Ken Byron Ventures Smooth Criminal
(3.00)
Notes: This is a match of GQ Chocolate & Vanilla from the UK. Americans cannot order these tobaccos from overseas where they [are sold as] 'blend your own kits." This version is remastered to use Syrian Latakia since I think it works better with in this blend.
This is composed of heavily of stoved Virginia, Syrian Latakia, and a mixture of African Virginias & burleys. It is your typical Scotch, Lakeland, English mixture, and isn’t a chocolate/vanilla aromatic. The original name was more figurative than descriptive.
Details
| Brand | Ken Byron Ventures |
| Blended By | Ken Byron |
| Manufactured By | Ken Byron Ventures |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Burley, Latakia, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor, Other / Misc, Vanilla |
| Cut | Shag |
| Packaging | 2 ounce pouch |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium to Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Very Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2019 | Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
The smoky, woody, earthy, musty, wine-like Syrian Latakia is the lead component though it never dominates. Occasionally, it ventures toward being a team player. The fermented, sugary, stewed tangy dark fruity, earthy, woody, bready stoved Virginia plays a strong support role. The various African Virginias and burleys (Malawi is one of them) offer a lot of earth, nuts, bread and wood, some tangy dark fruit with a little tart and tangy citrus and cocoa, along with strong floral, vegetative, herbal notes. These Virginias and burleys are right on the heels of the stoved Virginia in terms of effect and at times, surpasses it a little. They pack some punch due to their strong floral aspects. The African varietals (and only them) have a light vanilla topping. In regard to toppings, I sense a very light chocolate. They mildly sublimate and help smooth out the varietals. The strength is a step over the medium threshold, while the taste is a couple of rungs higher. The nic-hit is close to the medium mark. No chance of bite or harshness, and barely has any hints of rough edges. Burns cool, clean, and a tad fast with a complex, fairly consistent, rich, mildly sweet and moderately floral, savory flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering after taste, and room note. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires few relights. Not an all day smoke, but those experienced in stronger blends will find it easily repeatable.
-JimInks
-JimInks
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