The brand name Cohiba is associated with two types of premium cigars. One is produced for Cuban state-owned tobacco company Habanos S.A. in Cuba. The other is produced in the Dominican Republic for General Cigar Company, a U.S. based company. The word “cohiba” is based on the Taino word for tobacco. In the mid-1960s, a bodyguard to Fidel Castro shared a private supply of cigars made by Eduardo Ribera. The Cuban Cohiba brand began as a private brand of this blend in 1968, supplied only to high level officials within the Cuban government and Communist Party of Cuba, including Mr. Castro. The brand grew to acquire cult status because it was often provided as a diplomatic gift. Tight security was essential when producing this brand due to ongoing and later substantiated fears … Read entire article »