Guided by Nelson Alfonso’s visionary leadership, Selected Tobacco unfurls the much-anticipated Atabey Black Ritos, not just as a premium cigar but as a groundbreaking foray into the realm of cigar NFTs. After an intricate five-year gestation period, these cigars emerge not just as a smoke, but as a testament to innovation, fusing tradition with technology in the cigar market.
In a departure from the norm, Atabey Black Ritos ventured into the NFT space in late 2021, offering single or box options directly for $1,200, eschewing the auction route. This move wasn’t just about selling cigars; it was a fusion of craftsmanship and blockchain, creating a new narrative for cigar enthusiasts.
U.S. retailers who had acquired one of the exclusive NFT boxes were given the unique opportunity to procure a specific quantity of this meticulously aged cigar batch. After five years of maturation in Selected Tobacco’s specialized storage rooms, these cigars will find a home in only ten selected retailers nationwide.
The Atabey Black Ritos cigar is a masterpiece, a symphony of artistry and opulence. With a single vitola measuring 6 1/8 x 55 and adorned with a dark Ecuadorian wrapper, this cigar has undergone a distinctive aging process, housed in rooms tailored for the purpose, featuring five types of cedar and French Oak. Limited to 5,000 cigars, it stands as a rare gem for aficionados seeking exclusivity.
Packaged in black lacquered boxes, each housing 25 pieces at $50 per cigar, the Atabey Black Ritos isn’t just a smoke; it’s an invitation to a select few who share the vision of United Cigars and Selected Tobacco. This foray into NFTs isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a statement about redefining luxury and exclusivity in the cigar industry.
Nelson Alfonso, reflecting on the creation of Atabey Black Ritos, encapsulates the essence, stating, “Atabey Black Ritos captures the essence of Atabey with an exotic twist.” It’s not just a cigar; it’s a journey into the exotic, crafted with the utmost care to exemplify luxury and exclusivity.
In the grander scheme, this venture into NFTs isn’t just about cigars. It’s a nod to the evolving landscape of blockchain technology. NFTs, traditionally associated with digital collectibles and ownership verification, are now leaving their mark in the hallowed halls of luxury goods. Atabey Black Ritos is not just a smoke; it’s a testament to the expanding horizons of NFTs, opening doors for exclusive experiences and setting a precedent in the cigar industry.