Crux Cigars: Retail Roots, Thoughtful Packaging and Blends

From Creekside Podcast Ep. 006: You NEED To Know About This Cigar Brand, aired Feb 14, 2025. Recorded at Creekside Cigar Co. in Maineville, Ohio.

On this episode of the Creekside Podcast, we sit down with Tony Hogan of Crux Cigars to talk about how the brand grew from a retailer’s point of view. We get into Crux’s partnership with Plasencia, the thinking behind its packaging and five-packs, and how a cigar can be both approachable and thoughtfully made. Along the way, we compare favorite blends, talk about factory visits and share what makes a cigar memorable.

How did Crux Cigars get started?

Crux began in 2011, with its first cigar reaching retail in 2014. Tony’s cousin Jeff Hogan started the business after decades in cigar retail. Tony came from finance, then spent 14 years working at Jeff’s shop before joining Crux full-time. That experience gave them a close view of what cigar retailers and customers need.

Tony says the retail background helped Crux recognize what worked well—and what could be frustrating—when dealing with cigar companies. The goal was to make the brand straightforward to work with while creating a good experience for the person choosing a cigar. For us, that perspective helps explain why details such as clear packaging information and flexible purchase options are central to the brand.

Crux partnered with Plasencia as it developed its cigars. Tony describes the relationship as a way to work closely with a family deeply involved in tobacco growing and cigar production. He says all but one of the cigars in the Crux portfolio are made at Plasencia; the Maduro is made by AJ Fernandez.

What changed when Crux rebranded?

Crux’s original look had a darker, edgier feel, but Tony says the brand was easy to miss among the many brown boxes in a humidor. The team wanted packaging that would stand out on the shelf and help shoppers make a more informed choice, especially in places where staff might not specialize in cigars.

Rather than choosing a new look on instinct, Crux put its designs in front of test panels that included cigar smokers and non-smokers. Tony says the updated packaging led to roughly four times more average turns right away. He also hears from customers who think the cigars themselves changed, although he says the blends did not change with the rebrand.

The packaging puts strength and profile descriptors where shoppers can see them. Inside the box, tasting notes offer another point of reference. We appreciate that kind of guidance: tasting notes can help someone explore a cigar without suggesting that every smoker will notice the same things.

Why does Crux offer five-packs?

Crux’s five-packs give customers another way to try a cigar besides buying a single or committing to a full box. The presentation keeps some of the box experience, with protection for the cigars and a QR code for additional information. Tony also points out that someone can combine four five-packs to reach the quantity of a 20-cigar box while trying several blends.

There is a practical reason behind the packaging, too. Tony says the five-packs use 100% recycled paper, reflecting the team’s awareness of how quickly empty cigar boxes can accumulate in a shop. It is a small design choice, but one that came from Crux’s experience on the retail side of the business.

What Crux cigars and pairings came up?

At the start of the conversation, Tony describes a Crux cigar as an everyday option that works across different times of day and with drinks ranging from coffee to whiskey. He mentions warm spice at the beginning, followed by cashew and cedar. The cigar name is unclear in the transcript, so we won’t guess at it.

Tony also describes the Crux Limitada as using eight tobaccos from five regions and a proprietary wrapper. The crew compares preferences across the Crux range, including the Epicure Habano, the Connoisseur series and the Epicure Connecticut. Tony calls the Connecticut creamy and nutty, and says it pairs well with strong coffee in the morning.

When asked what he smokes outside Crux, Tony says he likes trying new cigars and prefers to sample one more than once before deciding what he thinks. He names the Padron 1964 Exclusivo in both natural and Maduro as a frequent purchase, and also mentions Plasencia and Tatuaje. For his favorite cigar ever, he points to a cigar from the Padron family’s 50th Anniversary line, recalling the Toro and its presentation humidor.

Key takeaways

• Crux’s retail background shaped how it approaches service, packaging and customer choice.
• The brand launched in 2011 and sold its first cigar in 2014.
• Crux says its rebrand improved visibility, while its blends stayed the same.
• Five-packs offer a lower-commitment way to explore cigars and use recycled paper.
• Tony’s cigar preferences include Crux, Padron, Plasencia and Tatuaje.

Cigars from this episode

• Crux cigar smoked at the start (name unclear): Tony describes warm spice followed by cashew and cedar; he calls it an everyday cigar.
• Crux Limitada: Tony says it uses eight tobaccos from five regions and has a proprietary wrapper.
• Crux Epicure Habano: The crew discusses the line and preferences for its Toro and smaller sizes.
• Crux Connoisseur series: Tony calls the Lancero rich and floral, with natural sweetness.
• Crux Epicure Connecticut: Tony describes it as creamy and nutty, and recommends it with strong coffee.
• Crux Maduro: Tony says this is the one Crux cigar made by AJ Fernandez.
• Padron 1964 Exclusivo: Tony says it is probably his most-purchased box, in both natural and Maduro.
• Padron 50th Anniversary line: Tony names a Toro from the line as his favorite cigar ever.

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