Warped

Warped Cigars represents a unique fusion of traditional Cuban cigar-making heritage with modern boutique craftsmanship, creating an 'exclusively different' approach to premium cigars. Founded by Kyle Gellis, the brand is renowned for its commitment to traditional Cuban vitolas, entubado rolling techniques, and smaller ring gauges that emphasize nuanced flavor over brute strength. Warped stands as a beacon of authenticity in the boutique cigar market, consistently earning 90+ ratings from major industry publications while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality and traditional craftsmanship. The brand has carved out a distinctive niche by rejecting industry trends toward larger ring gauges, instead offering cigars that honor the golden age of Cuban tobacco artistry with a contemporary twist.

Background

The Warped story begins in childhood, when Kyle Gellis developed his passion for cigars under the guidance of his father, an avid cigar enthusiast who taught him the fundamentals of cigar appreciation from age six. At 16, Kyle enjoyed his first cigar—a Montecristo No. 2 Habano—which ignited his deeper passion for the leaf. While studying marketing at the University of Central Florida, Kyle made weekly pilgrimages to Miami's historic Little Havana neighborhood, learning traditional Cuban manufacturing and blending techniques at factories staffed by Cuban expatriates. This immersive education in authentic Cuban methods would become the foundation of Warped's philosophy. After initially launching in 2009 with three blends before going into hibernation, Warped returned to the premium cigar scene in 2014 with a refined vision and honed expertise, quickly gaining recognition from enthusiasts and industry media alike.

History

Warped's journey reflects Kyle Gellis's dedication to preserving traditional Cuban cigar-making methods while building a modern boutique brand. After the initial 2009 launch and subsequent hiatus, the brand's 2014 relaunch marked a turning point, with partnerships established at both El Titan de Bronze in Miami and TABSA (Casa Fernandez) in Nicaragua. The brand gained immediate attention by releasing a 36 ring gauge cigar (La Colmena) when the industry trend favored 60-70 ring gauges, demonstrating their commitment to being 'exclusively different.' Warped's growth has been marked by consistent quality, earning recognition as a rising star in the boutique cigar world and receiving industry awards including Cigar Dojo's 'Brand of the Year' recognition.

Reputation

Warped has established itself as one of the most respected boutique cigar brands in the premium market, consistently earning 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado and other major industry publications. The brand is highly regarded for its unwavering commitment to traditional Cuban production methods and its refusal to compromise on quality for mass production. Industry experts and enthusiasts praise Warped for successfully bridging the gap between old-world Cuban craftsmanship and modern American innovation, with many considering their cigars to be among the finest non-Cuban offerings available. The brand's direct-to-consumer approach and strong social media presence have fostered a loyal community of aficionados who appreciate their dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship.