HISTORY
Cohiba is the flagship brand of Habanos S.A. and was originally created in 1966 for the late President of Cuba, Fidel Castro. They were made at the then top secret, but now world famous, El Laguito factory. At first it was only seen outside Cuba as gifts for heads of state and visiting diplomats and it was not until 1982 that Cohiba was made available in limited quantities to the open market.
The name “Cohiba” is a Taino Indian word for the bunches of tobacco leaves that Columbus first saw being smoked by the original inhabitants of Cuba – the earliest known form of the cigar.
The leaves used for rolling Cohiba vitolas are the “selection of the selection” from the five finest plantations in the San Juan y Martinez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo zone which is widely regarded as the finest tobacco growing land/soil in the world.
Uniquely amongst Havanas up to three of Cohiba’s filler leaves, the seco, ligero and the rare medio tiempo (the latter of which is used only in the Behike range), undergo an extra fermentation in barrels, which adds smoothness to the blend.
All sizes of Cohiba are ‘tripa larga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade. Cohiba encompasses four different Líneas, or Lines.
A stocky cigar with a dark countenance accentuated by its aged wrapper taken from the oily upper leaves of shade-grown plants. Rich, spicy and with a great draw. Suits aficionados with limited time.
TASTING NOTES
A robust medium-to-full bodied cigar with rich, dark notes of molasses, bitter dark chocolate, and freshly roasted espresso coffee. As the smoke develops, layers of deep earth, aged cedar, and a subtle black pepper spice emerge, creating a powerful and complex blend. The overall experience is creamy and decadent, offering a long, satisfying finish.
This cigar is best paired with a bold companion, such as a full-bodied, peaty Single Malt Scotch Whisky or a well-aged dark rum.
CIGAR INFORMATION
Country of Origin: Cuba
Flavour profile: Medium to Full-bodied
Vitola: Magico
Size: 52 ring gauge, 4 1/2 inches
Smoking time: 30 minutes