QUESTION 1

What made you want tostart your own cigar brand?

After many years of enjoying cigars and running Cigar Kingdom in Hong Kong, I recognized a unique opportunity to share my passion in a more personal
and meaningful way. Throughout my experience, I noticed a significant gap in the market for high-quality cigars that cater specifically to the Asian palate.
There are very few Asian cigar brands, in fact I believe we are the first Hong Kong Cigar brand and I wanted to fill that void by creating something that resonates
with local tastes and preferences.

QUESTION 2

From your experience running cigar shops in Hong Kong for over a decade, what flavor profiles orcharacteristics do you believe resonate most with the Asian palate?

Based on my experience or observations even, several key flavor profiles really resonate with the Asian palate.  Many asian smokers tend to prefer milder cigars that offer a smooth and approachable smoking experience. We often appreciate a hint of sweetness, and notes like vanilla or honey.

There's also a strong interest in complex flavors that evolve throughout the smoking experience, with earthy and nutty notes being particularly popular. Given the fast-paced lifestyle in many cities, shorter cigars are also highly favored . Overall, quality is paramount, and consumers are willing to invest in premium cigars
that deliver a refined experience.

QUESTION 3

What are the main differences you’ve noticed between Cuban and Non-Cuban cigars in the Asianmarket?

The Asian cigar market is evolving, with both Cuban and non-Cuban cigars finding their place. While Cuban cigars maintain their status as a luxury item, non-Cuban cigars are gaining traction due to their diversity, quality, and innovation. As more consumers explore the world of cigars, non-Cuban options are likely to continue growing in popularity, especially around the younger generation.

QUESTION 4

How do you choose andcreate blends to give your cigars a unique edge?

I work closely with professionals and cigar experts from around the world to create these blends. While I am a die-hard cigar enthusiast with over 30 years of experience, I I am hardly an expert in the art of cigar making. Collaborating with seasoned blenders and tobacco growers allows me to leverage their expertise and insights, ensuring that our cigars meet the highest standards of quality and flavor.

With my experience and observations, we focus on creating blends that cater specifically to the Asian palate. This means crafting cigars that are smooth and approachable, with flavor profiles that include subtle sweetness and earthy tones. Our goal is to provide a unique smoking experience that resonates with local tastes, making quality cigars accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

QUESTION 5

How do you see “CigarKingdom” in five years?

I hope Cigar Kingdom will be a brand that represents pride for Asia in the cigar world, bridging the gap between traditional cigar culture and the modern preferences of smokers today. We aim
to create blends that resonate deeply with local consumers while still appealing to a global audience.

We are also actively working on distribution. Our goal is to ensure that every smoker can find something they enjoy within our product range. By collaborating with reputable distributors and retailers across the region, we aim to make our cigars easily accessible to cigars enthusiasts everywhere.