To catch you up, first, we had a great time in Dallas with the folks from Cigars and Spirits Magazine. They had a very cool event that allowed us to make some new friends and meet some great new Warfighters who haven’t yet had an opportunity to meet us. Also, in case you haven’t heard, Cigars and Spirits are in the process of rating our Cigars. So far, they have completed the Garrison line. The 5.56 MM Garrison Corojo and 7.62 MM Garrison Rosado both rated at 90. The .50 Cal Garrison Oscuro Maduro rated a 91. Next up will be our Field line. We are excited to see how our most popular 5.56 MM Field Connecticut rates out. So far, so good.
From Dallas, Scott and Jon went to scope out San Antonio where we found our new HQ. Yes, we are moving operations to San Antonio, Texas. For the loyal Nebraska faithful, no worries. Not all of us are moving so we won’t be losing our Nebraska roots. You will still see at least one of the Warfighter Urban Assault Vehicles roaming about Nebraska. Chris and Bryan will head up Warfighter North while Scott and Jon will transition ops to Warfighter South. Rocco will continue to be our Warfighter West media juggernaut.
The move is designed to help us continue to grow and expand so we can continue our promise to you. That is, if we aren’t always trying to get better, we are failing, and we don’t plan on failing you. With the move we will have more space, be closer to some other great Veteran Owned businesses, and be poised to get into more markets. Plus, Texas is a pretty darned Cigar friendly State, and we can’t ignore that. Don’t worry, even though we keep hearing that things are bigger in Texas, we are listening to you and working on bringing you smaller gauged cigars when you don’t have Texas sized time to enjoy a smoke. We will be starting with a Minutemen (4x44) Maduro. If you like those, there will definitely be more to follow.
Speaking of Rocco, we can’t ignore the pending season finale of Mayans MC. What a ride that has been for Vince. For those of you that will miss seeing him on the tube, no worries, because his new show on the History Channel debuts November 20th. Brothers In Arms will pit Vince and our friend Eli Cuevas against all things 2A as they restore and play with some very cool weaponry. This will be done out of their Ogden, Utah “Banditos Armory” facility. Of course, as Warfighters, this probably isn’t up our alley very much (#sarcasm). I know Bryan is anxiously awaiting Vince to appear in a remake of Chocolat—because he’s definitely the “romantic comedy-drama” expert—not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Finally, as we prepare for the Holidays, don’t forget to check out our Warfighter Travel Humidor. This product has been in the making for a very long time—too long. It is the Ultimate Travel Humidor that has room for 4 cigars, a cutter, lighter and other kit. It is the King of versatility—it can attach to your boat, motorcycle, ATV or other vehicle via its high strength rare earth magnets. Alternatively, you can attach it to your tactical vest or pack using the incorporated MOLLE webbing. Coincidentally, when not being used to store cigars, it also fits a small concealed-carry pistol and two magazines. Go figure?
As always, and as is most important, thank you Warfighters for your support and patronage. Stay Dangerous and Be Safe.
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In our moment of pride, however, Rocco was quick to knock us back down and remind us what this is really about. “My goal has never been to be famous for myself. I want to become famous to inspire the Veteran community as to what is possible after they transition out of the Military.” Thank you, Brother, for slapping us upside our heads and reminding us that this isn’t about us. It is about our awesome community and what we can do to make each other better.
Okay, with reality firmly planted in back into our grey matter, Rocco’s individual success is still worthy of discussion. First, it is interesting how a former Army Ranger, Drill Sergeant, Border Patrol Agent and serial entrepreneur ends up starring in one of TV’s most anticipated shows. As Warfighters know, it wasn’t pure luck. We all take whatever luck we can get, but something like this also takes a lot of hard work. The type of hard work that Warfighters are no stranger to. “I’ve always been good at the physical stuff.” That’s how Rocco describes baseball, being a Ranger, or any of the “break glass in case of emergency” stuff that came more naturally to him. Instead, the real challenge in acting has been the mental part.
Don’t get us wrong, Rocco admits that being a Warfighter certainly requires mental toughness. “But this is a different beast.” Acting is an intense re-invention of yourself that is very different from the “pure will” it takes to push yourself physically. Hearing him describe it makes me tired, but it is very cool. Also cool is the knowledge that being a Warfighter has helped him prepare for this. The knowledge of knowing we have been through stuff that not everyone can endure gives you the strength to face the unknown with a level of confidence not everyone can muster.
In this regard, we asked Rocco if it was intimidating being the FNG again. “Not really. I was the FNG a lot in my life.” He’s right. We all had to be the new guy in everything we ever did. Come to think of it, Warfighter was the FNG two short years ago and that didn’t intimidate us. The truth is, we never stop learning. As far as acting, Rocco says it has really played out the ideal way. “I’m the new guy, but I’m learning on set from some of the best actors in the game.” He’s grateful that he gets to be trained and learn his new(ish) craft from real professionals. It is certainly better than learning the hard way--what not to do from those who have mastered idiocy!
It isn’t really fair to call Rocco the “new guy” in the acting world. He does have two major motion picture credits to his name. His first role was in Ross Patterson’s Helen Keller and the Night Wolves which was the precursor to his major role in the instant cult classic Range 15. If you haven’t seen either, they are laugh-out-loud worthy [In fairness, our own Scott Jansen was also in Range 15 and is the only zombie I know to have died more than once]. Nonetheless, Rocco says movies and television are really different. Although the pace is slower in television, for Rocco it is tougher because you really have to focus on the development of your character. “It is more intense from a story telling perspective.” In the movies you tell the whole story in 90 minutes or so. On television you are striving to develop your character over multiple seasons. “Think of the character like an onion. In movies you chop it in half but in television you have to peel it back slowly, layer by layer.”
So, there you have it. A little inside perspective of what it is like to be the FNG cast in a major television series. It is cool. More importantly, it is a reminder that Warfighting hasn’t defined us—it is just the beginning of what we are capable of. Stay dangerous and be safe Brothers and Sisters!
Check out our new coffee mugs and French Press tumblers to go along with that Warfighter Joe. Keep on the lookout for lots of cool new cigar products and swag as we ramp up for the Holiday Season.]]>
What you have helped us create is pretty amazing. Cofounder Scott Jansen first had the idea to start a cigar company when he was working on the set of Range 15 with other Veterans. The companies Article 15 Clothing and Ranger Up had brought together a band of Veterans to tell the politically incorrect satire of our Veteran experience. It was the first successfully crowd-funded major motion picture, and it was made possible the same way Warfighters win our battles—one Service Member each doing his or her part.
This experience left Scott, a former Scout Sniper with the 101stAirborne, with the realization (or, perhaps more appropriately, a “reaffirmation”) that our community, when banded together, can accomplish anything. This made him want to join the league of awesome Veteran owned companies that were beginning to proliferate with products that were warrior focused and unapologetic. Successful companies were being created in apparel, liquor, coffee, survival gear and other consumer industries. Scott, however, recognized that there was a glaring need left unfilled. There were no Cigar companies that really spoke to, and understood, the Sheepdog community that we wanted to serve.
With that, Scott invited cofounder Chris Ferdico, and their friends Jon Simons and Bryan Bettey, to Vegas for Shot Show and the premier of the Range 15 trailer. Over drinks (it’s Vegas, so we will let your imagination assume the quantity) Scott shared his idea. At that point, Chris, who was a self-proclaimed cigar connoisseur (which, if you know Chris, he self-proclaims a lot of things) said “I know a guy.” With that, Warfighter Tobacco was conceived. To sum up, we have alcohol, Vegas, and two guys too stubborn to quit. What could go wrong?
Well, if you are smart enough to listen to the gracious guys from Black Rifle Coffee, Article 15 Clothing, Ranger Up, Strike Force Energy and Tactical Shit, not really much could go wrong. Well, actually, a lot could go wrong, but not because of those guys. Those guys know what they are doing and were very helpful with mentoring us on what not to do. So, we took the concept from scratch, found a source who could get us our own line of premium cigars, and started with 300 cigars. Those 300 cigars Scott and Chris took to the premier of Range 15 to hand out as thanks, and to make sure we didn’t suck. With confirmation that we did not, in fact, suck, we ordered big. Thankfully to you, however, we did not order big enough. We couldn’t keep up with you wicked Sheepdogs.
Not really having a plan for your demand (we had every other plan), we do what our community does best. We winged it. By this time Jon, Bryan and Vincent “Rocco” Vargas joined in. This thing was happening. We realized you liked us, and we should go for broke. You wanted us in your local cigar shops. To accomplish this, we needed to improve our foxhole. We wanted to reward you with even better cigars. So, we took our existing blends, tweaked them, found the most badass cigar manufacturer in Nicaragua, and unveiled the new Warfighter cigars barely 11 months later. The coming out party was in July 2017 at the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Tobacco Retailers Association (IPCPR) Convention. We did better than anyone expected (except us, because we are still the same dumb stubborn guys that started this thing).
With our second IPCPR convention under our belt and rocking better than the first, we realized it was our Anniversary. That gave us a chance to look back at this whirlwind and share our appreciation with you. After all, we exist for you. To provide the Warfighter (those Veterans, Servicemembers, First Responders and everyone who shares our Warrior Ethos) with a cigar specifically for our community, by our community.
So, what does this mean? Are we there yet? Not even close. We continue to master our craft and improve the way we do business. It hasn’t been all sunshine and butterflies. We have learned from our mistake and will keep focusing on you—our community. Most of all, we haven’t been able to meet our charitable expectations. While we are proud that we came out of the gate wanting to fail giving back rather than succeed being selfish, we haven’t been able to do what we really want to do—give back to our Community in big ways. That’s not to say we aren’t proud of what we have done, but we have bigger expectations. As we already know, with you, we will get that done too.
To celebrate you, use promo-code “ANNIVERSARY” for 15% off everything in the store throughout the month of August and ending on Labor Day (September 3, 2018). Also, get ready for fall, because we’ve got lots of cool new kit coming. From there, let’s see what another year can do! Stay Dangerous, be safe, and Unleash You’re Inner Warfighter.
]]>The outside layer is called the “wrapper” and is usually how the cigar is referenced. For example, Connecticut, Sumatra and Maduro all describe the wrapper and usually, but not always, refers to the type of tobacco that is used in the wrapper. Connecticut wrappers describe a cigar that is made from Connecticut tobacco seed (but can be grown almost anywhere). The exception to this rule is the Maduro. Maduro is not a type of tobacco, but instead refers to the color. Maduro means “ripe” and when tobacco leaves are harvested later, they become dark. Maduro wrappers are the darkest shade varying from dark brown to almost black. Various tobaccos can be used to grow Maduro wrappers, and some growers also use the term “Maduro” to identify the process they use to ferment the dark leaf. The bottom line is that while it is often said a Maduro will be a bolder smoke, it is not always the case. Our Maduro is our boldest smoke, but still not as bold as some truly seasoned smokers prefer. Because the Wrapper is what you see, it should be a perfect leaf without tears, holes or other cosmetic imperfections.
The binder is the second layer of tobacco. It can be any variety of tobacco and expert blenders will mix and match binders to achieve the experience they want the cigar to have. The binder is critical because it holds and shapes the long filler tobacco that is the heart of the cigar. Because the binder is not visible, it doesn’t have to be as cosmetically perfect as the wrapper, and some wrappers that are damaged may become binders. Because of its function, however, the binder must be free from any significant defects that would compromise the integrity of the cigar and a binder leaf will be harvested for its elasticity that makes the rolling process easier.
The filler in premium cigars is usually referred to as “long filler” because it is generally whole leaves of tobacco that are bundled together in the center of the cigar. The expert blenders will mix and match filler tobacco varieties to again, achieve the correct experience and flavor of the cigar. Filler tobacco is the largest portion of the cigar and, therefore is critical to the blend. Because filler tobacco is meant to be tasted and not seen, it can have all variety of imperfection that would never make the grade regarding the quality of the binder or wrapper. In addition to the types of tobacco that is used, every cigar will use a blend of the three types of leaves found on a tobacco plant. The top leaves are known as Ligero and will be the darkest and most flavorful (strongest). The middle leaves on a tobacco plant are known as Seco and are light and mild. These leaves get less direct sunlight than the Ligero which accounts for its different flavor. The bottom leaves are the Velado and do very little with regard to flavor. They are, however, hugely important because they are what makes a cigar burn properly. Because the Ligero and Seco leaves are more sundrenched, they burn quickly. The Velado prevents the cigar from burning improperly and gives the cigar its trademark “slow burn.”
The cap is the “smoking” end of the cigar and is a piece of wrapper that is expertly crafted to finish smoking end and keep the cigar together. If you look closely at the cigar (and you should) you can see how the cap fits over the end of the cigar like a watch cap. This is critical because when you cut the cigar, you want to cut below the end of the cap. If you cut the cap off, your cigar is likely to unravel and will impact your smoking experience, if not ruin the cigar.
There are several types of cigar cutters. Like a knife or firearm, having the right tool for the right job is critical (we know, everything is a hammer, although a cigar is more like the MRE spoon. Sure, you can use it to kill Taliban, but it is much more enjoyable to use it for its intended purpose. On second thought, killing Taliban with an MRE spoon is way better than eating an MRE with it--never mind). Although relatively simple in theory, the cut is the second thing you have control over (the first being storage; as in temperature and humidity) in determining whether you enjoy a good smoke or would have been better off chopping it up, sticking it in your lip and pretending it was “chaw.” Or better yet, shoving it down the throat of some Isis wacko to choke on before you kill him with an MRE spoon. Sorry, I digress….
When cutting a cigar, it is critical you cut below the cap (see our section on the parts of the cigar) so the cigar doesn’t unroll in the smoking process. Also, a cigar must be cut cleanly. That is, if you go all Jason Voorhees on it you will end up with torn leaves and bits of cigar in your mouth that are not only annoying, but really sexy when you are trying to spit them out. Cigars are cool, you are cool, so don’t screw this up.
So what is the proper cutter for you? There are preferences and then there are needs. Before discussing, let me explain the types of cutters you are most likely to encounter:
This probably the most common cutter. It will have one, usually two, and rarely more razor blades that slice through the cap of the cigar. A guillotine work for every cigar. Guillotine cutters, however, are like firearms. With a firearm, you don’t wuss up and ride the bolt forward, everything will be fine. If you do, that bitch is gonna jam! Rack that slide back and let it go. Your mommy and daddy isn’t going to yell at you for slamming the car door—cause it is designed to be slammed! It is the same way with the Guillotine Cutter. Fast, even pressure is what it takes. If you try to go slow you are going to tear the leaves and have fun picking those out of your teeth! So not cool.
Some prefer a punch over a guillotine cutter because it is a tad more forgiving than a weak cut or dull blades. With the punch, you don’t actually punch the end of the cigar; instead you apply even pressure and twist the blade of the punch into the end of the cigar. Usually when you pull out (hehe) you bring a small core of tobacco with you and you have a nice whole in the cap. If the cigars is drawing tight, you can bite down gently and widen the whole. Bite down too hard and, well, since I already went there with the sexual reference—you get the point….The advantage to the punch is that you can’t cut the cap off and ruin the cigar. The disadvantage is that some cigars, like a Torpedo or Pyramid, don’t work with a punch.
This is what happens when you leave a guillotine cutter and a punch alone in your humidor. The V cutter combines the advantages of the guillotine and punch. It operates like a guillotine cutter but has a v-notch blade that cuts a “cat eye” into the cap of the cigar. What’s nice about the v-cutter is that the way it works it makes it nearly impossible to cut the cap off, thus making it more likely that you will get a good cut. Also, the cut is larger than a punch so it can draw better. Like the punch, however, some cigar shapes don’t work with it.
The enemy of any cigar is a dull cutter. There are many “disposable” cutters out there that are really only meant for a dozen or so uses and then they are no good. You can tell when a cutter is nearing the end of its life when you start tearing leaf (while using proper technique). The advantage of the cigar scissor is that they can be user sharpened. A quality cigar scissor will last a lifetime. And like the guillotine cutter, they work well for impromptu “enhanced interrogation” when you have that hi-value target who is being stingy with information you really would like to have. The down size is they are bulky and not as easy to carry in your pocket. When dull, they will tear and crush a cigar, which will leave you cursing. So, be sure to sharpen after every interrogation.
If you are starting off, everyone should have a good guillotine cutter, if only because they work for every type of cigar. Many prefer a v-cutter or a punch, but you are likely to find that you are offered and an awesome Pyramid or Torpedo and then have to bum a cutter because all you have is a punch. Your friends and enemies will mock you mercilessly. If you are a seasoned cigar smoking ninja, then you probably have several and that’s cool too. Like guns, one is good, two is better, and an armory is ideal!
There are a few types of niche cutters out there that I don’t discuss because we aren’t carrying them. Not everything can be Warfighter kit. We are always looking for what’s good, durable and of a decent value, so if you want us to check something out, we are always willing to do so.
]]>Torch lighters are even worse. Torch lighters are known for their uncanny ability to just stop working after being on the shelf for a while. You can bleed it, blow it, practically rebuild the thing and they are just quirky. My personal Xikar Enigma (first edition) went to Iraq and back and has lasted the longest of any refillable lighter (save zippo) I own. One of these days it won’t, and I will send it in and they will send me another. What’s not to like about that?
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