In a pioneering blend of digital innovation and traditional cigar craftsmanship, Selected Tobacco S.A. has transformed its unique NFT concept into a tangible luxury experience with the Atabey Black Ritos cigar. Initially announced in 2021 as an NFT (non-fungible token), this ambitious project combined the worlds of digital art and fine tobacco. The company initially offered ten box NFTs and 25 single-cigar NFTs, pricing the boxes at around $1,000 each, with the proceeds generously donated to Cigar Rights of America.
The concept caught the imagination of the cigar community, leading United Cigar, the U.S. distributor for Selected Tobacco S.A., to tease the release of a physical, smokeable version of this digital asset. They made good on this hint earlier this year, unveiling the Atabey Black Ritos as a 6 1/8 x 55 parejo. This exquisite cigar features an Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, a choice that promises a rich and complex flavor profile. In keeping with the brand’s tradition of mystique, the details of the filler blend remain largely undisclosed, save for the inclusion of Peruvian ligero, known for adding depth and intensity to the smoking experience.
The craftsmanship behind the Atabey Black Ritos is evident in its aging process. Rolled in 2018, these cigars have been meticulously aged in the Tabacos de Costa Rica S.A. factory in aromatic Spanish cedar and French oak rooms. This aging process, similar to that used for the Alfonso Extra Añejo, Alfonso Gran Selección, and Byron 1850, enhances the cigars with a unique complexity and smoothness.
With an MSRP of $50 per cigar, this year’s production is exclusive, limited to 200 boxes containing 25 cigars each. These cigars are not just a smoke but a statement of luxury and exclusivity.
The Atabey Black Ritos will be available at ten select stores across the United States, including:
- Ambassador Fine Cigars (Phoenix, Ariz.)
- Byron Cigar Lounge (Schaumburg, Ill.)
- Cigarz on the Ave (Winter Park, Fla.)
- Corona Cigar Co. (Orlando, Fla.)
- Franklin Cigars (Franklin, Tenn.)
- Industrial Cigar Co. (Frisco, Texas)
- Maxamar Ultimate Cigars (Orange, Calif)
- Red Beard Cigar Co. (Cottonwood, Ariz.)
- Tobacco Leaf (Robbinsville, N.J.)
- Two Guys Smoke Shop (Nashua, N.H.)
Nelson Alfonso, the founder of Selected Tobacco S.A., expressed his pride in a press release, stating, “Atabey Black Ritos captures the essence of Atabey with an exotic twist. We have spared no effort in creating a cigar that embodies the essence of luxury and exclusivity. It is my honor to offer this to those who understand and appreciate what we try to do.” This launch represents a fusion of modernity and tradition, offering cigar lovers a unique experience transcending the usual boundaries of cigar enjoyment.
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