Cohiba was established by Fidel Castro in 1966, although were only sold commercially since 1982. In fact, the famous story says it was Fidel Castro's body guard that regularly smoked a Fuma (a cigar rolled by Torcedors, for Torcedors). One day, he gave one to Fidel and he loved it. He decided to dedicate a small factory to make them for Cuban officials and diplomats until the production was switched to El Laguito Factory. Cohiba was launched to the public with three vitolas: Lanceros, Coronas Especiales and Panetelas. Fidel Castro had then taken the decision to make of Cohiba the flag-ship of Cuban cigars. With leaves coming the Vuelta Abajo region and given a third fermentation process, the creamy notes were instantly accepted by experienced smokers. In 1989, 3 other vitolas were released: Esplendidos, Robustos and Exquisitos to complete "La Linea Classica" of Cohiba. It took only three other years to develop a whole new line: "Linea 1942" or Siglo line I, II, III, IV, V, but were commercially released in 1994. Recently, the Siglo VI was added to the line with much anticipation. The Maduro range was released in 2007, and the brand new Behike range in 2010. Cohiba remained Fidel's favorite until he gave up smoking recently.