Ken Byron Ventures Sakura

The deeply matured red Virginia provides a burst of fermented tangy dark fruit, some tart citrus, earth, wood, bread, floralness, mild grass, light sugar, spice, vegetation, and a few vinegar/barbecue notes. It takes a small lead. The aspects of the fermented stoved Virginia are sugary stewed dark fruit, earth, wood,floralness and sugar, while the stoved black cavendish burley adds a nutty, earthy, woody, sugariness. They compete with the red Virginia for attention. The dry, sour, incense-like Turkish varietals offer a lot of earth, wood, herbs, floralness, spice, vegetation, rugged sharpness, and a hint of sweetness. They are almost supporting players. The obvious floral, flowery essences along with the light cherry and prune toppings considerably sublimate the tobaccos. The strength and nic-hit are a step past the medium mark. The taste level is just shy of the center of medium to strong. There’s no chance of bite or harshness, but there are a few minute rough edges. It’s mildly moist, but doesn’t need an dry time. It’s deeply rich, and well balanced with a lot of complexity. It burns cool, clean and a tad slow with a very consistent tart and tangy sweet, sour and floral, flowery, mildly spicy, savory, punchy flavor that translates to the distinctly pleasant, long lasting after taste and room note. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires some relights. Not an all day smoke, but the veteran aromatic/Lakeland smoker may find it nearly is for them. It’s repeatable for the less experienced.

-JimInks