Cohiba, Cuba's most iconic brand, was born in 1966. Its history began in 1963 when Fidel Castro sampled a cigar made by torcedor Eduardo Rivieira. Rivieira was quickly hired to produce cigars at the El Laguito workshop, on the outskirts of Havana, for prominent government members, including Ernesto "Che" Guevara, as well as for foreign dignitaries.
The brand began to develop in 1967, but it was not marketed internationally until 1982, with the Panetela, Corona Especial, and Lancero formats. In 1989, these were joined by the Robusto, Exquisito, and Esplendido formats, forming the Linea Clasica. Cohiba cigars are distinguished by their unique process, in which the tobacco leaves undergo a third fermentation to perfect their flavor. Today, the brand continues to enchant aficionados and the general public alike.
