Casa Carrillo is bringing Battleborn back for Veterans Day, though the 2026 version is a different cigar from the one that debuted last year.
Called Battleborn Heroes, the new edition uses a Cameroon wrapper over two binders, one Dominican and one Nicaraguan, with aged Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. It comes in a single 6 x 52 size. That’s a clear change from the 2025 Battleborn Warriors, a 6 x 56 toro gordo built on a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican and Nicaraguan binders and Nicaraguan filler.
The packaging carries a military theme. Production is capped at 2,000 boxes of 21 cigars, with the 21-count meant as a nod to the 21-gun salute. Each box is numbered and comes with a collectible Battleborn dog tag, a detail carried over from last year’s release, which was sold in 2,500 numbered boxes of 20.
The line honors military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters and first responders.
“Battleborn is about honoring the people who show up when others need them most,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III. “Whether you serve in the military, protect your community as a police officer or firefighter, or respond when someone is having the worst day of their life, that commitment deserves our respect. Bringing Battleborn back for a second year gives us another opportunity to recognize those individuals and show our appreciation for everything they do.”
The original Battleborn was inspired by Lionel H. McKoy, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran who has worked as Casa Carrillo’s shipping manager since 2017. Last year’s launch came at Finck’s Lone Star Cigar Bash in San Antonio, where the company donated $6,000 from box sales to the Fisher House Foundation. For 2026, Casa Carrillo says it will again support veteran, military family and first responder organizations through retailer partnerships and its Carrillo Cares initiative.
“Giving back has always been an important part of who we are as a company,” said Lissette Perez-Carrillo. “Through Carrillo Cares, we have worked to support causes that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Battleborn continues that commitment by recognizing the people who serve our country and communities, while helping support the organizations that stand behind them and their families.”
“I’ve spent 55 years making cigars, and every blend has a story,” added Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III. “With Battleborn, the blend may change, but the message stays the same. It’s about service, sacrifice, and respect. We want those who serve our country and protect our communities to know that their dedication is recognized and appreciated.”
Battleborn Heroes makes its retail debut at two Old Virginia Tobacco launch events, both with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo in attendance: Kingstowne, Virginia on October 22 and Woodbridge, Virginia on October 23, each from 5 to 8 p.m. After that, the cigars are expected at select retailers nationwide before Veterans Day on November 11. Suggested retail is $21 per cigar.
Product Details
- Cigar: Battleborn Heroes 2026
- Company: Casa Carrillo
- Size: 6 x 52
- Wrapper: Cameroon
- Binder: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
- Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua (aged)
- MSRP: $21 per cigar
- Packaging: Numbered 21-count boxes with collectible dog tag
- Production: 2,000 boxes (42,000 cigars)
- Availability: Old Virginia Tobacco launch events Oct. 22-23, 2026; select retailers nationwide before Nov. 11, 2026
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