Cohiba at 60: A Legacy of Cuban Excellence

In Havana, craftsmanship is measured in decades rather than seasons. In 2026, Cohiba marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades since a cigar originally crafted as a diplomatic gift evolved into the most prestigious name in Cuban tobacco. Today, the brand stands as a global benchmark of cigar artistry, where tradition and innovation exist in careful balance.

Cohiba’s origins trace back to the early 1960s, when master roller Eduardo Rivera oversaw the meticulous selection and hand-rolling of exceptional tobacco leaves. Production took place within the elegant El Laguito mansion in Havana, a historic setting that remains synonymous with the brand’s uncompromising standards. It was here that the Escuela de Torcedoras, an elite group of highly skilled women cigar rollers, was established, entrusted with crafting cigars of extraordinary precision and consistency.

Originally reserved for diplomatic circles, Cohiba gradually entered select international markets, earning the admiration of collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Its name carries deep historical resonance. Chosen by Celia Sánchez, “Cohiba” derives from the Taíno word used to describe the tobacco leaves observed by Christopher Columbus in 1492, anchoring the brand firmly in the origins of Cuban tobacco culture.

Each vitola is crafted from leaves sourced from the famed Vuelta Abajo region, widely regarded as producing the finest tobacco in the world. A distinctive fermentation process, where the seco and ligero leaves undergo an additional stage of ageing, creates the signature balance, depth and aromatic richness for which Cohiba is known.

Over the decades, the brand has continued to innovate while preserving its heritage. Special editions such as Reserva and Gran Reserva elevated the art of tobacco ageing, while the Behike line introduced the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, creating one of the most coveted cigars among collectors.

Sixty years on, Cohiba remains the ultimate expression of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. The anniversary honours not only the brand’s remarkable legacy, but also the artisans whose dedication ensures that every cigar remains a masterpiece of tradition.