Cohiba

Cohiba stands as the most prestigious and recognizable Cuban cigar brand in the world, representing the absolute pinnacle of premium cigar craftsmanship. This flagship brand is considered the most prestigious in the tobacco world and the elite of Habanos, commanding premium prices and a cult-like following among cigar enthusiasts globally. Known for using some of the finest cigar tobacco available in Cuba, selected from the finest Vegas Finas de Primera in the San Luis and San Juan y Martinez zones of the Vuelta Abajo region, Cohiba represents luxury, exclusivity, and uncompromising quality. The brand's distinctive black-and-yellow bands have become synonymous with sophistication and are instantly recognizable as symbols of premium tobacco excellence.

Background

Cuban Cohiba was established in 1966 as a limited production private brand supplied exclusively to Fidel Castro and high-level officials in the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban government. The brand's origins trace back to 1965 when Castro was given a cigar by his bodyguard, who explained it was a 'fuma' made by his friend Eduardo Rivera Irizarri, who worked in a cigar factory. The Cuban Cohiba brand was formally launched in 1968 at the direction of Cubatabaco, the Cuban state tobacco marketing bureau. The decision to name the cigar Cohiba is credited to Celia Sanchez Manduley, a former guerrilla fighter who became one of Castro's closest confidantes. It was first released commercially for sale to the public in 1982, coinciding with the World Cup held in Spain that year. Often given as diplomatic gifts, the Cohiba brand gradually developed a cult status.

History

Created in 1966, it was initially intended solely as a gift to government personalities and President Fidel Castro, and has been manufactured in the prestigious El Laguito factory in Havana since then. The Cuban Cohiba brand was launched as a premium cigar brand into markets outside of the U.S. in 1982, with the initial three vitolas: the Panetela, the Corona Especial, and the Lancero. In 1989 three more vitolas were added: the Robusto, the Exquisito, and the Espléndido, which became collectively known as the company's Línea Clásica. In 2010, the brand's portfolio was expanded with the launch of the Cohiba Behike line, incorporating Medio Tiempo leaves for the first time.

Reputation

Cohiba is classified by Habanos SA as their Global flagship brand, maintaining a major market share and commanding premium prices. Cuban government and cigar officials take pride in its place as an icon of the Revolution, with quality that suffered less than other brands during difficult periods. The Cohiba Siglo VI has received some of the highest scores from blind reviews, including a 93 from Cigar Aficionado and a 90 from Blind Man's Puff. El Laguito is the most elite cigar factory in Cuba, acclaimed for sourcing only the top grade tobaccos and employing only the best-trained torcedores. The brand represents the absolute pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship and continues to be the most coveted and respected name in premium cigars worldwide.