Casa Carrillo Unveils Perez-Carrillo Battleborn to Honour U.S. Veterans
Casa Carrillo has announced the release of the Perez-Carrillo Battleborn, a limited edition cigar dedicated to U.S. veterans. Launching in mid-October, the line both honours service members and raises funds for veteran-focused charities.
Inspired by a Navy Veteran
The Battleborn project draws inspiration from Lionel H. McKoy, a U.S. Navy veteran and long-time member of the Casa Carrillo family. McKoy served for twenty years, reaching the rank of petty officer 2nd class, with deployments aboard the USS Midway, USS Forrestal, and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
After retiring from service, McKoy joined Casa Carrillo in 2017 as shipping manager. His story touched Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III, who explained: “At one point, Lionel got emotional while sharing his experiences, and I knew I was in the presence of a true hero. That was the moment Battleborn was conceived.”
A Rich, Full-Bodied Cigar
The Perez-Carrillo Battleborn is a 6 x 56 toro gordo. It features a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, two binders – one Mexican and one Nicaraguan – and Nicaraguan fillers. The blend promises a rich, full-bodied smoking experience.
Production is capped at 2,500 individually numbered boxes of 20 cigars. Each box includes a Battleborn dog tag, reinforcing its military tribute theme. Pricing is set at $22 per cigar or $440 per box.
Giving Back Through Carrillo Cares
The release is part of Casa Carrillo’s Carrillo Cares initiative, which has already raised over $200,000 for charities. Proceeds from Battleborn sales will support veteran and first responder organisations.
The first official event will take place on 20 September at Finck’s Lone Star Cigar Bash in San Antonio, Texas. Casa Carrillo will donate $6,000 from box sales at this launch to the Fisher House Foundation.
“Battleborn is not just about tobacco — it’s about respect rolled into every leaf,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. “It’s our way of saying thank you.”
