Some cigars just look like they mean business, and the Warfighter Night Shift is one of them. Between the dark, oily wrapper, the bold Warfighter branding, and that unmistakable tactical look, this cigar practically demands to be smoked after dark.
So that’s exactly what I did. As the light faded, I geared up with a lighter, a good attitude, and a set of night vision goggles to capture the moment. Smoking under NVGs felt oddly fitting: the quiet, the glow, the sense of focus that comes when the rest of the world goes quiet.
Profile: Medium to Full Body
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
Binder: Indonesian Binder
Filler: Nicaraguan Filler
Factory: Tabacalera Carreras (Estelí, Nicaragua)
Sizes Available: Toro (6.5” x 54)
Notable Feature: Candela ring at the cap, a subtle nod to the green phosphur glow of traditional night vision and Warfighter’s tactical roots
Price Point: Around $11 -$12 per cigar / Boxes of 20 available
Warfighter Tobacco was founded by veterans who wanted to make cigars that reflect the same values they live by loyalty, grit, and pride in their craft. Built for warfighters, operators, and first responders, these cigars speak to the people who keep going when the rest of the world clocks out. They’re well-built smokes meant to perform anywhere, anytime.
The Warfighter Night Shift Toro pays tribute to those who work through the dark hours, from medics and cops to truckers and operators whose missions don’t end at sunset. It’s a cigar for that quiet calm of the night when the world slows down and your thoughts finally catch up.
Crafted at Tabacalera Carreras in Estelí, Nicaragua, this blend combines an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper, Indonesian binder, and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos for a profile that’s rich, full, and remarkably smooth. And that candela ring near the cap? It isn’t just for looks; it ties the cigar’s design directly to its name and purpose.
It’s no surprise this cigar placed number 18 in Halfwheel’s Top 25 Cigars of 2024 for its balance of flavor, strength, and construction. But beyond accolades, the Night Shift captures what Warfighter Tobacco does best: honest craftsmanship, purpose-driven design, and a story that actually means something.
Right out of the humidor, this cigar shows off its identity, bold, clean, and confidently built. It’s one of the first things you notice when you pick it up. The dark Oscuro wrapper gives off a faint sheen under the light, while the green candela strip adds contrast that fits the name perfectly.
Construction is rock solid: no soft spots, no lifting seams, just a tight, uniform roll. The cold draw brings coffee, earth, and cocoa, a preview of a balanced, medium-bodied start.
I lit up just before it got too dark for natural light. NVGs were great for some photos, but not exactly ideal for open flame. Once it caught, the burn line stayed sharp and even from the start, impressive considering the conditions.
The Warfighter Night Shift wastes no time getting into flavor. It opens with smooth notes of coffee, cocoa, and cream, carried by a thick, velvety smoke. A faint pepper note lingers on the retrohale, just enough to add character without breaking the balance.
The aroma is rich and inviting, hinting at dark chocolate and roasted espresso as the smoke builds. The draw was spot-on, not too loose, not too firm, and the burn stayed razor-straight.
At this stage, it sits comfortably at medium-bodied, but the richness of flavor hints that there’s more to come. No harshness, no bitterness, just a creamy, satisfying start that leans toward the smooth side of bold.
By the halfway mark, the Night Shift starts to flex a little more strength. The body edges toward medium-full but never loses its easygoing rhythm. The cocoa note deepens into espresso, while a touch of toast and natural sweetness round it out.
The ash held tight, stacking neatly with zero touchups needed. The burn stayed even, a mark of expert construction from Warfighter Tobacco and the Tabacalera Carreras factory.
This is the point where the cigar settles into its stride: flavorful, steady, and totally consistent, the kind of reliability that would make this one a favorite among those who appreciate straightforward quality and control.
In the final stretch, the Warfighter Night Shift Toro stays true to its profile, creamy, coffee-forward, and earthy with a subtle peppery edge returning near the end. It hits that sweet spot of medium-to-full body, offering depth and strength without ever turning harsh.
That green candela strip near the cap stands out; while I didn't notice a major impact on flavor from it being there, it's a small but striking detail that reminds you what this cigar represents. It’s covered in meaning, from the name to the design, a quiet tribute to those who’ve served, fought, and still find time to slow down for a good smoke.
Smooth, steady, and flavorful all the way to the nub, exactly how a cigar like this should finish.
Even under cold, damp night air, this cigar performed flawlessly. The burn stayed clean and even, the ash firm, and the draw effortless from start to finish.
Its consistency stood out, no relights, no touchups, and zero airflow issues.
Compared to other Warfighter Tobacco blends, the Night Shift feels like a refined evolution: bold and flavorful yet balanced and controlled. It’s the kind of cigar that fits just as well at the end of a long shift as it does during a quiet night on the back porch.
At about $11 - $12 bucks a stick, the Warfighter Night Shift Toro punches above its weight. The balance of flavor, performance, and consistency makes it one of the better medium-to-full cigars in its price range.
It’s approachable for newer smokers but satisfying for those who like a cigar with depth and confidence. The creamy, coffee-rich character makes it an ideal late-evening companion, especially if you like your smokes with a little backbone.
👉 If you liked this review, check out our Warfighter 7.62 Field Sumatra Review for another veteran-built cigar worth your time.
The Warfighter Tobacco Night Shift proves that balance and strength can work hand in hand. It’s a cigar that honors the unsung Americans, the warfighters, operators, and first responders who stay sharp while the rest of us sleep.
Between the excellent burn performance, smooth draw, and creamy, dark flavor profile, this cigar hits every note it aims for. Smoking it under night vision might not make it taste better, but it definitely makes it more memorable, and it reinforces everything Warfighter stands for: discipline, craftsmanship, and camaraderie.
| Category | Rating (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Flavor | 9.0 |
| Construction | 9.2 |
| Burn / Draw |
9.4 |
| Value | 9.0 |
| Overall Rating | ⭐ 9.0 / 10 |
A creamy, dark, medium-full smoke that nails performance and personality, classic Warfighter quality, built for those who keep watch while others rest.
Experience the Warfighter Night Shift, a cigar that delivers a subtle nod to those who work the night shift and keep America moving while the world sleeps. Available now at After Action Cigars, where craftsmanship, camaraderie, and good cigars are standard issue.
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