A Cigar with a Mission: Surpassion King of Battle

Last week I finally found time to drive out to Slow Burn Cigar Co. in Remington. Travel and a busy schedule had conspired to keep me away for more than a month. I was excited to get back and see what was new on the shelves.

The Comfortable Lounge at Slow Burn Cigar Co.

I was also thrilled to finally try a cigar I’d been wanting to smoke for some time: the Surpassion King of Battle.

Surpassion is a veteran-owned cigar company founded in 2024. A portion of every sale goes directly to charities supporting our nation’s veterans and their families. I’ve been seeing praise for the company’s cigars online with increasing frequency, and Slow Burn only recently began carrying them. Surpassion currently offers three core lines, with more on the way.

I selected the Surpassion King of Battle Toro, a cigar whose name pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It features a smooth, oily American Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder and a blend of Dominican and American fillers. All of the tobaccos have been aged for at least five years.

The King of Battle is a full-bodied, richly flavorful smoke. Dark cocoa and black pepper start things off right out of the gate. Before long, the cigar settles into its rhythm as notes of espresso emerge, accompanied by rich fudge sweetness complemented by a pleasantly bittersweet finish. Smoke production is abundant, while the burn progresses slowly and evenly.

Bold but never heavy-handed, the King of Battle rewards a leisurely pace. Waves of espresso, dark cocoa, and touches of black pepper ebb and flow throughout the smoke, keeping the profile engaging from first light to the final inch. I happily smoked it for more than two hours, down to a warm nub.

I paired the cigar with a bottled green tea, which proved surprisingly refreshing. Even so, I couldn’t help imagining how well the King of Battle would complement one of my favorite bourbons. Since I happened to buy the last one in the box at Slow Burn, I’ll definitely be picking up a few more on my next visit.

Cheers!

Off the Beaten Path: Slow Burn Cigar Co. in Remington

A few weeks ago, I came across a mention online of a cigar lounge in the area that I had never heard of. Intrigued, I looked up Slow Burn Cigar Co. and realized it was just a short drive away in the small town of Remington. Interestingly, I pass through Remington regularly, yet had never had occasion to venture into the quiet rural community itself.

Opened a little over a year ago, Slow Burn occupies a renovated former feed supply store that suits the lounge perfectly. The building’s open layout and high ceilings create an airy, comfortable atmosphere, with ample seating spread throughout the space. Several large air cleaners help to keep the environment fresh. On warm days, additional seating is available on the front porch, offering a relaxed outdoor option for enjoying a cigar.

Owner Len is both welcoming and knowledgeable. Beyond simply running a cigar shop, he is clearly focused on building a destination for enthusiasts by bringing in boutique and harder-to-find cigars. The humidors may not be massive, but they are thoughtfully stocked with a balanced selection that should appeal to a wide range of smokers.

On both of my visits, I enjoyed the shop’s “house blend,” the Farmhouse Blend Maduro. The 6.5 x 52 vitola delivers a flavorful, slow-burning smoke with enough complexity to remain interesting throughout its long session. Slow Burn also participates in monthly releases from the Limited Cigar Association through Privada, giving regulars access to limited and often unique offerings. I look forward to exploring some of those selections on future visits.

Adding to Slow Burn's appeal is its unexpected location. While the surrounding region is heavily populated, Remington itself remains a small rural town of roughly 650 residents, tucked between Warrenton and Culpeper. Finding a dedicated cigar lounge of this quality in such a setting feels like discovering a hidden gem.

Len is actively working to spread the word about the shop, and the sense of community already seems to be taking hold. During my visits, conversations with several regulars added to the welcoming atmosphere. 

After a couple of visits, Slow Burn has already earned a place on my list of regular stops. Though the driving mileage is greater than some other nearby cigar shops, the drive through winding country roads takes about the same amount of time — and is considerably more enjoyable than navigating traffic through town. For cigar smokers in the area, it is well worth the detour.

Cheers!