The King of Cubans
CohibaIn 1492, during Columbus's first voyage to the "new world", he visited the island of Cuba. His sailors were introduced to a bunch of dried leaves that were smoked in a pipe. The island natives called it "Cohíba." In 1963, a cigar rolled for personal use by a “torcedor” (cigar roller), was offered to President Fidel Castro, and it instantly became Fidel’s favorite cigar.
In 1964, a small factory was set up to make these cigars before being moved to its current location known as the El Laguito factory. This original cigar was an unnamed and known as Laguito No.1, and in 1967, two additional sizes were added, Laguito No. 2 and Laguito No. 3. The cigar brand remained unnamed until 1966, when it was officially named Cohiba. In 1969 the brand and packaging were finalized for the three cigars.
In 1982, three new Cohiba cigars were introduced to non-diplomats: Lanceros, Coronas Especiales, and Panetelas. Then in 1989, three more vitolas were added to the brand, which included Espléndidos, Robustos and Exquisitos, completing what is known as “La Línea Clásica.” In 1992, five more vitolas were added creating the “Linea 1492”: Siglo I, II, III, IV and V. Today, Cohíba remains as the “King of the Cubans,” made with only the finest tobacco leaves.
