A Project That Redefines Commitment:

Nelson Alfonso at PCA 2025

There are moments in this industry that leave you speechless. For us, one of those moments happened this summer at PCA 2025 in New Orleans. When Nelson Alfonso approached us with this project, it wasn’t just a pitch—it was a revelation. From the very first glimpse, we knew we were part of something extraordinary.

The Challenge of Perfection

Creating a small-run project at the highest level of craftsmanship is not for the faint of heart. Every piece of this collection represents a hurdle that most would shy away from. The boxes themselves are unlike anything Nelson has produced before—not only in their finish and precision, but even in their sizing. To execute this kind of one-off production requires resources, patience, and relentless attention to detail.

And then came the labels. In our world, these aren’t simply decorative bands; they’re art. What Nelson designed for ICC carries the same weight as a master painter creating a one-of-a-kind portrait. He did it not for recognition or fanfare, but as a gesture of trust and respect for our ICC family. Each box is finished with a metal serialized tag, individually numbered, giving every piece its own permanent identity.

Beyond the Packaging

If the packaging alone set an impossible standard, Nelson didn’t stop there. He carefully selected blends that remain undisclosed—leaving even us to wonder whether they differ from what is on shelves today. That mystery is part of the magic. What we do know is this: the cigars represent the pinnacle of Selected Tobacco’s philosophy, executed with the same uncompromising vision that has made Nelson a legend in this industry.

A Personal Commitment

As if the artistry and production weren’t enough, Nelson’s personal commitment to this project speaks volumes. On October 18th, he will travel from Spain to join us here at ICC for the launch. His timing could not be more remarkable: just days later, his long-awaited new factory in Spain will complete construction—a project years in the making. Yet, rather than staying behind to oversee this milestone, he is pausing that moment in his own legacy to stand beside us during ours.

That date also carries an added weight: it marks the 175th anniversary of his family’s brand. To share that celebration here with our ICC community is a gesture that cannot be overstated. It’s an honor we will not soon forget.

Why It Matters

This project is more than packaging, cigars, or even craftsmanship. It is a statement about what true partnership and commitment look like. At ICC, we’ve always said that what sets this community apart is not just the cigars we smoke, but the relationships we build. Nelson has embodied that belief, and in doing so, he has raised the bar for what is possible in our industry.

October 18th will be a night to remember.