The Cuaba name originates from the Taino Indians, the indigenous inhabitants of Cuba before the Spanish discovered the island in the fifteenth century. A cuaba was the type of bush the Tainos used to light their cigars. Every Cuaba is made in the distinctive shape known as a double figurado, a popular format in the 19th century. When Cuaba was introduced in 1996, it was offered in only four smaller sizes. Since 2003, though, Habanos has released three much larger vitolas.