Aficionado for a lifetime
The story of the HENK MAORI cigars
The founder of HENK, Heiko Poerz, has been an aficionado for over 50 years and active in the cigar business since 2001. Driven by his passion and extensive industry knowledge, he set out to create what he calls the perfect cigar. His experience and expertise led him to Nicaragua, the ultimate choice for realizing this vision.
To bring it to life, he teamed up with two of the industry‘s leading figures: Didier Houvenaghel and AJ Fernandez. Didier studied tobacco cultivation in Cuba and is renowned for successful brands such as Nicarao, La Ley and Furia. AJ, widely regarded as one of the world‘s finest cigar blenders, is known for brands including San Lotano, New World and Enclave, as well as numerous boutique blends. He also oversees the production of Didier Houvenaghel‘s cigars.
The first HENK cigar was a Gran Robusto with a 55 ring gauge. It delivers delicate nutty aromas, spicy herbs and subtle sweetness, complemented by an exceptionally creamy smoke. Notes of roasted nuts, leather and caramel follow, while its flawless construction ensures a perfect ash.
Didier Houvenaghel rated the cigar a 7 on a strength scale of 1 to 10, making it a cigar best enjoyed during relaxed evening hours, when there is time to fully appreciate such a masterpiece.
The name
The name, together with the logo laser engraved on every cigar, originates from an evening on Nikoi Island, two hours from Singapore. While smoking some of the final puros, Heiko, Didier and a friend searched for the perfect name. In the warm glow of the sunset, their friend‘s bronze skin tone, reflecting his Maori heritage from New Zealand, reminded them of the shimmering cigar wrapper. The three aficionados agreed that HENK MAORI was the ideal name for this exceptional cigar line and the first one will be named HAKA.
Inspired by his friend‘s iconic tattoos and the stories behind them, as well as the traditional Maori ceremonial dance, the Haka, famous from rugby matches, the name felt like a perfect fit. As one of the first to laser engrave cigars in Europe, Heiko commissioned a renowned Maori tattoo artist to create a symbol representing happiness, success and strength. Today, this logo is featured on every cigar and every distinctive HENK box.
.
The future
In 2018, HENK introduced two additional formats: La Doña and Masterpiece. In 2020, three more vitolas followed: Gaudini, Willy and Gaudi. In 2024, HENK reintroduced the HAKA and launched the StraightShooter.
And there are more to come …