Houses

Cohiba

Q: How long should I age Cohiba cigars?

While the tertiary fermentation provides inherent smoothness upon release, Cohiba cigars benefit significantly from controlled storage. The Línea Clásica often requires five to ten years to reach its peak complexity. The Siglo and Maduro 5 lines typically become highly approachable after three to five years in the humidor.

Q: What makes the Behike line distinct?

The Behike family is defined by the inclusion of the medio tiempo leaf in its filler blend. This rare leaf only grows on the very top of a small percentage of sun-grown tobacco plants, yielding a concentrated, full-bodied profile distinct from the rest of the brand.

Q: How can I verify my Cohiba is genuine?

Verification relies fundamentally on assessing the provenance of the merchant and the presence of regional distributor marks, such as the EMS stamp in the UK. The intricate holographic bands should always be corroborated by checking the factory box code and overall packaging quality.

Q: What is the difference between Línea Clásica and Línea 1492?

The Línea Clásica represents the original, robust Cohiba blend developed in the 1960s, known for deep, complex flavours. The Línea 1492, or Siglo series, was introduced in 1994 and offers a slightly milder, medium-bodied experience that appeals to different palate preferences.

Cohiba is the flagship brand of Habanos S.A., originally created in 1966 as a private reserve for Cuba's diplomatic elite before entering regular production. Sourced exclusively from the finest tobaccos of the Vuelta Abajo region, the house is renowned for an additional fermentation process that yields characteristic smoothness. Today, it stands as the most collected and sought-after cigar marque in the world.

Cohiba: Behike 52

The foundation of Cohiba

Cohiba was established in 1966 as a private marque for the Cuban government. Initially, these cigars were not available for commercial sale; they were rolled exclusively as diplomatic gifts and for state use. The blend was crafted by the highly regarded roller Eduardo Rivera. It was only in 1982 that the brand was gradually introduced to the global market.

The tobacco used for Cohiba is selected from the premier Vegas Finas de Primera in the Vuelta Abajo region. Uniquely among Cuban brands, up to three of Cohiba’s filler leaves undergo an additional fermentation in wooden barrels. This distinctive process removes further impurities and imparts the signature smoothness and refined character that collectors associate with the marque.

The Cohiba portfolios

The house comprises four distinct lines, each defined by a specific blending philosophy and historical context.

The Línea Clásica, introduced to the public between 1982 and 1989, represents the original Cohiba profile. It includes traditional sizes such as the Lanceros (a Laguito No.1), the Espléndidos (a Julieta No.2), and the Robustos. These cigars are generally medium to full in strength, requiring substantial resting time in a controlled humidor to reveal their nuanced complexity.

The Línea 1492, commonly known as the Siglo series, was launched in 1994 to commemorate the 1492 encounter between Europe and the Americas. Ranging from the small Siglo I to the formidable Siglo VI, this line offers a slightly softer, medium-bodied experience. The Siglo VI, introduced in 2002, remains one of the most celebrated robusto extras in the regular production catalogue.

In 2007, the house released the Maduro 5 series, comprising three vitolas: Genios, Mágicos, and Secretos. The defining characteristic of this line is the wrapper leaf, which is subjected to five years of ageing before rolling. This extended maturation results in a notably darker appearance and a richer, sweeter palate profile.

The Behike line, introduced in 2010, is positioned at the apex of the regular-production portfolio. Featuring sizes such as the BHK 52, BHK 54, and BHK 56, the blend incorporates the scarce medio tiempo leaf, drawn from the uppermost part of sun-grown tobacco plants. This addition provides exceptional depth and concentration, making them highly prized among serious smokers.

Cohiba: Medio Siglo

Key vitolas and dimensions

Below is a reference of the most notable regular-production vitolas across the Cohiba families.

Lanceros — Vitola de Galera: Laguito No.1 — Dimensions: 192 mm × 38 — Line: Línea Clásica

Espléndidos — Vitola de Galera: Julieta No.2 — Dimensions: 178 mm × 47 — Line: Línea Clásica

Robustos — Vitola de Galera: Robustos — Dimensions: 124 mm × 50 — Line: Línea Clásica

Siglo VI — Vitola de Galera: Cañonazo — Dimensions: 150 mm × 52 — Line: Línea 1492

BHK 52 — Vitola de Galera: Laguito No.4 — Dimensions: 119 mm × 52 — Line: Behike

Genios — Vitola de Galera: Genios — Dimensions: 140 mm × 52 — Line: Maduro 5

Pirámides Extra — Vitola de Galera: Piramides Extra — Dimensions: 160 mm × 54 — Line: Línea Clásica

Limited, Regional and Reserva releases

Beyond its standard production, Cohiba is frequently chosen for Habanos S.A.'s most prestigious limited releases. These include the Gran Reserva and Reserva editions, which utilise tobaccos meticulously aged for five and three years respectively before rolling. Such releases often command significant premiums on the secondary market due to their scarcity and refined construction.

The brand is also regularly featured in the Edición Limitada programme, presenting sizes outside the regular portfolio with darker wrappers. Due to its status as the global flagship, Cohiba is never used for Regional Editions. However, its special commemorative humidors and anniversary releases remain among the most strictly allocated items in the industry.

Authenticity and curation

As the most recognised Cuban brand, Cohiba is heavily targeted by counterfeiters. Serious collectors must prioritise provenance and verification above all else when acquiring these cigars. When assessing a box, examine the complex holographic elements on the modern bands, the precision of the construction, and the factory box code stamped on the base.

For boxes entering the UK, the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp is a critical indicator of legitimate supply, customs clearance, and proper conditioning. Given the high financial stakes, we advise all clients to exercise extreme caution and consult our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars when evaluating stock from unfamiliar sources or secondary auctions.

At MokaCigar

Our humidor maintains a carefully inspected selection of Cohiba cigars, curated for collectors who demand impeccable provenance and condition. From core production formats to extremely rare allocations, all boxes undergo strict verification before entering our reserves. Currently, our verified stock includes sought-after releases such as the Cohiba Espléndidos Gran Reserva Cosecha 2017, the Cohiba Siglo de Oro Year of the Rabbit, and the Cohiba 55 Anniversary Limited Edition 2021. You can view the full availability and secure boxes on our Cohiba brand page.

In our cellar

In stock now:

Sold-out archive (51 releases, enquiries welcome): Cohiba 1966 Limited Edition 2011, Cohiba BHK 52 (Behike), Cohiba Behike 15 Anniversary Gift Box, Cohiba Coronas Especiales, Cohiba Coronas Especiales 2015, Cohiba Coronas Especiales 2015, Cohiba Coronas Especiales 2016, Cohiba Double Corona Limited Edition 2003, Cohiba Esplendidos 2018, Cohiba Esplendidos 2019, Cohiba Esplendidos Hunters & Frankau House Reserve 2001/2021, Cohiba Exquisitos, and more.

Questions collectors ask

+ How long should I age Cohiba cigars?

+ What makes the Behike line distinct?

+ How can I verify my Cohiba is genuine?

+ What is the difference between Línea Clásica and Línea 1492?

Sources consulted: Habanos S.A. · MokaCigar Catalogue