, offering a sweeter, darker profile. Construction is meticulous, with each cigar rolled by the most skilled torcedores at El Laguito, ensuring a perfect draw and even burn. This attention to leaf selection and aging, rather than marketing, is what sets Cohiba apart.

Flavor Profile

Across the range, Cohiba Robusto cigars present a core of cedar and leather, underpinned by a subtle white pepper spice that emerges on the retrohale. The classic Robusto offers a creamy texture with notes of dark cocoa and a hint of dried fruit, building to a medium-full finish. The Behike BHK 52 intensifies this profile, adding espresso and a more pronounced pepper kick, while the Siglo VI is smoother, with more floral and honeyed notes due to its lighter blend. The Maduro 5 Genios introduces a distinct sweetness, like molasses, alongside the cedar, with a fuller body. The Medio Siglo, a smaller format, delivers a quicker, more concentrated burst of the classic profile, with less creaminess but more spice. Across the board, the finish is long, with a lingering leather and cocoa note that defines the brand.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Cohiba Robusto Medio Siglo is an ideal entry point. At $16–$21, it's the most accessible price in the lineup, and its medium strength is forgiving. Expect a 45-minute smoke with flavors of cedar, a touch of honey, and mild white pepper. It's a perfect introduction to the Cohiba character without the intensity of the Behike or Maduro lines.

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 made in Cuba at the El Laguito factory in Havana, which is the exclusive production facility for the Cohiba brand. The factory is known for its meticulous rolling standards, and only the most experienced torcedores are employed there.

What is Cohiba Robusto known for?

Cohiba Robusto is known for being the first new size added to the original Cohiba line in 1989, and for its role in popularizing the robusto format among Cuban cigars. It is also recognized for its use of a triple fermentation process, which is unique to Cohiba, and for the introduction of the Medio Tiempo leaf in the Behike line, which has become a benchmark for premium Cuban cigars.

Are Cohiba Robusto cigars strong?

Cohiba Robusto cigars range from medium to full strength, depending on the specific vitola. The classic Robusto is medium-full, while the Behike BHK 52 and 54 are also medium-full but with more intensity. The Maduro 5 Genios is full strength, while the Medio Siglo and Secretos are medium. The Short is mild-medium, offering a lighter option.

What is the best Cohiba Robusto cigar for beginners?

The Cohiba Robusto Medio Siglo is the best choice for beginners. It is a medium-strength cigar with a moderate price point, making it less intimidating than the stronger or more expensive options. Its flavor profile is approachable, with notes of cedar and honey, and it offers a shorter smoking time, which is ideal for those new to the hobby.

How much do Cohiba Robusto cigars cost?

Cohiba Robusto cigars vary significantly in price depending on the line and market. The classic Robusto ranges from $30 to $45 per cigar, while the Behike BHK 52 can cost $50 to $80, and the BHK 56 up to $120. More affordable options include the Medio Siglo at $16–$21 and the Short at $12–$16. Prices are higher in secondary markets, especially in the US.

What wrapper does Cohiba Robusto use?

Cohiba Robusto cigars use a variety of wrappers depending on the line. The classic Robusto and Siglo series use Cuban Seco leaf from Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río. The Behike line incorporates Medio Tiempo, a rare leaf from the top of the plant, also from Vuelta Abajo. The Maduro 5 series uses a shade-grown, five-year-aged maduro wrapper, while the Short uses a Cuban Volado wrapper. All wrappers are grown in Cuba, with the exception of some limited editions that may use Dominican or Ecuadorian leaves.

Are Cohiba Robusto cigars Cuban?

Yes, Cohiba Robusto cigars are Cuban. They are produced exclusively at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba. However, there are also Cohiba-branded cigars made in the Dominican Republic by General Cigar, but these are not the same as the Cuban Cohiba Robusto and are not part of the Cuban portfolio. The Cuban Cohiba Robusto is the only one with the original blend and production method.

Where can I buy Cohiba Robusto cigars?

Cohiba Robusto cigars can be purchased at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) boutiques, which are authorized retailers, and at duty-free shops in Cuban airports. Prices vary by country due to import duties. In the US, they are not legally available, but can be found on the secondary market at a premium. Always buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity.