Battleborn Warriors: A Veterans Day Tribute to America’s Heroes
Casa Carrillo announces the release of Battleborn Warriors, a Veterans Day Limited Edition cigar created to honor the men and women whose courage and sacrifice protect our freedom.
The project was inspired by Lionel H. McKoy, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran and long-time member of the Casa Carrillo family. Lionel served for two decades, rising to Petty Officer 2nd Class, and deployed on carriers including the USS Midway, USS Forrestal, and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm.
For Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III, Lionel’s story left a mark that would eventually shape Battleborn:
“Lionel is part of our family. He served our country for twenty years, carried responsibilities most of us will never know, and then came here to work alongside us. I’ll never forget my first conversation with him about his time in service. At one point, he got emotional and a tear ran down his face. In that moment, I knew I was in the presence of a true hero — and Battleborn was conceived right then.”
Lionel himself reflected on the honor:
“Serving on carriers like the Eisenhower, Midway, and Forrestal during Desert Storm and the Gulf War shaped who I am. To see a cigar created in honor of that journey — and to know it will help other veterans — means more than I can put into words.”
The Blend
Crafted with a bold USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, strong Mexican and Nicaraguan binders, and aged Nicaraguan fillers, the 6 x 56 Battleborn Warriors delivers a rich, full-bodied smoke.
This commemorative release is limited to 2,500 numbered boxes of 20, each with a collectible Battleborn logo dog tag.
Beyond the Smoke
The cigar is only part of the mission. To extend the tribute beyond the smoke, Casa Carrillo will host a series of Battleborn events across the country in partnership with retailers, with proceeds donated to charities that support veterans and first responders.
The first will take place at the Finck’s Lone Star Cigar Bash in San Antonio, TX on September 20, 2025, where Casa Carrillo will host an exclusive pre-release of Battleborn Warriors and donate $6,000 from box sales to the Fisher House Foundation.
Carrillo Cares
Lissette Perez-Carrillo shared how Battleborn connects to the family’s broader mission:
“Through Carrillo Cares, we’ve always believed our company should give back. To date, our contributions through this initiative are over $200,000. Our partnership with Els for Autism was the beginning. Battleborn is a natural extension of that — using our craft not only to honor veterans like Lionel but to support organizations that make a difference in their lives.”
A Blend of Respect
For Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, with 55 years of cigar-making behind him, the blend carries special meaning:
“I’ve been making blends for 55 years, but this one felt different. Battleborn is not just about tobacco — it’s about respect rolled into every leaf. It’s our way of saying thank you.”
Pre-orders expected to ship by beginning of November
