Crossfire (website: http://crossfirecigars.com/ )
Crossfire was an almost entirely new name for me this year. I do recall hearing some scuttlebutt from Bob McDuffee about them, but had never gone to the trouble of searching them out. That was a mistake. I was talking with the guys at Table 36 Cigars (which I’ll tell you about in the next grouping) about how I share some interests with them and they said I should go speak with the folks at Crossfire because they have a really cool story.
Scott Menefee, President of Crossfire, went to the Dominican Republic in 2004 on a sports trip to serve the youth of a poor Santiago community. As time went by on subsequent trips, he became enamored with the Dominican people and culture, and felt a calling to somehow impact lives there in a real way. A friend of his shared this vision, and their combined efforts developed into what is now known as Crossfire Cigars. Their mission is “to build a cigar company that will make a hand rolled premium cigar at an affordable price. [They] will make the cigars, boxes, label and packaging in the Domincan to be sure that [they] are investing in the local economy. [They] will provide employment for local workers and create a family atmosphere where they can be proud to be a part of a company dedicated to giving back.” This appeals to me on a deep level. They partnered up with William Ventura, a well known cigar maker with deep roots in the industry. They offer five vitolas (Executivo – 5.5″X60, Churchill, Torpedo, Toro, and Robusto) with a Connecticut wrapper, Corojo binder, and habano filler blend – as well as their new Maduro and Platinum blends. I have smoked one of the original line since the show and will provide a full review in the near future after I smoke a couple more – but will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the first. When a company can produce great cigars at reasonable price while simultaneously improving the lives of a people group who so desparately need it, I’m on board. I’d love to see this company take off, and I see no reason they shouldn’t – both the cigars and the mission are oriented well.