Cohiba 50th Anniversary
Half a century of Cohiba. The 50th Anniversary release commemorates the founding of Cuba's flagship cigar brand in 1966, and it does so with a format befitting the occasion: 178 mm with a 47 ring gauge — a substantial Churchill-class vitola that gives the smoker well over an hour of contemplative smoking. Anniversary editions from Habanos S.A. are produced in strictly limited quantities, and the Cohiba 50th Anniversary is among the most significant of these commemoratives. For collectors of Cohiba milestones, this is a defining piece. Browse the full range in our Cohiba collection.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
The 50th Anniversary opens with a celebratory richness — a deeper, more concentrated expression of the Cohiba blend than standard production. The first notes are of aged cedar, dark honey, and a leathery quality that speaks to the special selection of tobacco used for this commemorative release. The 47 ring gauge provides a focused, elegant draw that concentrates the smoke on the front of the palate. From the first third, it's clear that this is not simply a standard Churchill in special packaging — the blend has been composed to mark an occasion, and the depth reflects that intention.
The middle third reveals the cigar's full character. Roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and toasted hazelnut build on the cedar foundation, and a sustained earthiness develops. The grassy Cohiba signature is present but more subdued than in the standard Línea Clásica, allowing the darker, richer notes to dominate. A white-pepper spice builds on the retrohale, and the smoke texture is notably creamy — a quality that comes from the careful selection and ageing of the filler leaf. The burn is even, the ash is firm and pale, and the draw remains consistent. The long 178 mm format gives these flavours room to unfold with particular generosity.
The final third brings the 50th Anniversary to a powerful, resonant close. The earthy and leathery notes concentrate, the pepper intensifies, and a dark-chocolate bitterness — pleasant and complex, not harsh — defines the finish. The smoke remains cool and smooth to the band, and the close is long and lingering. This is a cigar that has been built to honour a legacy, and it does so with a depth and composure that reflects fifty years of Cohiba production at the highest level.
Construction and Draw
The 50th Anniversary is produced at El Laguito with tobaccos specially selected for the commemorative release. The blend uses Cohiba's triple-fermented seco and ligero leaves sourced from the Vuelta Abajo, and the wrapper is chosen for its colour, texture, and oil content to a standard appropriate for an anniversary release. The 178 mm × 47 format requires precise bunching to maintain an even draw across the full length, and the construction is faultless — the mark of El Laguito's most experienced torcedores working at the top of their craft.
Pairing Suggestions
The 50th Anniversary's rich, complex profile deserves a pairing of equal significance. An extra-aged rum — 18 years or more — with developed notes of rancio, dried fruit, and dark chocolate is the natural companion. A vintage Armagnac offers comparable depth. For non-alcoholic pairing, a strong espresso pulled short complements the cigar's coffee and chocolate notes, particularly in the final third.
Value Proposition
As a 50th Anniversary release, this cigar is a finite production that commemorates a specific milestone in Cohiba's history. Anniversary editions are produced in limited quantities and are not repeated, giving them both smoking and collectible value. The substantial Churchill format and the special blend selection make this a cigar worth acquiring for the cellar. See our shipping information for delivery options.
About the Brand
Cohiba was established in 1966 as a private brand for Fidel Castro, produced at El Laguito. Released publicly in 1982, it is distributed worldwide by Habanos S.A. The 50th Anniversary release, produced in 2016, commemorated half a century of Cohiba production with a special blend in a substantial Churchill format.
Storage
Store at 65–70% RH and 18–20°C. The 178 mm length makes the cigar sensitive to humidity fluctuation — maintain stable conditions to protect the long wrapper. Given the anniversary edition's collectible status, dedicated humidor space with a calibrated hygrometer is recommended. Verify authenticity with our guide to authentic Cuban cigars versus imitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was the Cohiba 50th Anniversary released?
The release commemorated 50 years since Cohiba's founding in 1966, placing the anniversary in 2016.
Is the 50th Anniversary blend different from standard Cohiba production?
Yes — anniversary editions use specially selected tobaccos and a composed blend that differs from the standard Línea Clásica or Línea 1492 production.
How long does the 50th Anniversary take to smoke?
The 178 mm × 47 Churchill format provides 90 to 110 minutes of smoking time at a measured pace.
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