Ken Byron Ventures Sakura

This is an unusual smoke, for sure. Out of the package it smells like cherries and sweetness, but not as much as most aromatics. It is moist, but I had no problems lighting it or keeping it lit same as most KBV blends. This is also a pretty slow burning blend, which is nice and easy to keep at a low temperature. The fruit and floral qualities are very prominent right from the beginning, front and center. They stayed there throughout. But the second most notable thing is the mouth feel. This blend has what I would call a very dry smoke on the pallet. Only a couple of other blends I've ever smoked had this quality, and I believe it comes from the Burley Cavendish. This dry quality, is there right from the beginning and persists through the entire bowl. If you are not used to this, you may hate it. Heavy Virginia blends usually have a mouth feel with thick, savory smoke that is very smooth. This is a little different.
The room note is excellent, it won't burn your tongue, and it behaves wonderfully. The Virginia's combine nicely with the casing. The floral notes blend into the cherry wood perfectly, and ultimately this is a very nicely rounded out product. I suppose I could smoke this all day long, but it might lose some of its intrigue. This belongs in that special category of tobacco that smells good to everyone in the room, and offers some real enjoyment for the mature smoker.