Cohiba

I still remember the first time I held a Cohiba Lancero. It was 2003, at a small cigar lounge in Madrid, and the owner—an old Cuban expatriate named Miguel—placed it in my hand like he was passing me a piece of history. "This," he said, "is what Castro smoked when he wanted to impress Khrushchev." Whether that story was true didn't matter. What mattered was the next 90 minutes: the most elegant, creamy, perfectly constructed smoke I'd ever experienced.

Two decades and hundreds of Cohibas later, I can tell you this brand lives up to its legend. The tercio fermentation process, the medio tiempo leaves in the Behike line, the meticulous selection at El Laguito—these aren't marketing gimmicks. You taste the difference. Every. Single. Time.

Complete Guide to Cohiba Product Lines

Línea Clásica (Classic Line)

The original Cohiba line, featuring the brand's founding vitolas. These cigars showcase the classic Cohiba profile: medium-to-full body with notes of cedar, coffee, and cream. Rolled at El Laguito since 1966, these are the cigars that built the legend.

• Cohiba Lanceros - 7.5" x 38. The original vitola created for Fidel Castro. A refined smoking experience for the true connoisseur.
• Cohiba Esplendidos - 7" x 47. Churchill format delivering rich complexity and perfect balance.
• Cohiba Robustos - 4.9" x 50. Concentrated flavors in a classic robusto format.
• Cohiba Robustos Tubos (15) - Presentation in aluminum tubes for optimal freshness.
• Cohiba Coronas Especiales - 6" x 38. Elegant panetela format with refined character.
• Cohiba Panetelas - 4.5" x 26. Delicate and ideal for a quick, flavorful experience.
• Cohiba Exquisitos - 5" x 36. Small but packed with the signature Cohiba complexity.
• Cohiba Esplendidos Petaca - Esplendidos in travel-friendly petaca packaging.

Línea 1492 (Siglo Series)

Launched in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage, the Siglo series offers a slightly lighter profile while maintaining Cohiba's signature complexity. Numbered I through VI, each size provides a distinct experience. The Medio Siglo was added in 2014 as a shorter alternative.

• Cohiba Siglo I - 4" x 40. Perfect introduction to Cohiba.
• Cohiba Siglo II - 5.125" x 42. The bestselling Siglo format worldwide.
• Cohiba Siglo III - 6.125" x 42. Elegant corona gorda with extended complexity.
• Cohiba Siglo IV - 5.625" x 46. Rich, satisfying, and beautifully balanced.
• Cohiba Siglo V - 6.75" x 43. The sophisticated lonsdale for extended sessions.
• Cohiba Siglo VI - 5.9" x 52. The flagship of the Siglo line, full-bodied and complex.
• Cohiba Medio Siglo - 4.1" x 52. Short robusto introduced in 2014.
• Siglo VI Tubos (15 en Petacas) - Premium presentation with individual tubes.
• Siglo VI Tubos Box of 15 - Cabinet selection in tubes.
• Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 - Ultra-rare aged Gran Reserva edition.

Cohiba Maduro 5

Introduced in 2007, the Maduro 5 line features a stunning sun-grown maduro wrapper aged for five years. This wrapper delivers rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and dried fruit while maintaining the signature Cohiba smoothness. A game-changer that proved Cuban tobaccos could produce exceptional maduros.

• Maduro 5 Secretos - 4.375" x 40. Concentrated maduro intensity.
• Maduro 5 Secretos (Box of 25) - Full box presentation.
• Maduro 5 Mágicos - 4.5" x 52. Robusto format with full maduro character.
• Maduro 5 Genios - 5.5" x 52. The diadema of the Maduro line.

Cohiba Behike (BHK) - Ultra Premium

The ultra-premium Behike line, launched in 2010, represents the absolute pinnacle of Cuban cigar production. What sets Behike apart is the inclusion of medio tiempo leaves—the two small leaves that grow at the very top of select tobacco plants, receiving the most sunlight and developing the most intense flavors. Only 10% of plants produce these rare leaves, making every Behike a limited treasure.

• Behike 52 (BHK 52) - 4.75" x 52. The smallest Behike, intensely flavored.
• Behike 54 (BHK 54) - 5.75" x 54. Perfect balance of size and complexity.
• Behike 56 (BHK 56) - 6.5" x 56. The ultimate Cohiba experience.
• Behike Pack - Sampler with all three Behike sizes.

Pirámides and Other Vitolas

Beyond the main lines, Cohiba produces exceptional figurados and special formats:

• Cohiba Pirámides - 6.1" x 52. Classic torpedo/pirámide format.
• Pirámides Extra Tubos (15) - In aluminum tubes for preservation.
• Pirámides Extra 2011 Cabinet - Special cabinet selection.
• Cohiba Ideales - Classic and elegant petit format.
• Cohiba Novedosos LCDH - La Casa del Habano exclusive.

Special Presentations and Gift Sets

For the collector or as exceptional gifts, these special presentations showcase Cohiba's finest:

• Siglo VI Ceramic Jar - 25 cigars in elegant ceramic humidor.
• Behike 56 Ceramic Jar - Premium presentation for the ultimate Behike.
• Pirámides Extra Ceramic Jar - Figurados in collectible ceramic.
• Cedar Petaca Siglo VI (5) - Cedar travel case with five Siglo VI.
• Cedar Petaca Siglo VI Gran Reserva (5) - Rare Gran Reserva in cedar.
• Cedar Petaca Robusto Cosecha 2014 (5) - Special harvest edition.
• Cedar Petaca Behike 52 (5) - BHK 52 in premium cedar case.
• Cedar Petaca Behike 54 (5) - BHK 54 travel presentation.
• Cohiba Luxury Gift Kit - Complete set with cutter, torch, and travel humidor.
• 50 Aniversario Travel Humidor - Commemorative travel set.
• Cohiba Selección Reserva - Curated selection of premium vitolas.
• Top Rated Cigar Aficionado Sampler - Collection of highest-rated cigars including Cohiba.

Cohiba Size and Strength Comparison

Cohiba Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Cohiba cigars are renowned for their refined complexity and signature smoothness. The tercio fermentation process—an extra fermentation step exclusive to Cohiba—creates a distinctive flavor profile that sets these cigars apart from all other Cuban brands. The result is a cleaner, more refined smoke with remarkable depth.

Primary Flavor Notes

• Cedar and wood - The dominant characteristic across all lines, from subtle in Siglos to pronounced in Clásica.
• Roasted coffee - Especially prominent in Behike and Maduro lines, adding depth and complexity.
• Cream and butter - The signature Cohiba smoothness that makes every puff silk on the palate.
• Honey sweetness - Natural sweetness from premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco.
• Black pepper - Subtle spice on the retrohale, more present in larger ring gauges.

Maduro 5 Specific Notes

• Dark chocolate and cocoa
• Dried fruit and raisins
• Espresso and roasted nuts
• Molasses sweetness

Behike Specific Notes

• Intense, concentrated flavors from medio tiempo leaves
• Layers of spice, earth, and floral hints
• Extended complexity that evolves dramatically through the smoke
• Finish that lingers for minutes

How to Identify Authentic Cohiba Cigars

Cohiba is the most counterfeited cigar brand in the world. Here's how to verify authenticity when you buy Cohiba cigars:

The Cohiba Band (Anillo)

• Holographic elements - The head of the Taíno Indian should show holographic shine when tilted under light.
• Embossed texture - Run your finger across the band; authentic bands have raised lettering you can feel.
• White squares - Exactly three rows of small white squares above "Cohiba"—count them.
• Gold borders - Clean, crisp gold lines with no bleeding, smudging, or inconsistencies.
• Consistent spacing - Letters evenly spaced with identical fonts throughout.

The Box and Packaging

• Official Habanos hologram seal on the box (check for watermarks when tilted)
• Factory code printed on bottom (should show "BL" for El Laguito)
• Date stamp in Cuban format (MES/AÑO)
• Serial number matching the hologram—scan with Habanos app to verify

Best Drink Pairings for Cohiba Cigars

The right beverage pairing elevates the Cohiba smoking experience. Here are my tested combinations:

• Aged Cuban Rum - Havana Club 7 años or Santiago de Cuba 12 años complement the cedar notes beautifully.
• Single Malt Scotch - Speyside malts (Macallan, Glenfiddich) match Cohiba's inherent smoothness.
• Cognac - VSOP or XO cognac pairs beautifully with Behike's layered complexity.
• Espresso - A classic Cuban combination, especially with Maduro 5. The coffee notes harmonize perfectly.
• Tawny Port - Enhances the natural sweetness of the Siglo line.
• Dark Chocolate - 70%+ cacao alongside a Maduro 5 is an indulgence worth trying.

Cohiba Storage and Aging Recommendations

Proper storage ensures your Cohiba cigars reach their full potential. These aren't cheap smokes—treat them right:

• Humidity - Maintain 65-70% relative humidity. Cohibas prefer the lower end (65-67%) for optimal burn.
• Temperature - Store between 65-70°F (18-21°C). Never above 72°F to prevent tobacco beetles.
• Aging potential - Cohiba cigars age exceptionally well. Siglo VI and Behike improve dramatically over 5-10+ years.
• Resting period - Allow shipped cigars to rest 2-4 weeks minimum before smoking. After long transport, 6-8 weeks is better.
• Rotation - Rotate boxes every few months to ensure even humidity distribution.

Cohiba Limited Editions and Collectibles

Habanos S.A. releases special Cohiba editions that become highly sought after by collectors. These limited releases often appreciate significantly in value:

• Cohiba 55 Aniversario (2021) - Celebrating 55 years of the brand with an exclusive vitola.
• Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 (50th Anniversary) - Commemorative humidor celebrating half a century.
• Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 - The iconic large-format celebration cigar.
• Cohiba 1966 Cabinet - Special cabinet selection honoring the founding year.
• Cohiba Talismán (2017) - Limited Edition featuring a unique vitola, launched in London.
• Cohiba Robusto Supremo (2014) - Limited Edition robusto extra format.
• Cohiba Sublime (2004) - Early limited edition, now highly collectible.
• Cohiba Pirámides Limited Edition (2001) - One of the first modern LEs.
• Cohiba Double Corona Limited Edition - Rare large format release.
• Cohiba 24 Pirámides Luxury Humidor (2006) - Collector's humidor with 24 pirámides.
• Cohiba Siglo de Oro - Year of the Rabbit - Regional Asia Pacific edition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cohiba

What is the best Cohiba cigar for beginners?

The Cohiba Siglo II is ideal for those new to Cuban cigars. Its medium body and 45-minute smoke time provide an accessible introduction to the brand's signature flavors without overwhelming the palate. If you want something shorter, the Siglo I or Medio Siglo are excellent starting points.

Why are Cohiba cigars so expensive?

Cohiba's premium pricing reflects several factors: exclusive production at El Laguito factory, the additional tercio fermentation process (which adds months to production), use of the finest Vuelta Abajo tobacco, and for the Behike line, the rare medio tiempo leaves. Each cigar requires significantly more time and expertise to produce than standard Cuban cigars.

How can I tell if my Cohiba is fake?

Check the holographic band for the Taíno head that shifts when tilted, verify embossed lettering by touch, examine the box for official Habanos seals, and confirm the factory code shows "BL" (El Laguito). Use the Habanos authentication app to scan the serial number. When in doubt, purchase only from authorized retailers like Cuban Cigar Online.

What is the difference between Cohiba Siglo and Behike?

The Siglo line offers medium-bodied cigars with refined complexity, while Behike represents ultra-premium full-bodied cigars featuring rare medio tiempo leaves. Behike cigars are more intense, complex, and significantly more expensive due to limited tobacco availability. Think of Siglo as the everyday luxury and Behike as the special occasion reserve.

How long do Cohiba cigars last in a humidor?

Properly stored at 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F, Cohiba cigars last indefinitely and actually improve with age. Many enthusiasts age their Cohibas 5-15 years for enhanced smoothness and complexity. The Gran Reserva editions demonstrate how beautifully aged Cohiba tobacco performs.

What makes El Laguito factory special?

El Laguito is Cuba's most prestigious cigar factory, exclusively producing Cohiba. Originally a mansion, it was converted to a factory in 1966 specifically for Cohiba production. The torcedores (rollers) here are among the most skilled in the world, and the factory maintains the strictest quality control in the Cuban cigar industry.