Principle Cigars Guide — Aviator, Accomplice and the Full Lineup
Posted on July 01 2026
Principle Cigars Guide — Aviator, Accomplice and the Full Lineup
Quick answer
Principle Cigars is a boutique Tennessee-based brand known for the Aviator Series and Accomplice Connecticut. Strength ranges from mild to medium-plus. The Accomplice Connecticut Robusto 5-pack is $40.40 — $8.08 per stick. An exceptional value boutique cigar with genuine complexity.
Principle Cigars was founded in Nashville, Tennessee by Will Sesselmann — a former aerospace engineer who brought the same precision and systematic thinking to cigar blending. The brand is deliberately small, independently minded, and built around the idea that a great cigar doesn’t need to cost a fortune or come from a famous factory.
Principle sources tobacco from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and the United States. The blends are made at Tabacalera William Ventura in the Dominican Republic — a well-regarded facility with strong ties to the premium boutique market. What sets Principle apart is the genuine creativity in the blends and the willingness to use tobacco from unusual origins, including US-grown leaf that most major brands overlook entirely.
The Principle lineup at a glance
| Line | Wrapper | Strength | From (per stick) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accomplice Connecticut | Connecticut Shade | Mild-Medium | $8.08 | Daytime, casual smoke |
| Aviator Series | Ecuadorian Corojo | Medium | $13.13 | Evening, complex smoke |
Principle Accomplice Connecticut — the perfect everyday mild
The Accomplice Connecticut is one of the most interesting mild-to-medium cigars available at this price point. The Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers the expected cream and toasted nut character, but the Dominican and Nicaraguan filler — along with a touch of US-grown leaf — gives the blend unexpected layers that most Connecticut shade cigars never achieve.
Expect cream, cashew, white pepper on the retrohale, and a subtle honey sweetness that comes through in the second half. Mild-to-medium in body, impeccably constructed, and genuinely enjoyable for an experienced smoker who wants something lighter without feeling like they’re compromising. The Robusto (5x50) is where to start.
Accomplice Connecticut Robusto (5x50) — 5-pack $40.40 • $8.08 per stick
Shop Accomplice Connecticut →
Principle Aviator Series — complexity at medium body
The Aviator Series is Principle’s flagship blend — more complex, more assertive, and more layered than the Accomplice. The Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper brings spice and natural sweetness, while the Dominican and Nicaraguan filler creates a profile that evolves significantly through the smoke: cedar and toasted almond in the first third, espresso and dark caramel emerging in the second, with a long, clean leather finish.
Medium in body, with excellent construction and a consistent draw across vitolas. The Envoi (5x50) is the benchmark vitola — a 45-minute smoke that showcases the blend’s full character. The Vainqueur (6.5x56) is for those who want more time with the blend.
Aviator Envoi (5x50) — 5-pack $65.65 • $13.13 per stick
Shop Aviator Series →
Which Principle cigar should you start with?
- New to premium cigars or prefer lighter smokes: The Accomplice Connecticut Robusto at $8.08 per stick is exceptional value and delivers far more complexity than its price suggests.
- Regular smoker wanting something medium-bodied: Go straight to the Aviator Series Envoi. It’s the cigar that defines the brand and will give you a clear picture of what Principle is capable of.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Principle Cigars made?
Principle Cigars are made at Tabacalera William Ventura in the Dominican Republic. The brand was founded in Nashville, Tennessee by Will Sesselmann.
Are Principle Cigars good value?
Yes. The Accomplice Connecticut at $8.08 per stick and the Aviator at $13.13 per stick both punch significantly above their price point in terms of construction quality and flavour complexity. They are among the best value boutique cigars currently available.
What strength are Principle Cigars?
The Accomplice Connecticut is mild-to-medium. The Aviator Series is medium. Neither line is heavy or overpowering — Principle’s philosophy leans toward balance and complexity rather than brute strength.
The verdict
Principle Cigars is one of the most underrated boutique brands in the premium market. The Accomplice Connecticut at $8.08 per stick is one of the best value mild-to-medium cigars available. The Aviator Series at $13.13 per stick delivers genuine medium-body complexity from a brand that deserves far more attention than it currently gets.
0 comments