Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1543154
38 tobaccoasia Issue 1, 2026 January / February Initially only sold locally, Mosi‑oa‑Tunya now reaches China, Vietnam, Dubai, South Africa, the UK, US, and neigh‑ boring African countries, mostly via enthusiastic visitors taking home the duty‑free allowances their countries permit. Factory upgrades, including humidity‑controlled storage and draw test‑ ing machines, attest to the venture's commitment to quality and professionalism. While Mafundikwa acknowledged that scaling production while maintaining quality was demanding, his fu‑ ture plans nevertheless include expanding the roller team and launching an out‑grower scheme. More at: mosioatunyacigars.com Principle Cigars Curiosity, Craft, and Global Reach Principle Cigars was founded in 2013 by Darren Cioffi in Brent‑ wood, Tennessee, and quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive boutique houses in the premium segment. With production based in the Dominican Republic, the company draws on rare tobaccos sourced from multiple countries to cre‑ ate blends that are deliberately expressive and non‑linear. Principle Cigars' flagship Aviator Series exemplifies this philosophy: each vitola is blended independently, with small runs of only around 5,000 cigars per format, ensuring that every release is both unique and refined. Rather than enforcing rigid consis‑ tency, Principle embraces slight variations when they enhance the intended profile, resulting in cigars that evolve throughout the smoke and tell a layered story. The Aviator line includes formats such as Envoi, Cochon Volant, Vainqueur, and Grande Pyramide, alongside commemorative editions like Espoir. Stylistically, Avia‑ tors are medium‑bodied but complex, often featuring Ecuadorian Corojo wrappers and Dominican Monte Plata binders. Beyond Aviator, Principle Cigars has built a portfolio de‑ fined by bold concepts and striking design language. Releases such as Boy Band—where five master blenders interpreted a shared theme—and the Archive Collection, which pairs cigars with authentic historical artifacts, highlight the brand's commit‑ ment to originality and storytelling. While active in the US, Principle Cigars' growth has large‑ ly been international, with Germany, Poland, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines among its key markets. The company has also streamlined logistics through centralized Dominican opera‑ tions, easing the bureaucratic challenges of global distribution. Awards such as Best Boutique Brand – Dominican Repub‑ lic at the 2023 Cigar Trophy underscore its credibility. Looking ahead, Principle is preparing a full refresh of the Aviator Series in 2026, alongside new Archive Collection releases, reinforcing its reputation as a brand that thrives on curiosity, craftsmanship, and global resonance. More at: principlecigars.com A medium-flavored Mosi-oa-Tunya torpedo with Sumatra wrapper from the Dominican Republic. Credit: Mosi-oa-Tunya Cigars Principle Cigars founder and c.e.o., Darren Cioffi. Credit: Principle Cigars Principle Cigars' flagship, the Aviator Series, was launched on the occasion of the company's 10th anniversary. Credit: Principle Cigars