Henk Kelner's Davidoff Production Line - From Seeds To Cigars

[Nino]

Not sure if this documentary has been posted here, I just found it and it impressed me for 95 minutes by its quality and educational value.

While I've met Dr Schneider of Davidoff at the 5th Ave Manhattan Davidoff location once, I've never met Henk Kelner but have only heard the most positive comments about him and his passion and quality obsessed work in the DR. Hope to shake his hands one day.

Watching his son Klaas in this documentary is really impressive, I very much enjoyed it and actually learned a lot too..

The differences I noticed to the Cuban planters and factories are stunning as well.

Details that impressed me : The number of cigars rolled by a roller at Davidoff - amazing 500 per roller/day while the max in Cuba would be 100-120.
The quality steps. There's nothing even nearly comparable in Cuba.
The quiet, order, cleanliness and discipline - It was like comparing a Mercedes Benz factory to a Flamenco music/shouting festival.

I am, have been and will be a Habanos smoker, but Davidoff and Henk and Klaas Kelner have my utmost respect and admiration.

 

[Cigar Surgeon]

I had the opportunity to go down to the DR and visit Davidoff's facilities a couple years ago as well as do a video interview with Henke. Henke is a fountain of knowledge and you're absolutely right that the QA at the factory is of a level I haven't observed in other factories. 

Edit:

Here's our 48 minute interview with Henke and Klaas. I apologize for the video stability issues, I skipped my monopod to keep my travel weight down for the DR. Bad decision on my part.

 

[ReturnFreeRisk]

I recall there being a lot of knowledge packed in that Seed to Smoke video- time flew by. And it was impressive that Davidoff workers/farmers appear to be very well taken care of..


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BrightonCorgi]

I am fan of Davidoff cigars, yet only have 1 or 2 sticks in the cabinet 😔.  Love to smoke them; never buy them.

[Nino]

2 hours ago, ReturnFreeRisk said:

I recall there being a lot of knowledge packed in that Seed to Smoke video- time flew by. And it was impressive that Davidoff workers/farmers appear to be very well taken care of..
 

Correct on both counts sir.

From what I can tell much better than Cuba.

 

Here is a vintage video of Zino and his career - only 15 mins, keeps repeating itself after that :

 

 

[Mrcpt]

4 hours ago, Nino said:

The number of cigars rolled by a roller at Davidoff - amazing 500 per roller/day while the max in Cuba would be 100-120.

I’ve always thought that was because Cuba doesn’t use Lieberman machines and has a single buncher/roller. 

[MrBirdman]

2 hours ago, Mrcpt said:

I’ve always thought that was because Cuba doesn’t use Lieberman machines and has a single buncher/roller. 

They must have something to do with it, because I hadn't realized they used them at Davidoff until watching this. Even when a Davidoff is as hard as a broomstick it draws near perfectly. 

[Edicion]

Many thanks for sharing @Nino I have been looking for more information just like this.

I have never been a fan of NC except for Davidoff which I find to be really amazing cigars, Cuban or NC. They are certainly high-end to me, premium priced to the point of being more of a special occasion cigar for my taste and wallet. 

The last Davidoff I had was at Madison Avenue (I think) in their sampling lounge - perfect afternoon.