Cohiba 1966 Cabinet

Description

The Cohiba 1966 Majestuosos represents the absolute zenith of Habanos craftsmanship, a commemorative masterpiece released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world’s most prestigious cigar brand. This Majestuosos vitola, measuring a formidable 150 mm by a 58 ring gauge, is a format never before seen in the Cohiba portfolio, offering an unparalleled canvas for the brand’s signature complexity. Crafted with a medium-to-full strength profile, this cigar is an aromatic symphony of dark espresso, toasted walnut, and aged cedar, underpinned by the creamy texture that has defined the “Selection of Selections” since 1966. For the discerning collector, the 1966 Cabinet is more than a smoke; it is a piece of living history, hand-rolled at the legendary El Laguito factory using the rarest leaves from the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo zone.

Box Features and Packaging Options

Cigar Specifications

Brand Heritage

The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba. Founded in 1966, the brand was initially established as a private label for President Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For nearly two decades, these cigars remained a “forbidden fruit” for the general public, reserved exclusively as diplomatic gifts for heads of state and international dignitaries. It wasn’t until 1982, during the World Cup in Spain, that Cohiba was finally released to the global commercial market, instantly setting a new gold standard for luxury tobacco. The name itself pays homage to Cuba’s indigenous roots, derived from the ancient Taíno Indian word for the bundles of tobacco leaves they smoked.

What truly separates Cohiba from every other brand in the Habanos S.A. portfolio is the “selection of the selection.” The tobacco is sourced from only the five finest Vegas de Primera in the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo region. Furthermore, Cohiba is the only brand that subjects its seco and ligero filler leaves to a third fermentation in wooden barrels. This unique process, conducted with surgical precision at the El Laguito factory, eliminates any remaining impurities and imparts the signature smoothness and complex “grass and bean” aroma that connoisseurs associate with the yellow and black bands.

The Cohiba 1966 editions—both the 2011 Edición Limitada and the 50th Anniversary Majestuosos—serve as tributes to this storied beginning. They represent the evolution of a brand that moved from a secret government workshop to becoming the most recognized symbol of luxury in the world. When you light a Cohiba 1966, you are participating in a lineage of excellence that has been maintained by the master torcedores of Havana for over half a century.

Tasting Profile

First Third – The Opening

The experience begins with a sophisticated burst of aromatic cedar and toasted walnut. The draw is typically perfect, offering a voluminous smoke that coats the palate in a rich, buttery creaminess. Subtle notes of damp earth and fine leather provide an grounded foundation, while a delicate floral sweetness lingers on the retrohale. Unlike younger cigars, the 1966 displays an immediate maturity, with no harshness, only the refined elegance of aged Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Second Third – The Heart

As the burn progresses into the second third, the strength builds toward a confident medium-full intensity. The flavor profile becomes significantly more complex as the “barrel-fermented” characteristics take center stage. You will encounter warm hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced by a bright citrus zest that cuts through the richness. A distinct hazelnut note emerges, blending seamlessly with the evolving leather and spice. The smoke remains incredibly smooth, a testament to the meticulous fermentation of the medio tiempo leaves.

Final Third – The Crescendo

The final third is where the Cohiba 1966 truly earns its legendary status. The flavors deepen into a bold, savory profile dominated by dark-roasted coffee beans and sweet oak. The spice becomes more pronounced—think black pepper and clove—but it never overpowers the underlying honeyed sweetness. The body is now at its peak, providing a satisfying, heavy mouthfeel that demands slow, contemplative puffs to fully appreciate the layers of bittersweet chocolate and musk.

Finish

The finish is exceptionally long and resonant. Even after the cigar is rested, the palate is left with a clean yet lingering aftertaste of toasted tobacco, espresso, and a hint of vanilla. It is a “grand finale” in every sense of the word, leaving the smoker with a profound sense of satisfaction and a lingering aroma that is unmistakably Cohiba.

Flavor Wheel

Aging and Collector Value

The Cohiba 1966 Cabinet is widely regarded as one of the most bankable investments in the world of premium cigars. Because the Majestuosos 1966 was limited to only 1,966 numbered humidors worldwide, the scarcity factor is immense. These cigars are constructed with high-priming leaves that possess the structural integrity required for decades of maturation. In the first five years, the initial spice mellows, allowing the creamier, more “bean-like” notes to harmonize. Between 10 and 20 years, these cigars are expected to reach a “vintage peak,” where the oils in the wrapper and filler fully meld to create a profile of unparalleled silkiness.

For optimal aging, these cabinets should be stored at a constant 65-68% relative humidity and a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F). Fluctuations in environment can damage the delicate wrapper of these limited editions. Collectors should note that the numbered plaque on the Majestuosos humidor and the original Habanos seals significantly enhance the resale value at international auctions. As global demand for flagship Cohiba releases continues to outpace the limited supply from El Laguito, the 1966 remains a “blue-chip” asset for any serious humidor.

Perfect Pairings

Authenticity Verification

In an era of sophisticated counterfeits, ensuring the provenance of your Cohiba 1966 is paramount. We employ a rigorous multi-step verification process for every cabinet that enters our vault.

• Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that shifts under light, verifying its origin in Cuba.
• Box Code Verification – We verify the factory code and date stamp (located on the bottom of the box) against the Habanos S.A. official database to ensure the cigars were rolled at El Laguito during the correct production window.
• Factory Stamp – The “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps must meet exact font and ink depth specifications.
• Triple Cap – Every Cohiba 1966 features a flawlessly executed triple cap, a hallmark of the master torcedores who are permitted to roll this specific vitola.

Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our internal quality standards for construction and condition, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to delivering only 100% authentic Cuban heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2011 Edición Limitada and the Majestuosos 1966?

The 2011 Edición Limitada is a Cañonazo Especial (166 mm x 52), focused on aged wrapper leaves for a darker, spicier profile. The Majestuosos 1966 is a 50th-anniversary commemorative release with a unique 58 ring gauge, offering a cooler, more voluminous smoke and a more complex filler blend that includes rare medio tiempo leaves. Both are highly collectible but offer distinct smoking experiences.

Why is the Cohiba 1966 considered a “bucket-list” cigar?

Beyond its rarity, the 1966 represents the pinnacle of the Cohiba flavor profile. It combines the strength of the Behike line with the elegance of the Siglo series. The use of barrel-fermented tobacco and the specific vitola dimensions make it a unique sensory event that most smokers only experience once in a lifetime.

How long should I age a Cohiba 1966 before smoking?

While these cigars are aged at the factory and are “ready to smoke” upon arrival, they benefit immensely from 3 to 5 years of additional cellar time. This allows the oils to stabilize after transit and the flavors to integrate. For those seeking the ultimate vintage experience, 10+ years is recommended.

Is the Cohiba 1966 a good investment for collectors?

Yes. Due to the limited production run (only 1,966 humidors for the Majestuosos) and the global prestige of the Cohiba brand, these cigars have historically appreciated in value. They are among the most sought-after items at international cigar auctions and are considered a cornerstone of any high-end collection.