Smoking Jacket by Hendrik Kelner Jr. Red Label Robusto Imperial
10 – 16 €
9 – 16 CHF
Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- light gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
At first glance, the Smoking Jacket by Hendrik Kelner Jr. Red Label Robusto Imperial catches the eye with its glossy caramel wrapper, situated between brown and gold. The texture of its Brazilian wrapper is delicate to the touch, promising a refined tasting experience. The cigar is perfectly rolled, with a presentation that, while simple, appears robust and promising.
Upon lighting, you will be greeted by peppery and full-bodied aromas, instantly reminiscent of certain iconic cigars from Don Pepin. The first olfactory contact reveals notes of walnut and chocolate, which blend harmoniously with a subtle hint of fruit. This initial palette sets the tone for a rich and captivating aromatic experience.
On the palate, the cigar evolves with notable aromatic complexity. In the first third, earthy and woody notes begin to develop, creating a pleasing balance between the spiciness of pepper and the sweetness of chocolate. Gradually, a light vanilla emerges, adding a creamy touch that makes the tasting experience thoroughly enjoyable. The progression is smooth, maintaining interest without getting lost in excessive complexity.
The finish is marked by a delightful mouthfeel. The cigar offers a medium finish, where the flavors persist pleasantly. The blend of acidity and sweetness makes it an enticing choice for those seeking a fine and balanced experience. This cigar is deemed to be of good quality, offering an interesting value for money.
Perfect for a quiet evening or shared among friends, the Smoking Jacket Robusto Imperial is ideal with a glass of smooth whisky or a light coffee, allowing you to fully enjoy its refined and spicy aromas.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its pleasant balance between the spiciness of pepper and the sweetness of chocolate. Appreciated for its solid construction and easy draw, it stands out with its varied aromas and consistent evolution throughout the smoke. Although some have noted a few inconsistencies, its quality-to-price ratio undeniably makes it attractive.
How to taste: Smoking Jacket by Hendrik Kelner Jr. Red Label Robusto Imperial
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1.The Visual Examination
The Smoking Jacket by Hendrik Kelner Jr. Red Label Robusto Imperial features a very dark Brazilian wrapper, almost black, that immediately catches the eye. Its construction is remarkable, showcasing quality craftsmanship, and its format of 127 mm (5") with a ring gauge of 52 gives it a beautiful presence in hand.
This step allows us to appreciate the importance of the quality of the construction and the coverage of the cigar — an appealing visual aspect often reflects a promising smoking experience.
2.Pre-Light Aromas
Before lighting, intense aromas of pepper and chocolate emerge, accompanied by notes of nuts. A slight hint of damp earth adds to the complexity of the aromatic preparation.
These preliminary aromas are the first indications of the flavors to come — they prepare the palate and allow anticipation of the nuances that will develop during the tasting.
3.The Cut
A standard straight cut is made just below the cap, providing optimal access to the draw. The wrapper, although dark, cuts easily without resistance, signaling good manufacturing quality.
A precise cut is essential to ensure a consistent draw — it prevents combustion issues that could arise during smoking.
4.Cold Draw
The draw is perfect, allowing for smooth and pleasant airflow. This initial experience confirms that the filler and construction are free of defects.
A smooth draw indicates that the cigar is well-constructed, which bodes well for a trouble-free tasting — it helps avoid unpleasant surprises after lighting.
5.Lighting
Lighting is done carefully to ensure an even burn. A slight toasting of the foot ensures that the cigar ignites uniformly.
Taking the time to light properly avoids canoeing, thus ensuring a pleasant smoking experience — good combustion is key to fully appreciating the aromas.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the strength is medium, and the aromas of pepper and chocolate dominate, accompanied by a satisfying volume of smoke. The richness of the flavors is immediately perceptible.
This first third is often the most revealing of the characteristics of the blend — it allows for an assessment of the strength and intensity of the aromas that foreshadow the rest of the tasting.
7.Second Third
The second half of the cigar reveals secondary aromas of cedar and vanilla, while maintaining a good balance with the previous flavors. The damp earth also becomes more pronounced.
This evolution reflects the complexity of the blend — it is a key moment where the nuances enrich, offering a deeper and more nuanced tasting experience.
8.The Finish
The ashes, a light gray color, fall elegantly, while the finish is both earthy and slightly sweet, leaving a pleasant salivation and a medium finish.
The color and retention of the ashes are indicators of the quality of the drying of the leaves — a pleasant and persistent finish reveals the richness of the blend and its ability to leave a lasting impression.