高希霸

Revolutionary Cigar, Cigar of Power, World's Number-One Brand

If Montecristo is the king of pre-revolution cigars, H. Upmann is the cigar of German bankers, and Trinidad is the diplomatic cigar, Cohiba is the "revolutionary cigar, cigar of power, world's number-one brand" -- a legendary Cuban cigar that evolved from Castro's private preference into a global symbol of status, the absolute flagship of the Habanos system, Asia's highest-status symbolic cigar, and the most collectible and most counterfeited brand in the cigar industry.

The story begins with the Taíno people in 1492.

The Taíno Origin of "Cohiba"

"Cohiba" comes from the language of the Taíno people -- meaning "tobacco" or "rolled tobacco".

When Columbus arrived in Cuba in 1492, the local Taíno Indigenous people rolled tobacco leaves in palm leaves for smoking and called it "Cohiba".

Using Cuba's oldest tobacco term as the brand name was Castro's official tribute to "pre-colonial Cuban culture" -- the same naming logic was later used for "Caney" in La Flor del Caney.

1963: Castro's Accidental Encounter with Cohiba

Cohiba originated from an accidental event in 1963 -- Castro's private bodyguard captain, "Chico" Pérez, presented Castro with cigars rolled by his friend Eduardo Rivera.

After smoking one, Castro was deeply fascinated -- "This is the best cigar I have ever smoked".

From then on, Castro recruited Rivera to roll cigars specifically for him -- one of the most dramatic "from private preference to global brand" origins in the cigar industry.

1966: The Forbidden Cigar

In 1966, Castro recruited Eduardo Rivera as his private cigar roller -- and began using these cigars as "diplomatic gifts" for visiting foreign leaders.

From the beginning, Cohiba was a "cigar of power" -- only Castro, senior figures of the Communist Party of Cuba, and foreign dignitaries could possess it.

At that time, Cohiba was not sold commercially; it was a true "forbidden cigar" -- the most mysterious period in the cigar industry.

1968: The Establishment of the El Laguito Factory

In 1968, the El Laguito factory was formally established -- located in a converted mansion in the Marianao district of Havana (originally the residence of a wealthy family, confiscated after the revolution).

El Laguito became Cohiba's only factory -- dedicated to producing Castro's private cigars and diplomatic gifts.

"Laguito" means "small lake" in Spanish -- named after the geographical feature of the factory's location.

Avelino Lara (1925-2017) was the first director of the El Laguito factory and the leading figure behind the Cohiba blend -- he is known as the "Father of Cohiba".

Lara and Eduardo Rivera jointly designed Cohiba's unique three-stage aging and fermentation method -- one of the most treasured technical secrets in the cigar industry.

Led by Female Torcedoras

The tradition of Cohiba's El Laguito factory being "led by female torcedoras" -- Castro believed women's fingers were more delicate and better suited to rolling top-tier cigars.

El Laguito was among the first factories after the revolution to employ a large number of female cigar rollers -- an important milestone in the gender history of the cigar industry. Today, Cohiba's El Laguito factory is still primarily staffed by female torcedoras.

Three-Stage Aging and Fermentation: Cohiba's Exclusive Craft

Cohiba's unique three-stage aging and fermentation method:

1. The tobacco leaves first undergo initial fermentation on the farm
2. They undergo secondary fermentation at the factory
3. Cohiba's exclusive "third fermentation" (the tobacco leaves are further aged in wooden barrels for several months)

This third fermentation is a process not found in other Cuban brands -- the key to Cohiba's distinctive flavor.

Only Cohiba uses medio tiempo (the strongest leaves at the top of the tobacco plant) as filler -- other brands do not.

1982: Commercial Release Shocks the Cigar World

In 1982, Cohiba was commercially released -- shocking the cigar world!

The first release included 3 Línea Clásica classic series cigars:

• Lanceros (7½" × 38, vitola: Laguito No.1, favored by Castro)
• Coronas Especiales (6" × 38, vitola: Laguito No.2)
• Panetelas (4½" × 26, vitola: Laguito No.3)

From then on, Cohiba changed from a "forbidden cigar" into "the highest-tier Cuban cigar available globally".

1985: Castro Quits Smoking and the U.S. Trademark Lawsuit

In 1985, Castro publicly quit smoking due to health concerns -- he also encouraged the Cuban people to quit smoking.

But the Cohiba brand continued to grow -- although Castro no longer smoked, he still used Cohiba as a national diplomatic gift. Castro's personal affection for Cohiba remained unchanged until his death -- the spiritual foundation of the brand.

The U.S. trademark lawsuit, Cohiba vs General Cigar -- General Cigar registered the "Cohiba" trademark in the United States in 1985 (before the Cuban brand was actually commercially available in the U.S.). Cubatabaco and General Cigar litigated for decades.

To prepare for the possibility of losing the case, Cubatabaco registered the backup name "Behique" in 1985 and changed it to "Behike" in 1988 -- Behike later became the name of Cohiba's highest-end series.

1989: Línea Clásica Completed

In 1989, Línea Clásica added 3 new sizes:

• Espléndidos (Churchill size 7" × 47) -- one of the world's most famous Cuban Churchill cigars
• Robustos (5" × 50) -- one of the world's most famous Cuban Robusto cigars
• Exquisitos (5" × 33)

This completed the lineup of the "6-cigar classic series".

1992: The Siglo Series Commemorates Columbus

In 1992, Cohiba launched the Siglo series to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the New World:

• Siglo I (4" × 40)
• Siglo II (5" × 42)
• Siglo III (6⅛" × 42)
• Siglo IV (5⅝" × 46)
• Siglo V (6¾" × 43)

"Siglo" means "century" in Spanish -- it became Cohiba's second regular series.

In 2002, Siglo VI was added (5⅞" × 52) to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the El Laguito factory.

2003-2009: Reserva and Gran Reserva

Cohiba Reserva series (from 2003): limited aged versions of Línea Clásica sizes -- the tobacco leaves are aged for at least 3 years. The first Cohiba Reserva was Siglo VI Reserva (2003).

Cohiba Gran Reserva series (from 2009): the tobacco leaves are aged for at least 5 years -- a higher grade than Reserva. The first Cohiba Gran Reserva was Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2009 Cosecha -- only 5,000 numbered humidors, each with 15 cigars. The price exceeded USD 5,000 per box -- one of the most expensive limited releases in the cigar industry.

2006: Behike Humidor

In 2006, the Cohiba Behike Humidor was released in a limited edition -- only 100 humidors, 40 cigars each -- commemorating the 40th anniversary of the El Laguito factory.

"Behike" is a Taíno word meaning "tribal shaman (highest authority)" -- the most prestigious name in the brand's history.

This Behike humidor is one of the highest-priced collectibles in the cigar industry -- auction prices have reached USD 250,000 per humidor.

2007: Maduro 5 Series

Cohiba Maduro 5 series (released in 2007):

• Genios (5½" × 52)
• Magicos (4½" × 52)
• Secretos (4¼" × 40)

The first all-dark-wrapper Cohiba -- "Maduro" means "mature" in Spanish -- referring to dark wrappers that have undergone long-term aging. Maduro wrappers aged for 5 years -- Cohiba's "deeper version".

2010: The BHK Series, the Holy Grail of the Cigar Industry

In 2010, Cohiba officially launched the BHK (Behike) series commercially:

• BHK 52 (4¾" × 52)
• BHK 54 (5⅞" × 54)
• BHK 56 (6⅛" × 56)

This is the highest-end regular series in Cohiba history -- using only "medio tiempo" (the strongest leaves at the top of the tobacco plant) as filler.

Global prices reached USD 50-100 per cigar -- making it the most expensive regular-production cigar in the industry. BHK 56 is regarded as the "Holy Grail of the cigar industry".

In-Depth Introduction to Flagship Products

Cohiba Lanceros (7½" × 38, vitola: Laguito No.1) -- personally designated by Castro as the "most perfect Cohiba". "Lancero" means "lancer" in Spanish -- referring to the shape of this long, slender cigar. Its special "flat head" design -- a visual signature of Cohiba. A 90+ minute experience -- complex layers of spice, cream, honey, coffee, and cedar.

Cohiba Espléndidos (7" × 47, vitola: Julieta No.2 = Churchill) -- Cohiba's most famous cigar and a global symbol of status. "Espléndido" means "splendid" or "magnificent" in Spanish. A standard item among senior figures of the Communist Party of Cuba, national leaders, and wealthy elites -- priced at USD 80-150 per cigar. A 90-120 minute experience -- the "absolute benchmark" of Cuban cigars.

Cohiba Robustos (5" × 50) -- the world's most famous Cuban Robusto. A 45-60 minute experience -- balanced flavors of spice, cedar, creamy coffee. Priced at USD 40-80 per cigar.

Cohiba Behike BHK 56 (6⅛" × 56, vitola: Geniales) -- the highest-end regular-production cigar in Cohiba history -- the Holy Grail of the cigar industry. Only medio tiempo leaves are used as filler -- a privilege found in no other Cuban brand. Priced at USD 50-150 per cigar -- in Asian auction markets, a single cigar can reach USD 300+. A 90-120 minute experience -- the most complex layers of spicy pepper, dark coffee, cocoa, leather, cedar, and honey.

Cohiba Siglo VI (5⅞" × 52, vitola: Cañonazo) -- the flagship of the Siglo series. A 90-minute experience -- rounder than the BHK series and more modern than Espléndidos. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking "medium strength with complexity".

Flavor: Cohiba's Characteristic Creamy-Sweet Core

Cohiba flavor: medium to full strength

Characteristic flavors: spice (white pepper), cream, coffee (espresso), cocoa, cedar, honey, leather, nuts

Cohiba's most famous trait is its "creamy-sweet core" -- allowing even the strongest Cohiba cigars (such as BHK) to carry a rounded creaminess. This is the "Cohiba signature flavor" not found in other Cuban brands -- the result of the brand's proprietary blend and three-stage fermentation.

Visuals and Packaging

Cohiba wrapper characteristics: extremely oily, dark brown, flawless -- among the most beautiful wrappers in the cigar industry. The top "flat head" design (Lanceros, Espléndidos) is a visual signature of Cohiba.

Cigar band characteristics: yellow Cohiba lettering on a white background, Indigenous head profile, black background with red and gold borders -- one of the most recognizable cigar bands in the cigar industry.

Cohiba is produced at the El Laguito factory (its main production site) -- but some sizes are also produced at the Romeo y Julieta factory (Briones Montoto Factory) and the Partagás factory (accounting for 25% of the Partagás factory). All Vuelta Abajo tobacco, totalmente a mano con tripa larga (entirely handmade with long filler).

China and Asia: Cohiba's Largest Market

Mainland China is Cohiba's largest consumer market worldwide -- especially for the Cohiba Behike BHK series -- the pursuit of BHK 56 by wealthy Chinese individuals and entrepreneurs has pushed prices upward.

Habanos aligns global pricing for Cohiba and Trinidad directly with the Hong Kong market -- Hong Kong is one of the world's most expensive markets for Cuban cigars.

For Chinese-speaking enthusiasts, Cohiba is "Asia's highest-status symbolic cigar".

Counterfeiting: The Cigar Industry's Greatest Challenge

Cohiba is "the most counterfeited Cuban cigar brand" -- an estimated 50-70% of the "Cohiba" cigars circulating globally are counterfeits.

For Taiwanese enthusiasts, distinguishing authenticity is the highest challenge in cigar knowledge.

Only Cohiba imported through the four major official channels (PCC authorized dealers, Cuban official state-run stores, the Swiss general agent, and the Spanish general agent), with Habanos anti-counterfeit certification, is guaranteed authentic.

Counterfeit market prices are usually extremely low (USD 10-20 per cigar) -- authentic cigars range from USD 40 upward to USD 300+ for BHK 56.

What the Chinese-Speaking World Should Know About Cohiba

For Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and Malaysian Chinese enthusiasts:

1. This is an essential "Asia's highest-status symbolic cigar" for collections: Cohiba has mainland China as its largest consumer market worldwide, Hong Kong as its most expensive market, and is a standard cigar among wealthy elites in Asia -- collecting Cohiba is a "life achievement" for Asian cigar enthusiasts.

2. "BHK 56, the Holy Grail of the cigar industry" is the representative work: the highest-end regular series in Cohiba history, using only medio tiempo leaves, with global prices of USD 50-150 per cigar and Asian auction prices reaching USD 300+ -- a cigar many enthusiasts regard as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. "Espléndidos" is a global symbol of status: a standard item among senior figures of the Communist Party of Cuba, national leaders, and wealthy elites -- a 90-120 minute Churchill-size experience -- the "absolute Cuban benchmark".

4. "Lanceros" was personally chosen by Castro: Castro personally designated it as the "most perfect Cohiba" -- special flat head design -- appreciating Lanceros means experiencing Castro's choice.

5. Identifying authenticity is the greatest challenge for Taiwanese enthusiasts: 50-70% of Cohiba cigars circulating globally are counterfeits -- only those imported through the four major official channels (PCC authorized dealers, Cuban official state-run stores, the Swiss general agent, and the Spanish general agent), with Habanos anti-counterfeit certification, are guaranteed authentic. Counterfeit market prices are extremely low (USD 10-20) vs authentic cigars at USD 40-300+.

6. Aged old Cohiba is a sacred item for collectors: aged Cohiba Lanceros from the 1990s can reach auction prices of USD 500+ per cigar -- the Reserva and Gran Reserva series are ultimate targets for cigar collectors.

7. The advanced order for collecting Cohiba: Línea Clásica entry-level Robustos -> Siglo VI advanced -> Espléndidos flagship -> BHK series ultimate -- a complete Cohiba collection is a "life achievement" for Asian cigar enthusiasts.

Why Cohiba Is the "Revolutionary Cigar, Cigar of Power, World's Number-One Brand"

Cohiba is not a cigar in the traditional sense. It is the embodiment of power, a memorial of revolution, and a global symbol of status.

Its path is the "power route" -- from the 1963 accidental event -> 1966 Castro's private cigar -> 1968 El Laguito factory -> 1982 commercial release -> 1989 Línea Clásica completed -> 1992 Siglo commemorating Columbus -> 2006 Behike Humidor -> 2010 BHK series, the Holy Grail of the cigar industry.

Just like Castro, who in 1963 accidentally smoked a cigar rolled by Eduardo Rivera and became deeply fascinated -- a revolutionary leader used cigars as the nation's highest diplomatic gift and ultimately created the world's number-one brand.

For beginners, Cohiba Robustos is the most direct entry point into the "top-tier Cuban world" -- 5×50 size, 45-60 minutes, with spicy, creamy coffee flavors.

For seasoned enthusiasts, Espléndidos is a global symbol of status, Siglo VI is a modern balanced choice, and aged Reserva editions are an advanced collecting target.

For connoisseurs at the level of a Cuban factory director, BHK 56 is the "Holy Grail of the cigar industry" -- using only medio tiempo leaves, with the most complex flavor layers and Asian auction prices of USD 300+ -- the ultimate Cohiba experience.

Chico Pérez, who presented Eduardo Rivera's cigar to Castro in 1963, probably never imagined that 47 years later (2010), this brand would give rise to BHK 56 -- the Holy Grail of the cigar industry. Today, every Cohiba tells the legend of "from revolutionary forbidden cigar to world's number-one brand" -- the most complete testimony to 60 years of the Cuban cigar industry.

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Cohiba Appreciation at W Cigar Bar

Cohiba is a flagship-level Cuban cigar collection at W Cigar Bar (located in Da'an District, Taipei). The Cohiba appreciation experience personally curated by "Cigar Prince" Wilson Tsai -- from entry-level Robustos to BHK 56, the Holy Grail of the cigar industry -- allows Taipei cigar lounge enthusiasts to fully experience the legend of Cohiba in a cigar bar and dining lounge-level appreciation space.

W Cigar Bar works through four major official channels for Cuban cigars: PCC authorized dealer (Pacific Cigar Company), Cuban official state-run stores, Swiss general agent, and Spanish general agent -- diversified official sourcing and multiple chains of authenticity certification. This is the most critical provenance for Taiwanese cigar enthusiasts in identifying authentic Cohiba -- in a market reality where 50-70% of Cohiba cigars circulating globally are counterfeits, the four major official channels are the guarantee of authenticity. W Cigar Bar also provides appreciation and collection access to multi-year aged versions (aged), making it one of the few Da'an District cigar lounges that combines orthodox Habanos provenance with depth of aging as a cigar bar and dining lounge.

For Cohiba enthusiasts:

• Beginners: experiencing Cohiba Robustos at W Cigar Bar is the most direct entry point into the "top-tier Cuban world" -- 45-60 minutes, spicy creamy coffee flavors, a Cuban classic Robusto benchmark
• Advanced enthusiasts: W Cigar Bar's VIP cigar cellar service can store Espléndidos (a global status-symbol Churchill) and Siglo VI (the flagship commemorating El Laguito's 35th anniversary)
• Collectors: W Cigar Bar introduces extremely rare Cohiba Behike BHK 56 (the Holy Grail of the cigar industry, only medio tiempo leaves, Asian auction prices of USD 300+) and Cohiba Gran Reserva (5 years of aging, limited numbered humidors, a USD 5,000+ per box class among the cigar industry's most expensive regular series)

W Cigar Bible (bible.wcigarbar.com) is W Cigar Bar's cigar culture knowledge base, created with full effort by "Cigar Prince" Wilson Tsai, compiling the complete histories, craftsmanship, products, and cultural stories of 60+ Cuban and non-Cuban brands.

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© W Cigar Bar｜This article was written and curated by "Cigar Prince" Wilson Tsai｜Located in Da'an District, Taipei

Taipei cigar lounge · Cigar bar and dining lounge · Cuban cigar culture space · Authentic collection from Pacific Cigar PCC authorized dealership

W Cigar Bible bible.wcigarbar.com｜This article is solely for educational purposes regarding cigar culture, history, and craftsmanship, and does not involve product sales promotion