Cohiba: History and 55th and 60th Anniversary Lighters
In 1966, a cigar brand was born in utmost secrecy in Havana — it was initially reserved for Fidel Castro and the highest-ranking Cuban dignitaries. Sixty years later, Cohiba has become the most prestigious Habanos brand in the world. Its anniversaries — 50 years in 2016, 55 years in 2021, 60 years in 2026 — have been marked by exceptional editions that include collector lighters produced in partnership with the French house S.T. Dupont.
This article traces the history of the Cohiba brand since its creation in 1966, deconstructs the aesthetic codes used in the anniversary lighters (the Taíno Indian head, the gold checkerboard, the black lacquer), and explores the partnerships with S.T. Dupont that gave birth to the most sought-after commemorative lighters by collectors. To understand why these objects have become true pieces of Cuban cigar history.
The 4 aesthetic codes of the Cohiba brand
Four visual elements define Cohiba's identity and are systematically found on the anniversary lighters marketed in partnership. Understanding these codes allows one to grasp the symbolic value of these limited editions.
The Cohiba timeline in 5 key dates
From its secret birth in 1966 to its 60th anniversary celebrated in 2026, the Cohiba brand has punctuated its history with limited editions and prestigious partnerships.
Did you know: The name "Cohiba" comes from the leaves smoked by the Taíno Indians during sacred rituals — leaves that Christopher Columbus discovered when he landed in Cuba in 1492. By adopting this name in 1966, the brand deliberately establishes a historical lineage of over 500 years.
The Cohiba × S.T. Dupont partnership: the meeting of two Houses
The most sought-after Cohiba anniversary lighters are the result of a partnership between two emblematic Houses. On one side, S.T. Dupont, a French luxury house founded in Paris in 1872. On the other, Cohiba, the jewel of Cuban cigar making founded in 1966. Two universes, two areas of expertise, the same demand for perfection.
✅ Creator of the world's first luxury lighter
✅ Historic collaborations: Picasso, Andy Warhol, Karl Lagerfeld
✅ Lacquers and gold/silver finishes using traditional artisan techniques
❌ Specific S.T. Dupont gas refill
✅ Vuelta Abajo tobacco leaves, region of exception
✅ Manufactured in El Laguito, Havana
✅ Behike, Siglo, Robusto Reserva collector's editions
❌ Frequent counterfeits on the parallel market
✅ Back: golden nebula and 60th anniversary logo
✅ Guilloché checkerboard crown — timeless S.T. Dupont signature
✅ Bright gold metal, polished yellow gold
✅ Limited numbered edition — a collector's item designed to last through time
❌ Available only at S.T. Dupont and authorized dealers
Why Cohiba anniversary lighters become collector's items
Unlike common lighters, Cohiba × S.T. Dupont anniversary editions are conceived as heritage pieces. Three reasons explain why they are sought after far beyond their ignition function.
Tip: If you acquire a used Cohiba anniversary lighter, make sure to check for the presence of the S.T. Dupont certificate of authenticity and the edition number engraved on the piece. Counterfeits exist — especially for the 55th and 60th anniversary editions. An authorized S.T. Dupont dealer or a recognized auction house are the safest channels.
Discover our selection of cigar lighters
Atelier Atypique offers a complete range of multi-torch jet lighters for professional cigar lighting — wind-resistant blue flame, premium butane, contemporary designs.
See all cigar lighters →Explore Atelier Atypique collections
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Cohiba brand created?
Cohiba was created in 1966 in Havana, in utmost secrecy. It was initially intended exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking Cuban state dignitaries. It wasn't until 1982 that the brand was officially presented to the general public. This 16-year period of confidentiality contributed to forging its legend and its aura of absolute prestige in the cigar world.
Where does the name "Cohiba" come from?
The name Cohiba comes from the leaves smoked by the Taíno Indians, the first Cuban peoples, during sacred rituals. When Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba in 1492, he discovered that the inhabitants rolled these leaves which they called "cohiba". By adopting this name in 1966, the brand places itself in a historical lineage of over 500 years. The Taíno Indian head present on all bands and anniversary editions pays homage to this heritage.
What is the Cohiba 50th anniversary lighter?
In 2016, Cohiba celebrated its 50th anniversary with several exceptional editions, including an Elie Bleu humidor limited to 50 numbered copies containing 50 Cohiba Grandiosos (ring gauge 60 × 178 mm, the largest cigar ever rolled in Cuba). The 50th anniversary lighters were offered as part of partnerships with watchmaking and luxury houses, including S.T. Dupont editions adorned with the specific 50 aniversario commemorative logo.
Is the S.T. Dupont Cohiba 55th anniversary lighter worth the investment?
The S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Cohiba 55th Anniversary lighter launched in 2021 is a numbered collector's edition, in black and white lacquer with yellow gold finishes, featuring the double "55" logo and the golden Taíno Indian head. Its value holds on the secondary market, and some pieces appreciate over the years. It is as much an art object as a functional tool — like most S.T. Dupont limited editions, it constitutes a relevant heritage investment for an enthusiast.
What are the Cohiba 60th anniversary 2026 lighters?
For Cohiba's 60th anniversary in 2026, S.T. Dupont unveiled an exclusive collection named "Le Grand". It includes a double-flame table lighter (allowing to alternate between a wind-resistant soft yellow flame and a torch flame), a vertical lighter in glossy black lacquer, and a golden guilloché checkerboard lighter. Each piece incorporates Cohiba's iconic codes: black and gold band, Amerindian head, signature square. Prices start from €690. Strictly limited and numbered editions.
Where can I find a modern torch lighter for my everyday cigars?
Cohiba × S.T. Dupont anniversary lighters are collector's items whose daily use can be delicate. For regular use with premium cigars, a modern multi-torch (3 or 4 jets) lighter offers the same technical performance: wind-resistant blue flame, quick and even ignition, premium butane. Atelier Atypique offers a complete range of torch lighters suitable for all cigar formats, from Robusto to Gordo ring gauge 60.
