If you purchase this product you will earn Alfonso Extra Añejo
The Alfonso Extra Añejo represents the pinnacle of contemporary cigar craftsmanship, created by Nelson Alfonso Egüed, the visionary behind Selected Tobacco who previously developed the Cuban Behike brand during his career as a graphic designer in Cuba. This exceptional cigar undergoes an extraordinary five-year aging process, first maturing in cedar-lined rooms before receiving its final refinement in French oak chambers, a technique borrowed from fine winemaking that sets these cigars apart from conventional aging methods.
- Meticulously aged for five years using proprietary cedar and French oak chamber process
- Pristine Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper selected for exceptional texture and appearance
- Complex flavor profile featuring cedar, cashews, peanut butter, nutmeg, and toasted bread
- Hand-rolled at Tabacos de Costa Rica in the Puriscal region
- Medium to medium-full strength profile with impeccable construction
- Available in six vitola options from petit corona to gran toro formats
Each Alfonso Extra Añejo begins with hand-selected Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf serving as both wrapper and binder, enveloping a carefully balanced blend of Nicaraguan ligero and Peruvian filler tobaccos. The result is a cigar that showcases remarkable smoothness and complexity, delivering what many consider the finest Connecticut-wrapped experience available today. The wrapper itself presents a golden-brown appearance with subtle oil content and virtually flawless construction, reflecting the extreme attention to detail that characterizes every Selected Tobacco release.
The smoking experience reveals layers of refined flavors that evolve throughout each third. Opening notes of creamy cashews and peanuts give way to aromatic cedar, subtle spices including nutmeg and white pepper, and hints of toasted bread. Multiple reviewers have noted the exceptional burn quality and consistent draw, with one describing the smoke as “thick but delicate” with a texture reminiscent of cotton candy. The medium-bodied profile makes this accessible to various palates while maintaining enough complexity to engage experienced aficionados.
Production is intentionally limited, with only 200 boxes per vitola allocated annually to top-tier retailers. This scarcity reflects not only the extensive aging requirements but also Nelson Alfonso’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards. The Alfonso Extra Añejo joins Selected Tobacco’s luxury portfolio alongside Atabey, Byron, and Bandolero, each representing different expressions of Alfonso’s mastery in tobacco selection and aging.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut |
| Binder | Ecuadorian Connecticut |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Ligero, Peruvian |
| Country of Origin | Costa Rica |
| Factory | Tabacos de Costa Rica |
| Aging Process | 5 years (cedar rooms, French oak chambers) |
| Strength Profile | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Available Sizes | No. 1 (4×50), No. 2 (5×52), No. 3 (6×54), No. 4 (6¾x56), No. 5 (7½x58), No. 6 (9×50) |
Summary
- Box Count: 25
- Region: Costa Rica
- Strength: Medium to Medium-Full
- Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero, Peruvian
What makes the Alfonso Extra Añejo different from other Connecticut-wrapped cigars?
The Alfonso Extra Añejo undergoes a unique five-year aging process that includes maturation in both cedar-lined rooms and French oak chambers. This proprietary method, borrowed from winemaking techniques, creates exceptional smoothness and complexity rarely found in Connecticut-wrapped cigars. The extended aging allows the Nicaraguan ligero and Peruvian fillers to meld perfectly with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and binder.
How does the Alfonso Extra Añejo compare to other Selected Tobacco brands?
While Atabey, Byron, and Bandolero each represent different flavor profiles within the Selected Tobacco portfolio, the Alfonso Extra Añejo serves as Nelson Alfonso’s personal statement on refinement and balance. It offers a medium-bodied experience compared to the fuller Byron line, with a focus on creamy, nutty flavors rather than the more intense profiles found in other Selected Tobacco offerings.
What size Alfonso Extra Añejo should I choose?
The No. 3 (6×54) provides the ideal balance of smoking time and flavor development for most enthusiasts, allowing roughly 75-90 minutes to fully appreciate the cigar’s transitions. The No. 1 (4×50) offers a concentrated 45-minute experience perfect for shorter sessions, while the No. 5 (7½x58) and No. 6 (9×50) cater to those seeking extended smoking sessions with gradual flavor evolution.
Is the Alfonso Extra Añejo worth the premium price point?
The combination of five-year aging, limited production (200 boxes per size annually), and exceptional construction quality justifies the premium positioning for special occasions. The consistent burn, perfect draw, and complex flavor profile deliver an experience that many reviewers describe as unmatched in the Connecticut wrapper category, though some note that excellent alternatives exist at lower price points for everyday smoking.
What flavors can I expect from the Alfonso Extra Añejo?
The primary flavor profile centers on creamy cashews, peanuts, and aromatic cedar, complemented by subtle nutmeg, white pepper, and toasted bread notes. The smoke texture is notably thick yet delicate, with a slightly sweet character and occasional hints of charcoal and tea-like qualities. Transitions between thirds are smooth rather than dramatic, maintaining consistency throughout the smoking experience.
How should I pair the Alfonso Extra Añejo?
The medium-bodied profile and creamy characteristics pair excellently with aged cognac, vintage champagne, or lightly oaked Chardonnay. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate pairing with medium-roast single-origin coffees that complement the nutty, cedar notes. The subtle sweetness also works well with bourbon or aged rum that won’t overpower the cigar’s refined character.
Where is the Alfonso Extra Añejo produced?
Production takes place exclusively at Tabacos de Costa Rica in the Puriscal region, utilizing Costa Rica’s ideal climate and fertile soil conditions. This factory produces all Selected Tobacco lines, maintaining Nelson Alfonso’s exacting standards for construction and quality control. The consistent Costa Rican production ensures reliability across all vitolas and batches.
What packaging options are available for Alfonso Extra Añejo?
The Alfonso Extra Añejo comes in multiple packaging formats including 25-count dress boxes, rustic boxes, individual tubes, and special jar presentations. Retailers typically carry both dress box and rustic box options, with tubes available for select vitolas including No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 5, and No. 6 sizes. The elegant packaging reflects the premium positioning of the brand.
| Selection | Box – No. 1 4 x 50, 5 Pack – No. 1 4 x 50, Single – No. 1 4 x 50, Box – No. 2 5 x 52, 5 Pack – No. 2 5 x 52, Single – No. 2 5 x 52, Box – No. 3 6 x 54, 5 Pack – No. 3 6 x 54, Single – No. 3 6 x 54, Box – No. 4 6 3/4 x 56, 5 Pack – No. 4 6 3/4 x 56, Single – No. 4 6 3/4 x 56, Box – No. 5 7 1/2 x 58, 5 Pack – No. 5 7 1/2 x 58, Single – No. 5 7 1/2 x 58, Box – No. 6 9 x 50, 5 Pack – No. 6 9 x 50, Single – No. 6 9 x 50, 3 Pack – No. 3 Tubes 6 x 54, 3 Pack – No. 1 Tubes 4 x 50 |
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Justin White (verified owner) –
I really wanted to be blown away by the Alfonso. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice cigar, medium bodied, flavorful, great construction, but there was nothing that blew me away. When it comes down to it there are cigars half the price or even less that I enjoyed equally, so I couldn’t give it a perfect score. I bought two sizes, and who knows? Maybe my palate was off that day, or maybe I just missed something in the first sample. If the next one knocks my socks off I’ll revise my review.
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Connor Meador (verified owner) –
Wow this Nelson Alfonso was delicious! So many flavors, not as light as I expected which was really nice. A lot of cedar notes! Anyone would enjoy this
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madisonsm1984 (verified owner) –
So, for me, I’ll take an Atabey over the Alfonso. While it’s a good cigar, I get more depth of flavor from an Atabey. Construction was top notch, but for the price, it was lacking for me. I smoke a ton of Atabey, and was absolute expecting the Alfonso to be right there with it, but it wasn’t. Try both and make your own decision
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Robusto (verified owner) –
This is a great cigar with finesse to it. Almost like a Byron 21st but better in my opinion. I can’t wait to let these age and smoke them.
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mitchdlot (verified owner) –
A wonderfully smooth, perfectly rolled, elegant cigar. Creamy, peanuts, butter and salt, some cedar and overall perfect construction. Highly recommend these. A must try.
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joshajamie (verified owner) –
This is my go to special occasion cigar. It’s always a delightful and consistent experience with the Extra Añejo. If you like a mild and flavorful cigar give this a try. The price is a bit high but I continue to buy when I can because I’m always pleased with this cigar.
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BruceWang (verified owner) –
It is sweet, tea-like, and fermented when lit. The smoke is thick but delicate. It feels like a big mouthful of cotton candy when you first take it. The whole mouth is very full, and the smoke is very thick and rich. It is hard to describe the taste of the smoke for a while. It feels like being hit gently. The taste is slightly sweet and a little spicy. After one or two mouthfuls, I got used to the impact and finally I could slowly taste it. The smoke is slightly sweet, a little sour, and the fleeting charcoal is fragrant and strong. The taste is a little fat, grainy, and slightly spicy. Generally speaking, it is not heavy. The smoke is soft and thick when it passes through the nose, with a slightly roasted taste.
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Eddy (verified owner) –
First I must mention that the reason I give it a 3 star and not a 4 is because of the high price. This cigar is boring. Period. Picture a beautiful elegant lady whos dressed like an angel but with almost no personality. That is the Alfonso. There are some flashes of brillance but overall the flavour is rather blant. Very low nicotine strength and medium body. The construction however, was impeccable. I can’t recall smoking another cigar that burned as well and even. Would I recommend it? Maybe, if you have the extra cash to shell out, by all means give it a go but compared to say an Ashton Cabinet no.7, a cigar a third of the price, this is a bit disappointing to say the least.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Excellent Connecticut! Got a lot of cedar, cashews and peanut from this. It was so smooth and delicious. Construction was absolutely on point with a perfect draw and awesome smoke output. Love the bands on this. Very classy cigar. Price point is a little higher than I like but I thought the flavors absolutely delivered. Glad I got to try it.
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Alexander S (verified owner) –
The cigar was good. I expected it to be at the same level as Atabey or Byron 21st Century as these are all hitting the same price points. The Alfonso Extra Añejo No 4 was a few levels below the ones I mentioned above meaning I would have no second thoughts about getting an Atabey or Byron 21st. The Alfonso Extra’s construction and performance were on point for the price point but the flavor notes were aromatic cedar, nutmeg and peanuts and that is it. It did not really preform well in the flavor dept. It did have transitions so it did not smoke linearly. I could tell it was age well as the spice note were presently mild.
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