For those that don’t know, Smoking Jacket is the brand owned by Hendrik Kelner Jr. He is the son of famous master blender Hendrik “Henke” Kelner. The cigar is an homage to his father and the family involvement continues in the blend as well. Monika Kelner, Henke’s daughter, grows the wrapper, used in this cigar, in Cotui.
To clarify the difference in the name of the cigar, Henkie is the traditional Dutch way of spelling the nick name.
• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Size: 51 x 152 mm (6″)
• Wrapper: Dominican Republic
• Binder: Dominican Republic
• Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
• Price: €11
The Colorado shaded wrapper has somewhat of a little tooth to it and appears sort of matte. Construction is flawless.
Smoking Jacket Henkie: the cold draw brings notes of barnyard to the palate. Once lit, it opens up with hay and herbs.
Continuing into the first third, cedar and earth appear, supported by white pepper. The smoke is kind of dry in the beginning. Strength is medium (3/5).
The second third sees the herbs returning to the flavor profile, while the earth dissipates. White pepper and cedar wood are still present. The smoke has become surprisingly creamy. Strength stays on the medium level (3/5).
There isn’t much going on in the last third. Some flavors, like the cedar, have dissappeard completely. Strength is constant(3/5).
Overall, the Smoking Jacket Henkie is an elegant and balanced smoke. The flavor profile is straight forward and intense at the same time. The last third, however, doesn’t hold up to the first two and results lacking in flavors.
Rating: 89