Spain Reopens Premium Cigar Production After 50 Years

Spain has returned to premium cigar production after more than half a century. Selected Tobacco has opened a new five-storey factory in Madrid, marking a historic milestone for European cigar making.

A Historic Return to Spain

Selected Tobacco has unveiled a 3,000-square-metre facility in Madrid. It represents Spain’s first premium cigar factory in over 50 years. The project reflects long-term thinking rather than fast expansion. Madrid now becomes the operational heart of the company.

The building brings production, ageing, design, and hospitality together. This unified approach supports consistency and patience. Selected Tobacco views ageing as a craft, not a process shortcut.

A Personal Vision from Nelson Alfonso

Spain as the Natural Home

Founder Nelson Alfonso chose Madrid without hesitation. Spain remains his home and creative anchor. The factory reconnects the country with its tobacco heritage while setting a modern standard.

The Alfonso family leads the operation. Nelson Jr. and Fabio play key roles. Friends and family with decades of experience support daily production. The focus stays on intent, not nostalgia.

Inside the Five-Storey Facility

Ground Floor: Arrival and Storage

Guests enter through a contemporary reception space. A central core divides the building. This area handles dry goods storage. It also converts into an event venue for up to 350 guests.

Second Floor: Design and Direction

The design team works on the second level. Blending concepts, packaging, and future projects take shape here. Long-term planning drives every decision.

Third Floor: The Rolling Gallery

Visitors observe master torcedores at work. The open layout offers full transparency. Rolling defines the identity of each cigar produced here.

Fourth Floor: Ageing and Presentation

This level houses the world’s largest multi-cedar humidor. It includes 24 separate ageing rooms. Each room supports precise conditions for consistency.

Executive offices and a showroom share the floor. The showroom displays original Nelson Alfonso designs. Many have earned international awards.

Fifth Floor: Lounge and Terrace

A private smoking lounge crowns the building. Guests enjoy aged cigars from a two-storey humidor. The space features leather recliners, wood panelling, and advanced ventilation. Private lockers serve travelling members.

Tobacco Before the Cigar

At the rear, fermentation rooms process raw tobacco. French Oak wine barrels age wrapper and filler leaves. These stages shape flavour long before rolling begins.

A hydroponic grow room supports experimentation. Hybrid seeds develop under controlled conditions. This approach ensures continuity from seed to cigar.

A Statement of Responsibility

Nelson Alfonso explains the intent clearly: this factory prioritises responsibility over scale. Spain once gave tobacco a place. This project gives it time again.