Production of Cohiba cigarettes began in 1987 in Cuba as a joint venture between Habanos S.A. and Cita Tobaccos de Canarias, S.L.

[3][4][5] The pack consists out of a black-white Checkerboard pattern, bordered at the bottom by a large yellow-orange stripe.

[2] As with the cigars of the same name, the packaging is divided into two parts: a black and white checkered pattern and a plain orange, each with the lettering COHIBA and CIGARILLOS NEGROS in gold.

The word "Cohiba" comes from the language of the Taino Indians and signifies a wrap made of tobacco leaves.

The current design also shows minimum changes: the surrounding golden line between the orange and the black and white area has been removed.