Casa Carrillo is set to release a special limited-edition cigar this fall—Battleborn Warriors, created as a heartfelt tribute to America’s veterans and first responders. The project draws inspiration from Lionel H. McKoy, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of the Casa Carrillo family.
McKoy served for two decades, including deployments aboard carriers such as the USS Midway, USS Forrestal, and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. His story left a lasting impression on Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III, who recalls an early conversation with Lionel about his service:
“He got emotional, and a tear ran down his face,” Perez-Carrillo said. “In that moment, I knew I was in the presence of a true hero—and Battleborn was conceived right then.”
For Lionel, seeing a cigar dedicated to his journey is profoundly meaningful. “To have a cigar created in honor of my service—and to know it will help other veterans—means more than I can put into words.”
The 6 x 56 Battleborn Warriors is built with a bold USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, dual binders from Mexico and Nicaragua, and aged Nicaraguan fillers, delivering a rich and full-bodied smoking experience. The release is limited to 2,500 numbered boxes of 20, each accompanied by a collectible Battleborn dog tag.
Casa Carrillo is taking the tribute beyond the cigar itself. The company will host a series of Battleborn events with retail partners nationwide, with proceeds donated to charities supporting veterans and first responders. The first was held on September 20, 2025, at the Finck’s Lone Star Cigar Bash in San Antonio, where $6,000 from pre-release sales went to support the Fisher House Foundation.
This release also ties into the Perez-Carrillo family’s broader philanthropic mission through Carrillo Cares, which has already contributed more than $200,000 to causes including Els for Autism.
“Battleborn is a natural extension of our mission,” said Lissette Perez-Carrillo. “It honors veterans like Lionel while supporting organizations that make a real difference.”
For Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the blend is deeply personal: “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.”
The Battleborn Warriors will begin shipping to select retailers in mid-October, with a suggested retail price of $22 per cigar.