Selected Tobacco celebrated the grand opening of its new Madrid facility October 10–11, 2026, bringing premium cigar industry guests together for a tour and gala that also recognized retailers and media.
The five-story, 3,000-square-meter facility brings tobacco processing, production, aging, design and hospitality into one location. Founded by Nelson Alfonso, Selected Tobacco’s portfolio includes Atabey, Byron, Alfonso, Bandolero and Nelson.
The October 10 tour gave guests a look at the company’s germination laboratory, tobacco processing and production areas, design studios and 24-room aging complex. The opening followed five years of planning, according to the company.
“This is something we envisioned five years ago, and seeing it become a reality is incredibly meaningful,” said Nelson Alfonso, founder of Selected Tobacco. “This facility represents our commitment to the future of premium cigars. It is a place where we can continue to learn, improve, and build something that will last beyond me.”
Retailers and Media Recognized
The October 11 gala included live music and a flamenco performance, along with an awards ceremony honoring four recipients for their contributions to the premium cigar community: The Byron Cigar Lounge in Illinois, Corona Cigar Co. in Florida, Two Guys Cigars in New Hampshire and Halfwheel (Rueda Media) in Texas.
The recognition highlighted the role specialty tobacco retailers and industry media play in the premium cigar business, placing those partners alongside the facility itself as a focus of the opening weekend.
Selected Tobacco emphasizes post-roll aging as part of its approach to cigar production and presentation. The Madrid operation brings that work together with production and design functions, offering visiting industry guests a closer look at the processes behind the company’s portfolio.
United Cigars distributes Selected Tobacco’s Atabey, Byron, Alfonso and Bandolero brands in the United States. For additional information, contact Oliver Nivaud at Oliver@UnitedCigarGroup.com or 603-404-0016, or visit UnitedCigarGroup.com.
