The Warped Sarto is a deeply personal project for brand founder Kyle Gellis. Named after his late Cane Corso, Sarto, who died unexpectedly from epilepsy, the cigar serves as a tribute to the loyalty and companionship Sarto represented. More than just a commemorative label, Sarto marks a turning point in Warped’s profile—it’s their boldest blend to date and their first production with Nicaragua’s NACSA factory (Nicaraguan American Cigar S.A.), known for edgier, fuller-bodied cigars. Gellis, long associated with Aganorsa Leaf and more nuanced Nicaraguan blends, wanted to explore something richer and more muscular without abandoning Warped’s elegance. The decision to use Connecticut Broadleaf—uncharacteristic for Warped—was a symbolic choice to represent strength and depth. Sarto isn’t just a dog’s namesake; it’s a shift in tone for a boutique brand usually rooted in refinement.
