Klaas Kelner at the Light ‘em Up Lounge
Klaas Kelner, CEO and founder of Kelner Tabak, brings a lifetime of experience in premium cigar craftsmanship to his own company. As the son of legendary master blender Henke Kelner, he grew up surrounded by tobacco fields, curing barns, and factory floors. After years of representing one of the world’s most prestigious cigar brands, Kelner struck out on his own to build a company that reflects his personal vision for quality, innovation, and heritage. Today, Kelner Tabak stands as both a continuation of his family’s tradition and a fresh chapter driven by Klaas’s passion for blending, education, and connecting with cigar lovers worldwide.
How did you get started in the cigar industry?
I was born into it. My earliest memories are of walking through the fields, smelling fresh tobacco leaves, and spending time in the factory with my father. Cigars were never just a business—they were our life. By the time I formally entered the industry, I had already absorbed years of knowledge just by being around it. Still, I made sure to work in every part of the process so I could understand it fully, from the soil to the finished product.
How did your father influence your approach to cigars?
My father taught me that blending is both an art and a science. He showed me the patience it takes to bring a cigar from idea to reality, and the respect we owe to everyone who touches it along the way. From him, I also learned that cigars are about hospitality—about creating moments for people, not just making a product.
What led you to start Kelner Tabak?
After many years in the industry, I wanted to take the knowledge, relationships, and experiences I had gathered and create something of my own. Kelner Tabak is the expression of my vision—combining tradition with the freedom to experiment, and producing cigars that reflect both my heritage and my personal taste.
How is running your own company different from representing another brand?
The biggest difference is ownership of the vision. Every decision, from sourcing tobacco to designing the bands, is mine to make—and mine to take responsibility for. It’s challenging, but also incredibly rewarding to see something through from start to finish knowing it’s truly yours.
What defines a Kelner Tabak cigar?
Balance, precision, and personality. I want each cigar to have its own character, but still carry a certain elegance and consistency that people can recognize. The goal is to create something that seasoned smokers will appreciate but that’s still approachable for those newer to premium cigars.
How do you balance tradition and innovation in your blends?
Tradition is the base—it’s the accumulated wisdom of generations. But I believe innovation keeps the craft alive. With Kelner Tabak, I explore different origins, formats, and combinations, always with the aim of enhancing the smoking experience without losing the essence of what makes a great cigar.
What trends do you see shaping the cigar market?
More people are seeking transparency—they want to know where the tobacco comes from, how it’s processed, and the story behind the brand. There’s also a growing appetite for smaller-batch, boutique products that feel personal and rare. That’s where I think Kelner Tabak can shine.
What does luxury mean to you in the cigar world?
Luxury is about care, authenticity, and the experience you create for the smoker. It’s not about flashy packaging or high price tags—it’s about crafting something so well that it delivers a memorable, meaningful moment every time.
What do you enjoy most about this new chapter?
The freedom to follow my instincts. I get to work closely with tobacco, experiment with ideas, and connect with people who appreciate the craft. It’s a chance to build something that’s both rooted in my family history and uniquely mine.
What’s next for Kelner Tabak?
We’re focusing on growing thoughtfully, not quickly—expanding our portfolio, strengthening relationships with retailers and consumers, and continuing to tell our story. My goal is to build a brand that lasts, the way my father and grandfather built theirs.
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It was with great pleasure and honor that we welcomed Klaas Kelner on the show as our special guest.
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Discover Premium Cigars
The values discussed—balance, tradition, and intention—are reflected in the collection available at Light ’em Up Humidor. For those seeking more than just a smoke, this is where craftsmanship lives.
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Light em up,
Reinhard
Sensory expert, cigar passionado, and host of the Light ‘em Up Lounge
