Cohiba has become the most prestigious cigar brand of Cuba although it is not that old. The cigar has become synonymous with post revolution Cuba and Fidel Castro. There are many stories about the creation of Cohiba.

 

 

Fidel Castro was once an avid cigar smoker. In fact it was one way that the CIA plotted to assassinate him by trying to plant an exploding cigar in his office. In the early 1960's Fidel noticed that one of his bodyguards smoked a cigar that had a fine aroma. He inquired as to what brand it was. The man replied that it was a blend created by a friend of his. Upon trying one of these cigars, Castro was so impressed that the idea for Cohiba was born.

 

The legendary factory of El Laguito was born in 1966 and the recipe for the Cohiba brand was formalized. One key difference was that El Laguito was to be a place for women to have the opportunity to work in the cigar industry which until then was dominated by men. The cigars became a symbol of the Cuban revolution and not only were they enjoyed by Castro but they became the diplomatic gift of the Cuban government.

 

The name Cohiba came from the indigenous Taino Indian word for the rudimentary cigars that Columbus witnessed the natives smoking. The logo which adorns Cohiba boxes is the silhouette of a Taino Indian.

 

In 1982 the Cohiba brand was launched to the public. Initially the brand was available in only a few sizes. In 1992, the Siglo series was born to mark the 500 years since the epic voyage of Columbus. In 2001, the Siglo VI was launched to celebrate the new century.

 

Today Cohiba is available in many different packaging configurations and is readily available at fine tobacconists worldwide.

 

 

Cohiba is one of the two Cuban brands that receive triple fermentation to the filler leaves. The filler leaves are piled gently in empty rum barrels to add additional smoothness to the brand. The blend for Cohiba comes from five of the finest plantations within the Vuelta Abajo region where the finest tobaccos in the world are grown.

 

The Cohiba band was recently updated to thwart counterfeiters who have caused significant problems for Habanos. Look for raised gold foil lettering on Cohiba's made from 2003 and after.

 

 

Lastly, a word to the wise about purchasing Cohiba. They are by nature an expensive cigar. Be wary of any Cohiba that seems to be priced under the natural market price in that area. Cohiba cigars are always packaged in boxes that are made to strict standards. Beware of shoddy packaging and missing indicators of authenticity.